Whether it is a hockey game, a football match, or an intense boxing session, contact sports expose participants to various risks of injury, especially to the mouth. The teeth, jaw, and temporomandibular joints (TMJ) can be easily damaged by an unexpected hit or a fall. This is where a mouthguard comes in, offering an effective and simple solution to protect your smile. But keep in mind, not all mouthguards are created equal. By choosing a custom mouthguard made by a dentist, you provide your teeth with tailored protection that meets your specific needs.
What is a custom mouthguard, and why is it so important?
A mouthguard is a flexible yet durable device that covers the teeth and gums to absorb impacts during sports activities. Unlike store-bought models, a custom mouthguard is made specifically for the shape of your mouth, taking into account the unique position of your teeth and jaws.
Personalized protection offers several advantages over generic versions. It ensures optimal coverage, reduces the risk of shifting during activity, and allows you to breathe and speak more easily while providing superior protection. At the Centre Dentaire de Haute Technologie du Québec, we use advanced technology to design custom mouthguards that fit each patient’s anatomy perfectly.
Injuries prevented by wearing a sports mouthguard
Without a properly fitted mouthguard, dental and jaw injuries can be severe. Here are some examples of trauma that this device can help prevent:
- Dental fracture: after an impact, a tooth can crack or break completely. This may require costly treatments such as a crown or even an implant.
- Dental avulsion: in some cases, a tooth may be completely knocked out of its socket. This type of injury is extremely painful and requires emergency care in an attempt to save the tooth.
- Jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injuries: a strong impact can cause a jaw dislocation or fracture, as well as damage to the TMJ, which may lead to chronic pain and long-term functional issues.
These injuries can seriously affect your quality of life, not to mention the potentially high cost of emergency dental care. This is why prevention remains your best ally.
High-risk sports for all ages
Although mouthguards are strongly recommended for contact sports such as hockey, football, boxing, or rugby, they are also advisable for sports with a higher risk of falls or collisions, such as basketball, mountain biking, or gymnastics.
No matter the age, proper protection is essential. Young athletes, in particular, need a mouthguard that suits their growing mouths. A custom model offers comfort and safety while adapting to the development of their teeth. Adults also benefit from optimal protection to preserve their teeth and joints.
Your custom mouthguard, made with expertise
By choosing a custom mouthguard designed by the Centre Dentaire de Haute Technologie du Québec, you benefit from the expertise of our team and advanced technology to protect your teeth. We use state-of-the-art techniques, such as 3D impressions, to create devices that fit each patient’s mouth perfectly, whether they are a child, teenager, or adult. Do not let injuries compromise your smile; choose a custom solution today.