Why a Custom Mouthguard Makes a Difference
Store-bought mouthguards might seem convenient, but they rarely fit well. They slip during play, make it hard to breathe or talk, and often end up stuffed in a gym bag instead of protecting your teeth. A custom-fitted mouthguard changes everything.
At Chesheim Dental Associates, we use digital impressions to create a mouthguard shaped exactly to your teeth and bite. The result is a piece of equipment that stays in place, feels comfortable for the entire game, and actually gets worn because it does not interfere with your performance. Athletes tell us they forget they are even wearing it, which is exactly what you want from protective gear.
Custom mouthguards also provide better protection. They cushion your teeth, jaw, and soft tissues during impact, reducing the risk of chipped or knocked-out teeth, jaw injuries, and cuts to your lips or tongue. When the fit is right, the protection is right.
Who Needs Sports Mouthguards?
Any athlete in a contact or collision sport should wear a mouthguard. That includes obvious choices like football, hockey, and boxing, but it also covers sports where accidents happen more than you would think:
- Basketball and soccer, where elbows and heads collide
- Baseball and softball, where fast pitches and hard hits create risk
- Skateboarding, biking, and rollerblading, where falls are part of the learning curve
- Martial arts and wrestling, where contact is constant
- Lacrosse, field hockey, and volleyball, where equipment and bodies move fast
Even recreational leagues and weekend games can lead to serious dental injuries. Our doctors and our team have seen too many preventable accidents over the years. A custom mouthguard is simple protection that works.
How We Create Your Custom Mouthguard
Getting fitted for a sports mouthguard is quick and straightforward. We start with a digital impression of your teeth, which is far more comfortable than traditional impression trays. No gagging, no weird taste, just a quick scan that captures every detail we need.
Using that digital model, we design a mouthguard that fits your bite perfectly. We consider your sport, your age, and whether you wear braces or other dental work. For contact sports like football or hockey, we make the guard slightly thicker for maximum impact protection. For sports like basketball, we balance protection with breathability so you can communicate with your team.
Our in-house 3D printer lets us create your mouthguard efficiently. Once your mouthguard is ready, we check the fit to make sure it is snug but comfortable, with smooth edges and proper coverage.
Sports Mouthguards for Children and Teens
Young athletes face unique challenges when it comes to mouthguards. Their mouths are still growing, which means a mouthguard that fits perfectly today might need adjustment in six months. That is normal, and we make it easy to update their gear as they grow.
Children are also more likely to lose or damage their mouthguards, so we keep the replacement process simple.
Getting children to actually wear their mouthguards can be a challenge, but a custom fit makes a huge difference. When the mouthguard is comfortable and does not make them gag or mumble, they are far more likely to keep it in during practice and games.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
A clean, well-maintained mouthguard lasts longer and stays fresh. Here is how to keep yours in good shape:
- Rinse it with cool water before and after every use
- Brush it gently with a toothbrush and mild soap once a week
- Store it in a ventilated case to prevent bacteria buildup
- Keep it away from heat, hot water, and direct sunlight, which can warp the material
- Bring it to your regular dental checkups so we can inspect the fit
Replace your mouthguard if you notice cracks, tears, or a loose fit. Even with good care, mouthguards wear out over time, especially with heavy use.
What Makes Chesheim Dental Associates Different
We focus on creating mouthguards that athletes actually want to wear. That means precision fit, durable materials, and a process that respects your time. Our digital technology makes appointments faster and more comfortable, and our team knows how to work with nervous children and busy schedules.
We also understand the urgency that comes with sports schedules. Parents appreciate that we make the process easy, and athletes appreciate that the final product works.
Get Fitted Before the Season Starts
Do not wait until after an injury to think about protection. Sports mouthguards from Chesheim Dental Associates give you peace of mind every time you play. Getting the right mouthguard now means you can focus on your game, not worrying about your teeth. Let us get you protected and back on the field where you belong. Contact us today!