Playing sports in Markham is a fantastic way to stay active, build teamwork, and have fun. But with the thrill of the game comes the risk of injury, and unfortunately, dental injuries are surprisingly common on the field or court. A blow to the face, a fall, or even just a collision with another player can result in chipped, fractured, or even knocked-out teeth, lip and cheek lacerations, and jaw injuries. These incidents can lead to significant pain, expensive and lengthy dental treatments, and long-term oral health issues.
The risks are real. Studies indicate that athletes are significantly more likely to suffer dental injuries when not wearing a mouthguard.
Dental injuries account for a substantial percentage of all sports-related trauma, with hundreds of thousands resulting in emergency room visits annually.
While the focus is often on helmets and pads, a mouthguard is a critical piece of protective equipment that should be non-negotiable for many sports.
Why Generic Mouthguards Fall Short
You might see various mouthguard options available at sporting goods stores – stock guards and boil-and-bite options.
While they offer some minimal protection, they often come with significant drawbacks:
- Poor Fit: Stock mouthguards are one-size-fits-all and cannot be adjusted. Boil-and-bite guards offer a slight improvement but rarely achieve a truly snug, secure fit.
- Reduced Comfort: Ill-fitting guards can feel bulky, uncomfortable, and even cause gagging.
- Difficulty Breathing and Speaking: Generic guards can interfere with breathing and make communication difficult, leading some athletes to remove them during play.
- Less Protection: Due to their loose or uneven fit, generic guards do not effectively cushion and distribute impact force, leaving teeth and soft tissues vulnerable.
- Lack of Durability: They may degrade or become less effective over time due to the poor fit and material limitations.
These limitations mean that generic mouthguards are often uncomfortable enough that athletes don’t wear them consistently.
Those don’t provide the necessary level of protection when impact occurs.
The Custom Mouthguard Advantage: Superior Protection and Comfort
This is where a custom-fitted sports mouthguard from your dentist makes all the difference.
Unlike generic options, a custom mouthguard is fabricated precisely to the unique contours of your teeth and mouth.
This tailored approach offers unparalleled benefits:
- Superior Protection: Because it fits perfectly, a custom mouthguard provides maximum coverage and cushioning. It effectively absorbs and disperses impact, significantly reducing the risk and severity of injuries to teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue, and jawbone.
- Optimal Comfort: Molded to your exact bite, a custom guard feels snug and secure, not bulky or intrusive. This leads to better compliance – athletes are more likely to wear them consistently.
- Easy Breathing and Speaking: The precise fit allows for normal breathing and clear communication on the field or court, without needing to remove the guard.
- Durability: Made from high-quality materials and designed for a specific fit, custom guards are generally more durable than their generic counterparts.
- Sport-Specific Design: Custom guards can be made with different thicknesses or designs depending on the specific sport’s impact level, offering targeted protection.
Investing in a custom mouthguard is investing in the long-term health and safety of your smile.
The Bur Oak Dental Difference: Our Custom Mouthguard Process in Markham
Getting a custom sports mouthguard at Bur Oak Dental is a simple and comfortable process designed with your needs in mind.
With three convenient locations in Markham – Bur Oak Dental West, Central, and East – we make protecting your smile accessible.
The process typically involves two appointments:
- Initial Consultation and Impression: During your first visit, one of our warm and friendly dentists or hygienists will examine your mouth and discuss the sports you play to determine the appropriate type of mouthguard. We will then take a precise impression or digital scan of your teeth and gums. This comfortable process takes just a few minutes.
- Fitting and Adjustment: Your custom mouthguard is then fabricated in a dental lab based on the impression. Once it’s ready, you’ll return for a second appointment. We’ll ensure the mouthguard fits perfectly, check your bite, and make any necessary minor adjustments for optimal comfort and fit. We’ll also provide instructions on how to care for your new mouthguard.
Our team is dedicated to making this process easy and ensuring you leave with a mouthguard that offers maximum protection and comfort, allowing you to focus on your game.
Addressing Your Questions Related to Mouthguard Usage:
Here are some common questions we receive about custom sports mouthguards:
Which Sports Require a Mouthguard?
The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for participants in 42 sports!
These include popular contact sports like hockey, rugby, football, basketball, soccer, and martial arts (MMA, kickboxing) but also seemingly lower-risk activities like skateboarding, gymnastics, and cycling where falls are possible.
How Long Does a Custom Mouthguard Last?
With proper care, a custom mouthguard can last several seasons.
However, it’s important for growing children and adolescents to have their mouthguard checked periodically by their dentist, as changes in their mouth may require a replacement to maintain a proper fit and protection.
How do I care for my mouthguard?
After each use, rinse your mouthguard with cool water or mouthwash. You can also gently brush it with a toothbrush and mild soap.
Store it in its protective case when not in use and keep it away from high heat, which can distort its shape. Bring it to your regular dental check-ups so we can inspect it.
Are Custom Mouthguards Expensive?
Custom mouthguards from a dental clinic typically cost more than store-bought options, ranging roughly from $150 to $350 or more in the Markham area.
However, consider this an investment in preventing potentially much more costly and painful dental repairs down the line, which can easily run into thousands of dollars.
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for custom sports mouthguards (Swan Dental). We recommend checking with your provider.
Can I get a custom mouthguard if I have braces?
Yes! It’s especially important to wear a mouthguard if you have braces, as the braces can cause significant injury to your mouth due to impact.
We can create a custom mouthguard that fits comfortably over your braces.
Protect Your Investment: Your Smile
Your smile is a valuable asset. Investing in a custom sports mouthguard is a proactive step to shield from impacts or collisions common in sports.
It offers peace of mind, knowing you or your child have the best possible protection while experiencing their favorite activities.
Why Choose Bur Oak Dental for Your Custom Mouthguard in Markham?
At Bur Oak Dental, your trusted Markham dentist, we are committed to providing comprehensive, family-friendly dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Our experienced team understands the importance of preventive care, including sports safety.
With three convenient locations throughout Markham, we make it easy for local athletes and families to access high-quality custom mouthguards designed for optimal protection, comfort, and durability.
We welcome new patients and offer free consultations to discuss your oral health needs and how a custom mouthguard can benefit you.
Don’t wait for an injury to happen. Protect your smile with a custom-fitted sports mouthguard.
Contact Bur Oak Dental today to schedule your consultation at one of our Markham locations.