You strap on a helmet. You lace up your cleats. You might even tape your wrists 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 isn’t just a good idea. It’s essential.
At Emerald Isle Smiles, Dr. Aubrey Myers offers custom-fitted mouthguards that provide superior protection compared to anything you’ll find at a drugstore. And 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? Chipped teeth. Knocked-out teeth. Fractured roots. Bitten tongues. Even jaw fractures.
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.
What About Teeth Grinding?
Mouthguards aren’t just for sports. Dr. Myers also makes nightguards for patients who grind or clench their teeth while sleeping. A custom nightguard protects your enamel, relaxes your jaw muscles, and can even help reduce those early-morning headaches.
It’s the same custom-fit process, but a different material and thickness designed for sleep, not sports.
How to Get a Custom Mouthguard at Emerald Isle Smiles
First, schedule an appointment with Dr. Myers. She’ll examine your teeth and talk about your sport or your grinding habits. Then she’ll take painless impressions of your teeth, no goopy mess with today’s digital options.
Those impressions get sent to a dental lab that fabricates your custom guard. In about two weeks, you’ll come back for a quick fitting to make sure it’s comfortable.
That’s it. You walk out with a mouthguard that fits so well you might forget you’re wearing it.
Protect What Matters
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. Don’t wait for an accident to happen. Protect your smile before you need to repair it.