Whether you’re an athlete or have a child who plays sports, wearing a mouthguard is crucial to protecting teeth and preventing dental injuries that require costly, extensive, and uncomfortable treatment. At Brightworks Dentistry in Dunwoody, our caring team provides top-notch sports mouthguard fitting services to ensure your teeth remain protected during all athletic pursuits.
Dr. Patrice Robbins, Dr. Preston Shurley, and our experienced team at Brightworks Dentistry understand the importance of proper dental protection for athletes of all ages. We specialize in creating custom-fitted sports mouthguards that provide superior protection while ensuring maximum comfort during play, meeting your unique needs no matter the sport.
The Importance of Sports Mouthguards
Sports-related dental injuries are remarkably common and often preventable. When you participate in contact sports like football, basketball, hockey, wrestling, or boxing without proper mouth protection, you significantly increase your risk of experiencing tooth fractures, dislocations, or even complete tooth loss. Even non-contact sports can pose risks during accidental falls or collisions with equipment or other players.
Custom sports mouthguards offer substantial advantages over store-bought alternatives. These professionally designed guards are created from superior materials that provide enhanced protection while maintaining comfort during play. Beyond protecting your teeth, properly fitted mouthguards may also help reduce the risk of concussion by absorbing shock and stabilizing the jaw during impact.
Custom-Fitted vs. Store-Bought Options
When comparing professional sports mouthguards to over-the-counter options, the differences become immediately apparent. Store-bought “boil-and-bite” mouthguards offer some protection but typically provide less coverage, poorer fit, and reduced comfort compared to custom options. These one-size-fits-all solutions often feel bulky in the mouth, making it difficult to breathe, speak, or stay properly hydrated during competition.
Custom sports mouthguards from our Dunwoody dental office are created using a precise digital impression of your teeth, ensuring a perfect fit that stays securely in place during vigorous activity. The superior fit allows for normal breathing and speaking patterns, encouraging athletes to maintain protection throughout practices and games. Additionally, custom mouthguards can be designed with varying thickness options based on your specific sport and level of contact, providing optimal protection where you need it most.
Special Considerations for Young Athletes
Youth sports participation continues to grow in Dunwoody, making proper dental protection increasingly important for developing smiles. Young athletes are particularly vulnerable to dental injuries as their permanent teeth continue to develop and emerge. A properly fitted youth sports mouthguard can prevent traumatic injuries that might otherwise affect dental development for years to come.
For teen athletes with braces, specialized sports mouthguards can accommodate orthodontic appliances while still providing essential protection. These custom guards create space for braces and tooth movement while protecting both the orthodontic work and the mouth’s soft tissues from potential lacerations during impact. Our Dunwoody dental professionals understand the unique needs of orthodontic patients and can create appropriate protection that works in harmony with ongoing treatment.
The Custom Mouthguard Process at Brightworks Dentistry
Creating your custom sports mouthguard begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your dental structure and a discussion of your athletic needs. Dr. Robbins or Dr. Shurley will examine your teeth, consider your specific sport, and recommend the most appropriate mouthguard design for optimal protection. Our advanced Itero scanner takes digital impressions of your teeth without the discomfort and mess of traditional impression materials.
This digital impression captures the exact contours of your teeth and gums, allowing for the creation of a perfectly fitted mouthguard. Our pressure-laminated or vacuum-formed custom guards provide multi-layer protection with a precise fit for maximum comfort and safety. Many custom mouthguards can be completed quickly, with same-day sports mouthguard service available for many Dunwoody patients who need protection immediately.
Customization Options for Athletes
At Brightworks Dentistry, we understand personal preference plays a role in athletic equipment comfort and use, so we offer various customization options for your sports mouthguard. Choose from clear custom mouthguards for a more discreet appearance or colored mouthguards that match team colors or personal preference. All our mouthguards are crafted from high-quality, BPA-free materials that meet ADA approval standards for safety.
The breathable design of our custom mouthguards enhances comfort during play while maintaining structural integrity for protection. For athletes in sports with varying impact levels, we can create guards with strategic thickness variations, reinforcing areas most vulnerable to impact while minimizing bulk in areas where flexibility and comfort are priorities. This thoughtful design encourages consistent use, the most important factor in preventing sports-related dental injuries.
Proper Care and Maintenance
To maximize the lifespan and effectiveness of your sports mouthguard, proper maintenance is essential. Our team provides comprehensive instructions on cleaning and storage to prevent bacterial growth and material degradation. Regular cleaning with cool water and mild soap helps maintain hygiene, while proper drying and storage in a ventilated case prevents distortion and contamination.
We recommend bringing your mouthguard to regular dental checkups so we can assess its condition and fit. Athletic mouthguards should be replaced regularly, especially for growing athletes whose mouth structure continues to change. Signs indicating the need for replacement include visible wear, tears, distortion, or difficulty maintaining the guard in its proper position during use. With proper care, your custom sports mouthguard represents a valuable investment in dental health protection.
Schedule Your Sports Mouthguard Fitting Today
Protect your smile during athletic activities with a custom-fitted sports mouthguard from Brightworks Dentistry. Our Dunwoody dental office provides personalized protection designed specifically for your unique dental structure and sporting needs. From casual recreational athletes to serious competitors, everyone deserves the superior protection, comfort, and performance that comes with professionally designed athletic mouth protection.
Don’t risk your dental health with inadequate protection. Contact Brightworks Dentistry today at (770) 458-3600 or fill out our contact form to schedule your sports mouthguard consultation and fitting. With our high-quality services and commitment to your oral health, you can have peace of mind that your smile is safe during gameplay.
