Custom Mouth Guards

My Town's Little Dentist provides pediatric custom mouth guards in Levittown, NY. Call 516-226-7337 to make an appointment.

Mouth guards are required in many sports and recommended in others because they are an important way to prevent dental trauma. The mouth guard covers the teeth and gums, providing extensive protection for the entire oral cavity. Many feel that they act as a “shock absorber” and reduce the severity and likelihood of a concussion.  However, not all mouth guards are the same. Here is what you must know if your child plays sports.

There are three basic types of mouth guards. Regardless of the type you choose make sure it is comfortable and well fitted, and does not interfere with speaking or breathing.

Stock Guards: Off-the-shelf mouth guards are the least expensive. They are readily available and are already formed and ready to wear. However, since they are not individually fitted, stock guards may not fit well and may be uncomfortable. They are often cheaply made and may not last as long as other types.

Boil and Bite Guards: A boil and bite mouth guard is a mid-range solution. Easy to find at most stores, these guards must be fitted at home. Simply place the mouth guard in boiling water until it softens, let it cool until your child can tolerate it, and have her place it in her mouth and bite down. The mouth guard will form to the shape of your child’s mouth, creating a reasonably comfortable and secure fit.

Custom Guards: We highly recommend allowing our office to create a custom mouth guard. We will take an impression of your child’s teeth and then create a sturdy, comfortable guard that truly conforms to your child’s unique oral anatomy. We can even incorporate designs for a true one of a kind mouth guard.

Custom mouth guards are especially important for kids who wear braces or have any unusual oral anatomy. There is simply no way for a unique mouth to precisely fit an off the shelf mouth guard.  A more comfortable custom guard is more likely to be worn and less likely to fall out in the event of a trauma.  They cost less than most pairs of cleats and significantly less than expensive reconstructive dental care.

The American Dental Association recommends a mouthguard for all contact sports but also for many others. Mouth guards are required for contact sports such as football and hockey, and are recommended for such sports as gymnastics and volleyball. Mouth guards are available in three types: stock, boil and bite, and custom. Of these, only a custom mouth guard is precisely fitted to your child’s unique oral anatomy. We highly recommend allowing us to take dental impressions and create a mouth guard specifically for your child. Our custom guards may be created with different thicknesses and with or without helmet loops.

To ensure that your child’s mouth guard remains clean, hygienic, and durable, it is important to take a few basic precautions. Rinse the guard before and after every use, and wash it on a regular basis in soapy water, taking care to rinse thoroughly. After washing, carefully inspect the guard for any signs of damage. Check the fit frequently, especially if your child starts to feel uncomfortable, as mouth size changes when kids grow. If you are unsure about the fit, bring the mouth guard along to your child’s next dental appointment.

If you are in the Levittown area and your child needs a custom mouth guard, we invite you to call our office at 516-226-7337 for immediate assistance.