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1192 North Main Street
Crown Point, IN 46307
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Athletes are more than 60 times more likely to suffer damage to the teeth when not wearing a mouthguard. The impact from a ball, stick, elbow, or fall can easily crack or knock out a tooth, cause soft tissue injuries, or even fracture the jaw. The good news is that these injuries are largely preventable with the right protection. Sports mouthguards act as a cushion that absorbs and disperses the force of impact, significantly reducing the risk of dental trauma.
Even in non-contact sports like gymnastics or cycling, unexpected collisions and accidents can occur. A mouthguard not only protects the teeth but also shields the lips, cheeks, tongue, and jawbone. In many cases, a custom-fitted guard can also help prevent or reduce the severity of concussions by minimizing the force transmitted to the brain during an impact to the jaw.
While drugstores and sporting goods stores offer mouthguards that can be boiled and molded at home, these options often fall short when it comes to fit, comfort, and overall protection. Over-the-counter mouthguards come in standard sizes or basic moldable forms that don’t always align properly with your unique bite. As a result, they can feel bulky, slip out of place, restrict breathing, and offer limited protection in high-impact situations.
Custom sports mouthguards from Crown Point Smiles are made using precise impressions of your teeth. This allows the mouthguard to fit securely and comfortably while still allowing you to speak clearly and breathe easily during play. They are made from durable, medical-grade materials that hold up to repeated use and can be adjusted for comfort or specific sport-related needs.
The process of getting a custom sports mouthguard in Crown Point, Indiana, is simple and typically requires just two appointments. During the first visit, we’ll take a detailed impression of your teeth using safe and accurate digital or physical methods. These impressions are then sent to a dental lab where the mouthguard is created to match your bite and specifications.
Once your mouthguard is ready, you’ll return to our office for a final fitting. We’ll ensure that the fit is snug and secure, making any necessary adjustments for comfort and effectiveness. You’ll also receive instructions on how to care for your mouthguard and when it might be time for a replacement.
Sports mouthguards aren’t just for professional athletes. Anyone participating in a physical activity where contact or falls are possible can benefit from wearing one. This includes children, teens, and adults involved in sports such as:
For athletes who wear braces or other fixed dental appliances, the stakes are even higher. An impact to the face can not only cause damage to the teeth and gums but also to the brackets and wires, leading to costly repairs and potentially extended treatment time. A custom sports mouthguard helps protect both your mouth and your orthodontic investment.
At Crown Point Smiles, we create mouthguards that fit comfortably over braces and can be adjusted as orthodontic treatment progresses. These guards are specially designed to cushion impacts while still accommodating the shape of the braces. They also prevent the brackets from cutting into the lips or cheeks during collisions.
Proper care and storage of your mouthguard are essential for maintaining its shape, cleanliness, and protective capabilities. After each use, it’s important to rinse the mouthguard with cool water and gently brush it with a toothbrush. Allow it to air dry completely before storing it in a ventilated case.
It’s also a good idea to periodically inspect your mouthguard for signs of wear, such as thinning, tearing, or changes in fit. If your mouthguard becomes uncomfortable, no longer fits well, or has sustained damage, we recommend bringing it in so we can assess whether a replacement is needed.
Mouthguards aren’t designed to last forever. Even high-quality custom guards will eventually wear down or become less effective over time. Here are a few signs that it may be time to replace your sports mouthguard:
The cost of a custom sports mouthguard varies depending on the complexity of the fit, whether you wear braces, and the material used. While custom mouthguards are more expensive than store-bought options, they offer significantly greater protection, longevity, and comfort. When you consider the potential costs of emergency dental care, a custom mouthguard is a smart and cost-effective preventive investment.
Your smile is worth protecting, both on and off the field. If you or your child is involved in any sport where facial impact is a risk, a custom mouthguard can make all the difference in avoiding serious injury. Let us help you or your young athlete stay in the game with confidence.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
While store-bought mouthguards offer some level of protection, they typically don’t fit very well and can feel bulky or loose during activity. A custom mouthguard is designed specifically for your mouth, which means it stays in place better, feels more comfortable, and offers much stronger protection.
We’ll take impressions of your teeth during your first visit, and your custom mouthguard will be ready for pickup in just a few days. At the second appointment, we’ll check the fit and make any needed adjustments.
Yes. In fact, it’s even more important for kids with braces to wear a mouthguard. We can create a custom guard that fits over their braces and adapts as their orthodontic treatment progresses.
For most adults, a custom mouthguard can last a full season or more. For kids and teens, we often recommend checking the fit each season due to growth and dental changes.
Yes—because it’s molded to your unique bite, it fits snugly and doesn’t interfere with talking or breathing. Most people find it more comfortable than store-bought versions.
That usually means it’s time for a replacement. Bring it in, and we’ll evaluate the fit and make a recommendation.
A well-fitted custom guard can help absorb some impact to the jaw, which may reduce the risk or severity of certain brain injuries. It’s an added layer of protection.
Any activity with a risk of contact or falls—such as football, basketball, hockey, wrestling, martial arts, biking, or volleyball—can benefit from a mouthguard.
Coverage varies by plan, but some insurance providers offer partial reimbursement. We’ll help you check your benefits and discuss options.
Rinse with cool water after use, brush it gently, and allow it to dry before storing in a ventilated case. Keep away from heat and inspect for wear regularly.
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1192 North Main Street, Crown Point, IN 46307