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Custom Mouthguards in San Antonio, TX

Mouthguards, also known as sports guards or night guards, are vital for protecting your teeth from unnecessary wear and tear. These custom-made oral appliances fit perfectly over your teeth so you can stay safe while being active. Mouthguards also work for people who want to protect their jaws from bruxism, also known as teeth grinding. 

Many mouthguards aren’t custom-made for your mouth. But at Berchelmann Family Dental, we know that your mouth is unique. That’s why we create specialized guards for your teeth and your teeth only. We prioritize your comfort when we design your mouthguards. Read on to learn more about how our mouthguards give your family the high-quality protection they deserve.

A girl is wearing a boxing glove and is holding her mouthguard near her face.
A football player's custom mouthguard dangles from his helmet.

The Benefits of Mouthguards

Mouthguards protect your jaw, teeth, and gums from unnecessary damage. If you’re looking for protection from sports injuries or teeth grinding, our comfortable oral appliances are a great solution. These guards prevent expensive dental work in the future and keep your smile looking perfect. 

Dr. Berchelmann and his staff of experienced dental professionals are passionate about protecting your family’s teeth. We create these high-quality oral appliances with a state-of-the-art digital scanner. The digital impressions we take are sent to a laboratory, where dental specialists will use them to mold your highly customized appliance.

Choosing A Mouthguard

There are three types of mouthguards to choose from, depending on your budget and individual needs. The types of mouthguards are:

  • Stock Mouthguards — This is the most basic and affordable type of mouthguard. However, this means that they aren’t customized for your needs. You may also have to replace this kind of mouthguard more often because they can wear down easier than other options. 
  • Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards — Another common type of teeth protection appliance is the boil-and-bite. This guard is more customized for your mouth, but the material still can wear down through consistent use. These are often used to protect against teeth-grinding damage. However, bruxism can quickly wear holes in this material, so you’ll have to replace it often. 
  • Custom-made Mouthguards — Custom mouthguards are the most durable way to protect your teeth from sports or bruxism injury. They’re created to support the structure of your teeth, gums, and jaw, preventing serious damage from sports or habitual teeth grinding. This provides you with a comfortable fit that wears down less than boil-and-bite. 
A woman smiles while holding her blue custom mouthguard in front of her face.
Two arms hold either side of a mouthguard over a sink. Toothbrushes and an open hard case is sitting on the sink.

How To Care For Your Mouthguards

Without proper care, mouthguards tend to collect bacteria from your mouth. That’s why it’s crucial to clean your mouthguard regularly to avoid plaque buildup. 

To extend your mouthguard’s lifespan, follow these suggestions from Dr. Berchelmann:

  • Brush and floss your teeth before wearing
  • Rinse your guard with mouthwash or cold water — avoid using hot water because it can warp your appliance
  • Examine your mouthguard regularly for holes or damage
  • Bring your appliances to dental appointments
  • Store your mouthguard in a well-ventilated, hard case

While these suggestions work to ensure that your mouthguard lasts longer, it’s important to remember that they don’t last forever. You should replace your appliance when you notice damage or if it becomes uncomfortable. If you have any questions about your guards, contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Berchelmann.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can mouthguards damage your teeth?
Can I just buy a mouthguard at a store?
When should I wear my mouthguard?
How often should I replace my mouthguard?
Can mouthguards damage your teeth?

A properly fitting mouthguard will not damage your teeth or affect their alignment. Even inexpensive mouthguards are safe to wear for extended periods. Alternatively, if you grind your teeth or play contact sports, failure to wear a mouthguard can cause serious harm to your teeth.

If a mouthguard has been recommended for you, don’t let concerns about the appliance keep you from protecting yourself from injury. A custom-made mouthguard is the best way to ensure a comfortable fit and reliably preserve your teeth.

Can I just buy a mouthguard at a store?

Mouthguards in standard sizes can be purchased from drugstores for bruxism relief or sporting goods stores for wearing during athletics. Mouthguards like this won’t be as comfortable or protective as our custom mouthguards. However, they’re a better option than grinding your teeth through the night or playing contact sports without protection.

While store-bought mouthguards seem economical, one-size-fits-all options are not as convenient to wear and don’t provide the greatest security for your teeth. A custom appliance is more comfortable for regular wear and helps you avoid painful and expensive injuries in the future.

When should I wear my mouthguard?

A mouthguard can provide protection at any time. While most people with bruxism need a mouthguard to wear through the night, some find themselves grinding their teeth at work or in times of stress.

Try to stay aware of your mood and behavior. If you’re grinding your teeth during work, while commuting, or at any other time of day, consider wearing your mouthguard to protect yourself. These habits can save you from harm and are more convenient than you might expect, since custom mouthguards are comfortable and typically easy to speak with.

How often should I replace my mouthguard?

Mouthguards become less effective as they lose thickness, develop cracks or tears, or begin to fit more loosely. For mouthguards worn during contact sports, it’s typically recommended that you replace your appliance every six months or at the beginning of each new season. Mouthguards worn for bruxism should provide benefits for as long as they are comfortable to wear without shifting through the night. 

If your mouthguard becomes warped, damaged, or ill-fitting, schedule an appointment at our office to have a new appliance made for you. If possible, continue to wear your current mouthguard until you receive your replacement.

Protect Your Teeth At Berchelmann Family Dental 

Your mouth is one of your greatest assets. Make sure it’s protected from unnecessary damage with a customized mouthguard from Dr. Berchelmann. Our team of dental professionals is proud to offer comfortable protection from bruxism and sports injuries. Find out why our patients love customized mouthguards. Contact our San Antonio office today at (210) 336-8478 to schedule your mouthguard consultation. 

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