At Flax Dental, Dr. Hugh Flax focuses on keeping your smile healthy for the long term. Our custom mouthguards provide excellent protection and comfort for your teeth. Whether you’re an athlete getting ready for a game or someone who has teeth grinding, we’re here to help you protect your teeth so you can keep shining on the field and in the arena. Flax Dental also offers general dental services to patients in Sandy Springs, Atlanta.
Custom Mouthguards in Atlanta, GA
We create custom mouthguards that fit the exact shape of your mouth. Unlike store-bought options that can be bulky and uncomfortable, our custom mouthguards are made using precise scans of your teeth. This ensures a snug, comfortable fit that helps protect your smile for as long as possible.
Protection for Athletes
Protecting your teeth during sports is crucial for athletes at all levels. Whether you’re playing high-contact sports like football or enjoying activities like basketball or martial arts, a custom mouthguard can make a big difference.
Our custom sports mouthguards are made to absorb and spread out the force of impact, helping to prevent broken teeth, jaw injuries, and damage to soft tissues. With a custom mouthguard, you can focus on your game without worrying about your smile.
Benefits of Custom Mouthguards for Sports
- Customized Fit: We make each mouthguard to fit your teeth perfectly. The mouthguard will stay secure and comfortable during intense activity.
- Enhanced Comfort: Unlike bulky store-bought options, our custom mouthguards fit well, allowing you to breathe and speak easily while playing.
- Improved Performance: A good-fitting mouthguard can boost your confidence. You can perform better with peace of mind on the field or court.
- Prevention of Dental Injuries: A custom mouthguard protects against chipped or broken teeth and injuries to your lips, cheeks, and tongue.
Protecting Against Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that affects many people, often during sleep. Over time, untreated bruxism can lead to worn-down enamel, cracked teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and other oral health issues.
Our custom nightguards address bruxism by providing a cushioning barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Wearing a night guard while you sleep can protect your teeth from the harmful effects of grinding and clenching.
Benefits of Custom Nightguards for Bruxism
Prevention of Tooth Wear: Nightguards help prevent the enamel on your teeth from wearing down due to grinding and clenching. As a result, it preserves the structure and integrity of your teeth and mouth.
Reduction of Jaw Pain: By providing a cushioning barrier, nightguards alleviate the pressure on your jaw joints. They will reduce pain and discomfort associated with bruxism.
Prevent Frequent Headaches: Many with bruxism experience headaches due to the tension in their jaw muscles. TMJ nightguards help relax these muscles. This should lead to fewer headaches and improve the quality of your sleep.
Protective Investment: Investing in a custom nightguard now can save you from costly and extensive dental treatments. You can avoid needing crowns, bridges, and implants to repair damaged teeth.
Sports Mouthguards Vs. Teeth Grinding Mouthguards
Mouthguards help protect teeth, whether you’re involved in sports or need to prevent teeth grinding. However, the type of mouthguard you use can vary depending on your needs. Sports mouthguards and teeth grinding mouthguards serve different purposes, but both help protect your teeth and maintain oral health.
Sports Mouthguards
Sports mouthguards protect your teeth, gums, and jaw during physical activity. Athletes, especially those playing contact sports like football, basketball, or hockey, are at a high risk of dental injuries. A sports mouthguard cushions the impact of a blow to the face or jaw, reducing the risk of broken teeth, gum injuries, or jaw fractures.
Sports mouthguards are typically made of durable yet flexible materials like rubber or silicone. They are designed to cover the upper teeth but can also protect the lower teeth, depending on the sport and the athlete’s needs. The main goal is to absorb the shock from impact, spreading the force over a wider area to reduce the likelihood of injury.
Three main types of sports mouthguards include:
- Stock mouthguards: These are pre-made and ready to wear but may not offer the best fit.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards: These can be softened in hot water and then molded to fit your teeth more comfortably.
- Custom-made mouthguards: These are created by a dentist specifically for your mouth, offering the best fit and protection.
Athletes of all ages, including children and adults, should wear sports mouthguards with a risk of injury during any physical activity. Many dentists recommend custom-made mouthguards for the best protection, as they provide a more secure and comfortable fit.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Mouthguards
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is when you clench or grind your teeth, often during sleep. Over time, this can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and even cracked teeth. A TMJ mouthguard, also known as a nightguard, is designed to prevent this damage by providing a barrier between the upper and lower teeth.
Mouthguards are usually made from a harder material than sports mouthguards because they need to withstand the pressure from grinding. These mouthguards help cushion the teeth and absorb the force from grinding or clenching, protecting the enamel and reducing the risk of damage.
Like sports mouthguards, the different types of mouthguards include:
- Over-the-counter mouthguards: These are pre-made and available at drugstores. While they offer some protection, they may not fit well or provide the best comfort.
- Custom-made nightguards: These are crafted by a dentist to fit your teeth perfectly, offering maximum comfort and protection against grinding.
Teeth grinding is often related to stress, anxiety, or sleep disorders, so you want to speak with a dentist if you suspect you have bruxism. A custom-made nightguard can prevent long-term damage and help relieve discomfort caused by grinding.
Key Differences
While both types of mouthguards offer protection, they serve different purposes. Sports mouthguards protect against sudden impacts during physical activity, while TMJ mouthguards are designed to prevent long-term wear and damage from nighttime grinding. Sports mouthguards are bulkier to absorb impact while nightguards are thinner but can withstand constant pressure.
Why Custom Mouthguards Matter
Custom mouthguards are better than store-bought options for many reasons, especially when it comes to fit, comfort, and protection. While store-bought mouthguards are cheaper and easy to find, they can’t compete with the level of care and precision that custom mouthguards provide. Whether you need a mouthguard for sports or to prevent teeth grinding, a custom mouthguard offers several clear advantages.
Perfect Fit
One of the biggest benefits of custom mouthguards is the fit. Custom mouthguards are made specifically for your mouth, using a mold of your teeth. This means they fit snugly and securely without being too tight or loose.
Store-bought mouthguards are made in a one-size-fits-all style, which often leads to an uncomfortable fit. They might feel bulky, shift around in your mouth, or even fall out during use. A custom mouthguard stays in place to give you more confidence and better protection.
Better Comfort
Because they fit so well, custom mouthguards are much more comfortable to wear. They are designed to mold exactly to the shape of your teeth and gums so they don’t feel bulky or awkward in your mouth. With a custom mouthguard, you can talk, breathe, and drink more easily.
Store-bought mouthguards, especially stock models, are often too big or small for your mouth, which can cause irritation or make it difficult to talk. Many people find that they don’t wear their store-bought mouthguards because they are uncomfortable, which defeats their purpose.
Superior Protection
Custom mouthguards provide superior protection compared to store-bought options. Since they are custom-made for your teeth, they distribute pressure evenly across your mouth when you experience an impact. This helps to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw from injury.
A custom mouthguard helps cushion your teeth and minimize damage. Store-bought mouthguards, especially boil-and-bite models, may not offer the same level of protection because they don’t fit as securely.
Durability
Another advantage of custom mouthguards is that they are more durable. Store-bought mouthguards wear out quickly, especially if you grind your teeth or play sports regularly.
Custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials designed to withstand heavy use. They can last much longer than store-bought options, which makes them a better investment in the long run. Even though custom mouthguards are more expensive up front, their strength means you won’t need to replace them as often.
Tailored for Specific Needs
Custom mouthguards can be designed for specific needs, whether for sports or teeth grinding. If you grind your teeth at night, a dentist can create a thick and durable mouthguard to handle the pressure.
If you’re an athlete, your custom mouthguard will be designed to provide maximum protection while allowing you to perform at your best. Store-bought mouthguards can’t offer this level of customization and may not work well for people with special needs.
Why Choose Flax Dental for Custom Mouthguards?
Trust Dr. Hugh Flax and our Sandy Springs dental team for your oral health and protection. We make custom mouthguards with great care to ensure they are comfortable and effective. Whether you need protection for sports or relief from teeth grinding, we have the right solution for you.
Don’t wait for an injury or teeth grinding to affect your smile. Request an appointment with Flax Dental to talk about custom mouthguards. You can also call 470-635-3604.
Our team will work with you to create a solution that fits your lifestyle. We want you to enjoy the activities you love with confidence and peace of mind.