Why Custom Mouthguards Matter for Your Oral Health
Whether you’re a student athlete, an adult fitness enthusiast, or someone who grinds their teeth at night, protecting your teeth is crucial. Accidents during sports or unconscious grinding while you sleep can lead to cracked teeth, jaw pain, gum injuries, and even tooth loss.
At Smiley Dental of Roslindale, we offer custom-fitted mouthguards that are comfortable, durable, and designed to protect your smile. Unlike store-bought options, our professionally made mouthguards are tailored to fit your unique bite, offering better protection and long-term oral health benefits.
📞 Call (857) 888-8000 to Get Fitted for a Custom Mouthguard in Roslindale!
What Is a Mouthguard and Who Needs One?
A mouthguard is a removable dental appliance made of soft, durable plastic. It covers your teeth and gums to protect them from impact, clenching, or grinding. There are two main types of mouthguards based on use:
- Sports Mouthguards (Athletic Mouthguards) – Used to prevent dental injuries during contact and non-contact sports
- Night Guards (Occlusal Guards) – Worn while sleeping to protect against teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
Anyone participating in sports or experiencing symptoms of teeth grinding can benefit from wearing a mouthguard.
Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard Over Store-Bought?
While drugstores sell generic boil-and-bite guards, these one-size-fits-all options often don’t offer adequate protection. Here’s how custom mouthguards from Smiley Dental of Roslindale are superior:
- Perfect Fit – Created using impressions of your teeth for optimal comfort and retention
- Better Protection – Designed to cover critical areas and distribute pressure evenly
- Improved Breathing and Speaking – Custom guards allow for better airflow, especially for athletes
- Durability – Made from high-quality dental materials that last longer and perform better
- Less Bulky – More compact than store-bought versions, making them easier to wear consistently
Mouthguards for Athletes: Preventing Sports-Related Injuries
Sports are fun and healthy—but they come with risk. Contact sports like football, hockey, basketball, boxing, and martial arts increase your chance of dental trauma. Even non-contact activities like skateboarding, biking, or gymnastics can result in sudden falls or collisions.
A sports mouthguard helps protect against:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Cuts to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
- Jaw fractures
- Concussions (by absorbing shock)
According to the American Dental Association, athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries when not wearing a mouthguard. That makes this simple device one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth.
Mouthguards for Teeth Grinding: Protecting Your Smile While You Sleep
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, affects millions of people—many of whom don’t even realize it. It often occurs during sleep and can lead to serious oral health issues over time.
Common signs of bruxism include:
- Worn-down, flattened, or chipped teeth
- Jaw pain or tightness, especially in the morning
- Frequent headaches or earaches
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Cracked fillings or restorations
A custom night guard creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing damage and relieving pressure on the jaw.
Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard for Bruxism
If you’re dealing with teeth grinding, wearing a night guard can offer several benefits:
- Prevents enamel erosion and tooth damage
- Reduces jaw pain and headaches
- Protects dental work like crowns and veneers
- Improves sleep quality by reducing discomfort
- Prevents long-term issues like TMJ disorder
At Smiley Dental of Roslindale, we create guards specifically shaped for your bite, making them more effective and far more comfortable than bulky over-the-counter options.
What to Expect When Getting a Custom Mouthguard in Roslindale
The process is simple and usually completed in two quick visits:
First Appointment:
- We take impressions or digital scans of your teeth and bite.
- We’ll ask you about your symptoms, lifestyle, and intended use (sports or sleep).
- Your custom mouthguard is sent to our dental lab for fabrication.
Second Appointment:
- We check the fit of your new mouthguard.
- We make any needed adjustments to ensure comfort and stability.
- You’ll leave with care instructions and a storage case.
Our mouthguards are made to last and crafted for maximum effectiveness.
How to Care for Your Mouthguard
To extend the life of your mouthguard and keep it free from bacteria:
- Rinse with cold water before and after use
- Clean regularly with a toothbrush and mild soap or non-alcoholic mouth rinse
- Allow it to air dry completely before storing
- Store in a ventilated, hard case
- Keep it away from heat or hot water to prevent warping
- Bring it to your dental visits so we can check for wear and proper fit
If you notice cracks, tears, or a change in fit, let us know. We’ll determine whether it needs to be adjusted or replaced.
Does Insurance Cover Custom Mouthguards?
Most dental insurance plans do not cover athletic mouthguards, but some do cover night guards if they’re prescribed for bruxism or TMJ issues. At Smiley Dental of Roslindale, we’ll:
- Help you determine if your plan offers any mouthguard benefits
- Provide upfront pricing with no surprises
- Offer affordable payment options and financing if needed
We believe that protecting your smile should be simple and accessible.
Why Choose Smiley Dental of Roslindale for Your Mouthguard
We combine expert care with modern technology and personalized service. Patients throughout Roslindale trust us for:
- Custom-fit mouthguards for sports or sleep
- Professional-grade materials for durability and safety
- Detailed consultations to understand your specific needs
- Prompt service and ongoing support
- A friendly, experienced team that puts your comfort first
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a competitive athlete or someone who clenches your jaw at night, a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the best investments you can make in your oral health. It can prevent pain, protect your teeth, and even improve your overall well-being.
Don’t wait until a chipped tooth or jaw ache forces you into the dentist’s chair. Be proactive, protect your smile, and enjoy peace of mind with a custom mouthguard from Smiley Dental of Roslindale.
