Mouthguard Specialist
Mouthguards can protect the teeth from trauma and damage of all types during sports. Dr. Oanh Le, D.D.S. offers patients in San Mateo, CA customized Mouthguards that fit perfectly.
Mouthguards Q & A
What Are Custom Mouthguards Used For?
Custom mouthguards are most often ordered for people who participate in some type of contact sports. Both children and adults need to protect their teeth while playing sports. For example, football, basketball, soccer, karate, and boxing participants all need to wear mouthguards, and they are often required as safety equipment. Another reason that people use mouthguards today is teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism. Because most people grind their teeth as they sleep, mouthguards used for bruxism are typically worn all night.
How Are Mouthguards Made?
Dr. Le will create a mold of the patient's mouth so that a custom mouthguard can be created based on the exact dimensions of the mouth. The mouthguard exterior is normally made from acrylic or an acrylic hybrid material. These materials are highly durable yet are sufficiently flexible to be comfortable while in the mouth. The inner part of the mouthguard, which is directly in contact with the teeth, is soft and cushioned. Mouthguards are made from high-quality materials that are designed to last.
What About One Size Fits All Mouthguards?
One size fits all mouthguards are not the best choice because they simply don't fit nearly as well as a custom mouthguard will. Pre-fabricated mouthguards will rarely conform to the teeth correctly and will not provide enough cushion. Due to improper fit, the one size fits all type of mouthguard provides very little in the way of actual protection during sports. People who wear pre-fabricated mouthguards overnight for bruxism will often find that these mouthguards are very easily dislodged and are thus unable to fully prevent teeth grinding. The dentist can create a custom mouthguard that will not shift at all, which provides a level of protection that the one size fits all mouthguards can't match.