You strap on a helmet, lace up your cleats, or put on knee pads. But there’s one piece of safety gear that too many athletes skip, and it protects something you can’t grow back: your teeth. If you or your child plays sports in Emerald Isle, whether it’s soccer, basketball, baseball, skateboarding, or even weekend flag football, a custom mouthguard is essential.
At Emerald Isle Smiles, Dr. Aubrey Myers offers custom-fitted mouthguards for patients near Atlantic Beach, Cedar Point, and Swansboro. Custom-made mouthguards provide superior protection compared to anything you’ll find at a drugstore. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or a weekend warrior, having the right mouthguard can mean the difference between a close call and a dental emergency.
Why Your Teeth Need Protection
Think about how fast things happen in sports. A stray elbow during a rebound. A fastball that goes high and inside. A fall off a bike or skateboard. In that split second, your teeth can slam together or smash against your lips and cheeks.
The result is you can injure your mouth through:
- Chipped teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Fractured roots
- Bitten tongues
The cost of fixing that damage, in both money and pain, is steep. A custom mouthguard? It’s a small investment that pays for itself the very first time it saves your smile.
Store-Bought vs. Custom: There’s a Big Difference
You’ve probably seen those boil-and-bite mouthguards at the sporting goods store. They cost around $10 to $20. And honestly, they’re better than nothing. But “better than nothing” isn’t the same as “truly protective.”
Here’s what you get with a custom mouthguard from Dr. Myers:
- Perfect fit: She takes an actual mold of your teeth. The guard hugs every curve, so it stays in place without you having to bite down constantly to hold it.
- Proper thickness: Store guards are often bulky, making it hard to breathe or talk. Custom guards are slim but strong, offering protection without feeling like a hockey puck in your mouth.
- No slipping: A loose guard can shift during impact, leaving some teeth exposed. A custom guard doesn’t budge.
- Durable material: Professional-grade materials absorb and distribute force better than the rubbery plastic of cheap guards.
- You can talk and breathe: This matters for kids in school sports and adults in recreational leagues. A custom guard doesn’t gag you or slur your speech.
Who Really Needs a Custom Mouthguard?
More people than you might think. The American Dental Association recommends custom mouthguards for anyone playing contact sports, including:
- Football, basketball, soccer, and hockey
- Baseball and softball (especially for batters and catchers)
- Wrestling and martial arts
- Skateboarding, biking, and rollerblading
- Gymnastics (falls happen)
- Lacrosse and field hockey
Even if you’re just playing pickup games on the weekends, your teeth are still at risk. Accidents don’t check your skill level.
Benefits of Sports Mouthguards from a Dentist
Getting custom mouthguards for you or your child offers many advantages.
Increased Comfort
One of the biggest benefits of custom mouthguards is comfort. Store-bought mouthguards are one-size-fits-all. They often feel bulky and awkward. They can make it hard to breathe, talk, or even swallow.
A custom mouthguard from Dr. Myers fits your teeth perfectly. It stays in place without you having to bite down constantly. It is slim enough to be comfortable but strong enough to protect. Because it fits so well, you are more likely to wear it to keep you safe.
Better Protection
Store-bought guards are made from soft, rubbery plastic. They may absorb some impact, but they do not distribute force effectively.
Custom mouthguards are made from professional-grade materials. They are designed to absorb and disperse impact. This reduces the force that reaches your teeth and jaw. It can prevent everything from chipped teeth to concussions.
Another key benefit is stability. A custom guard does not shift during impact. It stays where it belongs, protecting all your teeth. A loose guard can leave some teeth exposed and vulnerable.
These benefits of custom mouthguards make them the safer choice for athletes of all ages.
Cost-Effective Care
At first glance, a custom mouthguard costs more than a store-bought one. But when you look at the bigger picture, custom guards save you money.
A single dental injury can cost thousands of dollars to repair. A chipped tooth may need a crown. A knocked-out tooth may need an implant. These treatments are expensive and time-consuming.
A custom mouthguard costs a fraction of what you would pay for even one dental repair. And it lasts for years with proper care. When you weigh the cost of protection against the cost of repair, the choice is clear.
Personalization
Custom mouthguards offer more than just protection. They can also be personalized. You can choose your colors. You can add your name or team logo. You can even match your school colors.
This is especially appealing for younger athletes. A mouthguard that looks cool is more likely to be worn. It becomes something they are proud to show off.
Store-bought guards come in limited colors and styles. Custom guards give you options that reflect your personality. This is another way custom guards encourage consistent use.
Protect What Matters with a Sports Mouthguard
Your smile is one of a kind. Once a tooth is chipped or knocked out, fixing it is possible, but avoiding the injury in the first place is always better. If you’re not sure whether you need a sports guard or a nightguard, request an appointment to learn more about your options. Dr. Myers can provide custom mouthguards at her dental office near Atlantic Beach, Swansboro, and Cedar Point.