Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend sports enthusiast, or the parent of a young player, protecting your smile should always be part of your game plan. Sports-related dental injuries are both common and costly—but many can be prevented with the use of a properly fitted custom mouthguard.

At Roberts & Hall Dentistry in Twin Falls, we advocate for custom-fitted sports mouthguards as the gold standard in dental injury prevention. Let’s break down why, how they work, and what makes custom mouthguards superior to store-bought options.

Sports and Dental Injuries: The Numbers Tell the Story

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), sports-related activities account for up to 39% of all dental injuries in children and adolescents. These injuries include:

• Fractured or chipped teeth.
• Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth.
• Jaw fractures.
• Soft tissue injuries, such as lacerations of the lips, cheeks, and tongue.

Contact sports like football, hockey, basketball, and martial arts have the highest risk, but even non-contact sports like gymnastics, cycling, and skateboarding present risks from accidental falls and collisions.

How Do Custom Mouthguards Protect Your Smile?

Custom mouthguards are designed to fit snugly over your teeth and gums, providing a cushion that helps absorb and distribute impact forces. By doing so, they:

• Protect teeth from chipping, cracking, or being knocked out.
• Protect soft tissues from cuts and bruising.
• Stabilize the jaw to reduce the risk of fractures.
• Help minimize the risk of injury to braces and other dental appliances.

How Do Custom Mouthguards Protect the Jaw and Reduce the Risk of Concussions?

Properly fitted mouthguards can help cushion the lower jaw against impact, stabilizing it and lessening the force of blows that might otherwise be transmitted directly to the skull. This may lessen the force of impact, which could potentially reduce the risk or severity of concussions, though it’s important to clarify that mouthguards are primarily designed to protect teeth and gums. For comprehensive concussion prevention strategies, always consult your physician or sports medicine provider.

Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards: Why Custom Wins Every Time

Custom-Fitted Mouthguards:

• Crafted from high-impact, durable thermoplastic materials.
• Designed using precise alginate or silicone impressions of the teeth, ensuring a snug, exact fit.
• Molded to comfortably fit over braces, with special attention to accommodating brackets and wires while still providing protection.
• Provide superior comfort, breathability, and speech clarity.
• Are less likely to interfere with athletic performance.

Store-Bought Guards:

• Typically made from softer, lower-grade plastic.
• Require “boil-and-bite” fitting, which is prone to uneven thickness and poor retention.
• Often feel bulky, impede breathing, and require frequent replacement.
• May offer inadequate protection, especially for athletes with braces or unique dental conditions.

The Custom Mouthguard Process at Roberts & Hall Dentistry

The process is simple and efficient:

1. Consultation and impressions (30-45 minutes):
   After evaluating your dental health, we take precise alginate or silicone impressions of your upper and lower teeth. This ensures an exact fit, even around braces or dental appliances.
2. Fabrication (typically within 1-2 weeks):
   Using your impressions, the mouthguard is custom-crafted from durable, shock-absorbing thermoplastic materials. For athletes with braces, additional space is built in to accommodate brackets while ensuring a secure fit.
3. Fitting appointment (20-30 minutes):
   You’ll return to ensure the fit is perfect, comfortable, and doesn’t interfere with breathing or speech. Any adjustments are made to ensure optimal performance.

Addressing Potential Discomfort

Some patients experience minor initial discomfort or a brief adjustment period when first using a custom mouthguard. This typically subsides within 1-2 practice sessions as the mouth adjusts to the feel of the guard. Our team ensures the guard is trimmed precisely to minimize any discomfort and promotes consistent use.

Cost and Value: What’s Included?

Custom mouthguards typically cost between $200 and $500, depending on complexity (e.g., accommodating braces, special customization). This cost generally includes:

• Initial consultation.
• Impressions and digital imaging (if necessary).
• Fabrication of the mouthguard.
• Fitting and adjustments.
• Follow-up visits for minor adjustments or refitting.

When compared to the cost of emergency dental treatment—such as $3,500 to $5,000 for a single dental implant to replace a knocked-out tooth—a custom mouthguard is a smart, cost-effective investment.

Caring for Your Custom Mouthguard

Proper care extends the life of your mouthguard and keeps it safe and hygienic:

• Rinse with cool water after each use.
• Clean daily using a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap.
• Store in a ventilated, sturdy container.
• Keep away from heat or sunlight to prevent warping.
• Inspect regularly for signs of wear, tears, or thinning and replace as needed.

For growing children, guards should be replaced annually or if there are significant dental changes.

Why Choose Roberts & Hall Dentistry for Custom Mouthguards?

At Roberts & Hall Dentistry, our experience goes beyond creating a mouthguard—we create precision-fitted appliances that protect you where it counts most. Our attention to detail, use of high-quality materials, and knowledge of dental and orthodontic anatomy ensure that your guard:

• Fits comfortably and securely.
• Provides superior protection and durability.
• Is tailored to your specific needs, whether you have braces, dental restorations, or unique bite patterns.

Our team will also monitor your mouthguard at regular dental checkups to ensure continued protection as your teeth and jaw change over time.

Play Smart. Protect Your Smile.

Sports injuries can happen in a split second, but the damage can last a lifetime. A properly fitted custom mouthguard is a simple, proactive way to prevent costly dental emergencies and protect your smile.

Contact Roberts & Hall Dentistry in Twin Falls today to schedule your custom sports mouthguard consultation and protect your smile on—and off—the field.