Are you or any family members active in contact sports? Have you invested in your smile’s health and appearance? Protecting your teeth and gums from damage or loss matters. Remember, teeth don’t grow back.
Dr. Stacey Hall can fit you or your child with a custom sports mouthguard at our family dental practice in Williamsburg. Offering superior protection and comfort, a custom mouthguard is one of your most important safety measures when on the field or participating in contact sports.
Protecting Your Smile Comfortably
Many sports require players to wear a mouthguard during all competitions and practices. We believe this is essential in protecting your smile, even when not required. Sports like basketball, baseball, gymnastics, volleyball, football, and hockey can put your gum tissue and teeth at risk.
Because it absorbs contact forces, a mouthguard can often prevent other serious injuries, such as concussions, cerebral hemorrhages, and jaw fractures. Studies have also shown that wearing a custom mouthguard requires less jaw clenching to keep it in place. This means more energy and focus for athletic performance.
We often fit athletes from Williamsburg area high schools and recreation leagues with this protective gear. A custom-fitted mouth guard is especially important for those with braces or fixed or removable appliances, such as bridge work. Dr. Stacey Hall offers customized solutions that fit better and therefore protect better than store-bought products.
Bite Guards for Teeth Grinding
Dr. Hall may recommend using a mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding, which can lead to many other TMJ problems. Signs of teeth grinding can include worn or flat teeth, chipped teeth, and cracked teeth. Common symptoms of TMJ include jaw pain and discomfort when chewing, headaches, and unexplained neck and shoulder pain.
We offer conservative therapy for TMD. Often worn at night, when most people grind their teeth without realizing it, a custom-fitted “night guard” can help your jaw muscles relax and prevent damage from teeth grinding. If you are concerned you are grinding your teeth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Hall for a dental exam and oral health evaluation. Addressing a TMJ problem can restore comfort and health to your bite.
Creating a Mouthguard: About The Process
Dr. Hall will take dental impressions in our office to create your custom-fit mouthguard. This easy, quick process is key to a mouthguard that fits snugly and protects your teeth and gums.
The fit of a custom mouthguard sets it apart from other options on the market. We’ll send your impressions to a lab to create your new appliance. Once it’s complete, we’ll send it to our office. We will let you know when it is ready, and you can come in to pick it up.
To learn more about mouthguards or get a night guard to prevent teeth grinding, contact our office to schedule an appointment. We welcome patients of all ages to join our local dental care family. Protect your investment in your dental health and your natural smile with a custom mouthguard.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Custom mouthguards are the best way to protect your smile. Learn more below.
How is a custom mouthguard different from a store-bought one?
A custom mouthguard is made from precise dental impressions of your own teeth, so it fits snugly and stays in place during play. Store-bought guards are one-size-fits-all, which means they can be bulky, slip around, and make it harder to breathe and speak. A custom guard fits better, so you get better protection and greater comfort while you’re active.
How long does it take to get my custom mouthguard?
We start with quick, comfortable dental impressions taken right here in our Williamsburg office. We send those impressions to a lab that crafts your custom appliance, and we’ll call you as soon as it arrives so you can pick it up. Most patients find the entire process simple and hassle-free from start to finish.
Does a mouthguard really protect against more than just chipped teeth?
Yes, a mouthguard absorbs contact forces and can help prevent serious injuries like concussions, cerebral hemorrhages, and jaw fractures. Studies also show that a custom-fit guard requires less jaw clenching to stay in place, so you can focus more energy on your performance. Protecting your smile is about protecting your whole health, not just your teeth.
My child plays sports. At what age should they start wearing a mouthguard?
We welcome patients of all ages, and we regularly fit athletes from Williamsburg-area high schools and recreation leagues. If your child plays contact sports like basketball, baseball, football, hockey, volleyball, or gymnastics, a mouthguard is a smart investment at any age. Teeth don’t grow back, so protecting them early is one of the most important safety measures you can take.
I wear braces. Can I still get a custom mouthguard?
Absolutely, and it’s especially important if you wear braces or have fixed or removable appliances like bridge work. A custom mouthguard can be designed to fit comfortably around your orthodontic hardware while still protecting your gums and teeth. Dr. Hall offers customized solutions that provide far better protection than anything you’ll find on a store shelf.
Can a mouthguard help if I grind my teeth at night?
Yes. Dr. Hall may recommend a custom night guard if you grind your teeth, which can lead to worn, chipped, or cracked teeth and TMJ problems. Worn at night, a custom-fitted night guard helps your jaw muscles relax and prevents damage while you sleep. If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or neck and shoulder discomfort, a night guard may help.
Is a mouthguard only for organized sports, or should I wear one during practice too?
Many sports require a mouthguard for all competitions and practices, and we believe it’s essential to wear one even when it isn’t required. Most injuries happen during everyday play and practice, not just in games. Wearing your guard consistently is the best way to protect your smile.
How do I get started with a custom mouthguard?
Just call our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hall for a quick evaluation and dental impressions. The process is easy, and we’ll let you know exactly when your custom guard is ready for pickup. Protecting your dental health investment starts with one simple visit. Call us at 757-216-9873 or request an appointment online.