Custom Mouthguards

Custom Mouthguards in Farmington Hills, MI – Protect Your Teeth During Sports and Sleep

At Smile at Life Dentistry, we offer custom mouthguards to protect your teeth from damage caused by sports or teeth grinding (bruxism). Whether you’re an athlete looking to protect your smile on the field or someone dealing with nighttime grinding, a custom-fitted mouthguard is essential for preventing injury and preserving your oral health. Our mouthguards are designed for maximum comfort and protection, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs.

What Are Mouthguards?

Mouthguards are protective devices that cover your teeth and gums to prevent injury, breakage, and wear. They are commonly used by athletes during contact sports and by individuals who grind their teeth at night. Unlike over-the-counter mouthguards, our custom-made mouthguards are tailored to fit your mouth precisely, providing superior protection and comfort.

Types of Mouthguards We Offer:

• Sports Mouthguards: Designed for athletes of all ages, these mouthguards protect your teeth, gums, and jaw from injury during physical activity.
• Nightguards (for Bruxism): These mouthguards are worn at night to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding or clenching, which can cause damage to your teeth and lead to other oral health issues.

Why Over-the-Counter Nightguards Fall Short

Many people believe that over-the-counter nightguards are a quick fix, but they often don’t perform well in the long run. These guards tend to slip out during the night, which can be a choking hazard. They're also not as easy to manipulate as advertised and don't provide the right level of protection. Our custom nightguards are designed to hug your teeth securely, so they stay in place, preventing slippage and ensuring full protection. Additionally, we offer different types of nightguards based on your needs, making it easier for you to wear them comfortably every night.

How Grinding and Clenching Affect Your TMJ Muscles

Grinding and clenching (bruxism) can do more than damage your teeth; it can also put significant strain on your TMJ (temporomandibular joint). This leads to pain, tension, and sometimes even swelling in the jaw area. A nightguard helps prevent clenching, relieving stress on your muscles and protecting your teeth in the process. When you wear a custom nightguard, you’ll notice less tension in your jaw and feel more relaxed in the morning, as your muscles and joints will be less stressed.

Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard?

A custom mouthguard offers several key advantages over store-bought, generic options:

• Better Fit: Custom mouthguards are created using precise impressions of your teeth, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit that stays in place.
• Superior Protection: Custom mouthguards provide superior protection against injuries, especially in high-impact sports or for severe grinders.
• Increased Comfort: Custom mouthguards are less bulky and more comfortable than over-the-counter options, making them easier to wear for long periods of time.
• Durability: Custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials designed to withstand heavy use, whether on the field or during sleep.

Who Needs a Mouthguard?

You may benefit from a custom mouthguard if:

• You play contact sports: Athletes involved in sports like football, basketball, soccer, hockey, or martial arts are at a higher risk for dental injuries and should wear a protective mouthguard.
• You grind or clench your teeth at night (bruxism): If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or notice signs of wear on your teeth, a nightguard can protect your teeth from the damage caused by grinding.
• You want to protect orthodontic work: Mouthguards are particularly important for individuals with braces or other dental appliances to prevent damage during physical activities.

How Are Custom Mouthguards Made?

Getting a custom mouthguard is simple and typically involves two visits:

• Impressions: During your first visit, we will take digital or physical impressions of your teeth to ensure a precise fit.
• Custom Fabrication: Using the impressions, your mouthguard will be custom-made in a dental lab from high-quality materials to ensure maximum protection and comfort.
• Fitting: Once your mouthguard is ready, we’ll have you come in for a fitting to make sure it fits comfortably and securely.

Caring for Your Mouthguard

To ensure the longevity of your mouthguard, it’s important to care for it properly:

• Rinse after use: Always rinse your mouthguard with cold water after wearing it to remove bacteria and debris.
• Clean regularly: Use a toothbrush and toothpaste to gently clean your mouthguard, or use a denture cleaner to keep it fresh.
• Store it properly: Keep your mouthguard in a ventilated case to allow it to dry and prevent bacteria growth.
• Avoid heat: Keep your mouthguard away from hot water or direct sunlight, as heat can warp the material.
• Replace when needed: Over time, mouthguards may wear down. Be sure to replace yours if it becomes damaged or doesn’t fit properly.

Protect Your Teeth with a Custom Mouthguard

Whether you’re an athlete looking to prevent dental injuries or need protection from nighttime teeth grinding, a custom mouthguard from Smile at Life Dentistry is the best way to safeguard your smile. Our custom mouthguards are designed for comfort, durability, and maximum protection.
Call us at 248-553-3553 or text us to schedule your appointment today. Let us help you protect your smile with a custom-fitted mouthguard!