Sports can be a great way to stay active, but contact, falls and accidental impacts can put your teeth and orthodontic appliances at risk. At VV Orthodontics, we provide custom sports mouth guards in North San Antonio, Texas, designed to fit comfortably and help protect your smile during athletic activities.
Our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Saritha Chary-Reddy, can recommend a mouth guard based on your teeth, orthodontic treatment and the type of activities you participate in.
Why Wear a Sports Mouth Guard?
A sports mouth guard creates a protective barrier around the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth. During an impact, it can help absorb and distribute forces that might otherwise contribute to dental injuries.
A properly fitted athletic mouth guard may help reduce the risk of:
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Knocked-out or displaced teeth
- Cuts to the lips, cheeks and tongue
- Damage to orthodontic appliances
- Other impact-related injuries involving the teeth and mouth
Mouth guards are especially important for contact and collision sports, but dental injuries can also occur during activities where falls, equipment or accidental contact are possible.
Custom Mouth Guards vs. Store-Bought Mouth Guards
Sports mouth guards generally fall into three categories:
- Custom mouth guards: Created specifically for your teeth, custom mouth guards are designed to provide a secure, comfortable fit. Their individualized design can make it easier to keep the mouth guard in place during activity.
- Boil-and-bite mouth guards: These over-the-counter mouth guards are softened in hot water and shaped around the teeth. Their fit can vary depending on the product and how well the appliance is molded.
- Stock mouth guards: These come in predetermined sizes and shapes. Because they are not customized to an individual mouth, they may provide a less precise fit.
For patients who want an individualized athletic mouth guard, Dr. Reddy can evaluate your teeth and determine whether a custom appliance is appropriate.
Custom Sports Mouth Guards Made With Digital Technology
Our office uses intraoral scanning and in-office 3D printing as part of our orthodontic workflow. These digital capabilities allow us to create selected custom sports mouth guards within the practice.
Instead of relying solely on traditional impressions, a digital scan can capture the shape and position of your teeth so the appliance can be designed around your individual smile.
Dr. Reddy has more than 21 years of orthodontic experience and has completed more than 15,000 orthodontic cases. As the sole orthodontist at VV Orthodontics, she personally oversees treatment and appliance recommendations.
Sports Mouth Guards for Patients With Braces
Protecting your mouth is particularly important when you participate in sports while wearing braces. An impact to the mouth can injure the lips and cheeks when braces are present and may also damage brackets or wires.
Because teeth move throughout orthodontic treatment, a mouth guard used with braces needs to accommodate both the appliances and changes in tooth position. Our orthodontist can evaluate your current treatment and recommend an appropriate mouth guard based on your orthodontic needs and athletic activities.
When Should a Sports Mouth Guard Be Replaced?
Mouth guards should be checked regularly for changes in fit, wear or damage. Replacement may be appropriate if the appliance:
- Becomes cracked, torn or distorted
- No longer fits securely
- Develops rough or damaged areas
- Has been significantly worn down
- No longer fits because the teeth have moved
- Was lost or damaged
Children and teens may need their mouth guards reassessed as their teeth and jaws develop. Patients receiving orthodontic treatment may also need adjustments or replacement as tooth positions change.
Caring for Your Sports Mouth Guard
Proper care can help keep your mouth guard clean and in good condition.
- Rinse it with cool or lukewarm water after use.
- Clean it regularly according to the instructions provided by our team.
- Allow it to dry before placing it in its storage case.
- Keep it in a ventilated protective container when it is not being worn.
- Keep it away from excessive heat, which may distort the material.
- Inspect it regularly for wear or damage.
- Bring it to your orthodontic visits if you have concerns about its fit.
If your mouth guard no longer fits comfortably or securely, contact our office rather than continuing to use an appliance that may no longer match your teeth.
Custom Mouth Guards for Athletes in North San Antonio, TX
Whether you or your child plays a school sport, participates in a recreational league or is involved in another athletic activity where dental injury is possible, a properly fitted mouth guard can be an important part of protecting the smile.
Our digital orthodontic technology is also used for selected retainers and VK In-Office Clear Aligners, allowing us to use digital scans and in-office fabrication for several types of orthodontic appliances.
Schedule an Appointment for a Custom Sports Mouth Guard
If you are looking for a custom sports mouth guard in North San Antonio, TX, our team can evaluate your smile and discuss an appliance that fits your needs. Call VV Orthodontics at 830-266-9555 or contact our office to schedule an appointment with our orthodontist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Mouth Guards
Why should I choose a custom sports mouth guard?
A custom mouth guard is designed specifically around your teeth rather than using a standard shape or size. This can provide a more individualized fit and may make the appliance more comfortable and secure during athletic activity.
Can I wear a sports mouth guard with braces?
Yes. Athletes with braces can wear sports mouth guards, but the appliance needs to accommodate brackets, wires and ongoing tooth movement. Our orthodontist can recommend an appropriate option based on your current orthodontic treatment.
Do you make custom sports mouth guards in North San Antonio, TX?
Yes. VV Orthodontics provides custom sports mouth guards for patients in North San Antonio, TX. Our office uses digital scanning and in-office 3D printing to create selected orthodontic appliances, including custom sports mouth guards.
What sports should I wear a mouth guard for?
Mouth guards are commonly used for contact and collision sports, but they may also be appropriate for activities where falls, equipment or accidental contact can injure the teeth or mouth. Dr. Reddy can help determine whether a mouth guard is appropriate for your activity.
How often should a sports mouth guard be replaced?
There is not one replacement schedule that applies to every athlete. A mouth guard should be replaced when it becomes damaged, excessively worn, distorted or no longer fits properly. Growing children, teens and patients undergoing orthodontic treatment may need their fit checked more frequently.
Can children and teens get custom athletic mouth guards?
Yes. Custom mouth guards can be made for children and teens when appropriate. Because their teeth and jaws may still be developing, the fit should be monitored as they grow.
What if my mouth guard no longer fits?
Stop using a mouth guard that no longer fits comfortably or securely and contact our office. Changes in tooth position, growth or damage to the appliance can affect its fit.
Can you make a new mouth guard if I am already an orthodontic patient?
Yes. If you are receiving orthodontic treatment at VV Orthodontics, Dr. Reddy can evaluate your current tooth positions and appliances and determine what type of sports mouth guard may be appropriate.