Best Dental Mouthguards in McLean VA

What is a Dental Mouthguard?

A dental mouthguard is a custom-fitted device designed to protect your teeth, jaw, and overall oral health. While mouthguards are often associated with sports, they also serve a critical function for individuals who experience nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw issues, or are simply looking for extra protection to maintain their oral health. ‘

Unlike sports mouthguards, which are primarily used for physical protection during activities, dental mouthguards are tailored for comfort, fit, and long-term use.

Who Needs a Dental Mouthguard?

People with Sleep Disorders

If you suffer from sleep-related issues like bruxism (teeth grinding) or jaw clenching, a dental mouthguard can be your best ally. These issues often occur unconsciously during the night and can lead to serious damage to your teeth, jaw, and gums. A mouthguard can act as a protective barrier, absorbing the pressure of grinding and preventing further damage. With a customized fit, it ensures maximum comfort and effectiveness while you sleep.

People with Jaw Issues

For individuals dealing with jaw pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, or other jaw-related issues, a dental mouthguard is a relief solution. By gently cushioning the pressure and aligning the jaw properly, mouthguards can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with jaw tension and clenching. They support proper jaw positioning and reduce strain on muscles and joints, making them an essential tool for anyone experiencing chronic jaw discomfort.

People Looking for Dental Protection

Even if you don’t grind your teeth at night or have jaw issues, a dental mouthguard can offer extra protection for your teeth, especially if you are looking for prevention of potential oral problems, play sports – or have children that do. From protecting against accidental bumps and trauma to providing a safeguard against dental wear, mouthguards are versatile tools that promote overall oral health.

How Does a Dental Mouthguard Work?

A dental mouthguard works by creating a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth, which helps in several ways.

Mouthguards prevent the enamel on your teeth from wearing down due to grinding or clenching. For people suffering from TMJ disorders or jaw pain, the guard relieves excess pressure on the jaw and temporomandibular joint. By preventing teeth grinding, it also improves the quality of sleep for people affected by bruxism, leading to fewer disturbances and better rest.

Benefits of Wearing a Dental Mouthguard

Wearing a dental mouthguard helps protect your teeth from excessive wear, prevents jaw discomfort, and reduces the risk of damage caused by teeth grinding or clenching. It also promotes better oral health by minimizing strain on your jaw muscles and joints.

• Prevents tooth damage: Protects your teeth from excessive wear caused by grinding and clenching.
• Alleviates jaw pain: Helps reduce jaw tension and strain, providing relief for TMJ disorder sufferers.
• Improves quality of sleep: Minimizes nighttime disruptions, allowing for a more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
• Affordable protection: A mouthguard is a cost-effective solution compared to dental procedures needed to repair teeth damaged by grinding or clenching.
• Customizable: Many dental mouthguards are made to fit the unique shape of your teeth and jaw, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness.

Choosing the Right Dental Mouthguard

When selecting a dental mouthguard, it’s important to consider factors such as comfort, durability, and fit. A custom-fit mouthguard from your dentist is often the best option for people with sleep disorders, jaw issues, and athletes. While over-the-counter mouthguards may seem more affordable, they often lack the precision and comfort of a custom-made mouthguard. Dr. Colospate will take impressions of your teeth and craft a mouthguard that fits snugly and comfortably, ensuring it stays in place and provides the protection you need throughout the night or game.

How to Care for Your Dental Mouthguard

To maximize the life of your dental mouthguard, it’s essential to take proper care of it:

• Clean regularly: Rinse your mouthguard with warm water after each use and clean it with a mild soap or special cleaning solution to avoid bacteria buildup.
• Store properly: Keep it in a protective case when not in use to avoid damage and contamination.
• Check for wear: Regularly check your mouthguard for signs of wear and tear. If it’s no longer effective, consider having it replaced.

Bite Splint, Hard/Soft Care Instructions

General Use and Safety Precautions

• Brush and floss thoroughly before inserting your bite splint.
• Rinse your mouth well with clean water before use.
• If using mouthwash, ensure all traces are removed by rinsing with water.
• Always rinse the appliance with clean, cool water before and after each use.
• Clean the bite splint with cool water only and allow it to air dry completely.

Proper Storage

After rinsing, store your bite splint in its designated case. Allow the appliance to air dry at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Leaving the case lid slightly open can help facilitate complete drying.

Important Warnings

• Only use clean, cool water for cleaning.
• Do not clean or soak the appliance in mouthwash.
• Do not use denture cleaner.
• Do not clean with hot water.
• Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on the appliance.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

It is important to note that although you can care for both your dental mouthguard and your sports mouthguard the same ways, only the sports mouthguard is intended for athletic protection. The bite splint is not designed for use as an athletic sports guard. It does not provide shock absorption.

For additional guidance on maintaining your bite splint, contact us.

Why Wear a Sports Mouthguard?

Sports mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums from injury. Protecting your smile while playing sports is essential, injuries to the mouth and jaw are some of the most common injuries received by athletes. Here at McLean Healthy Smiles we provide custom-made mouthguards for adults & kids in Northern Virginia.

If you participate in basketball, boxing, hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, track and field, skateboarding, skiing and snowboarding, skydiving, soccer, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting or wrestling, it is recommended by the American Dental Association that you wear a mouthguard.

Types of Sports Mouthguards

Choosing the right sports mouthguard is important. There are three basic types of mouthguards:

1. Pre-made mouthguard
2. “Boil-and-bite” fitted mouthguard
3. Custom-made mouthguard

When you choose a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that is tear-resistant, well-fitted for your mouth, and easy to keep clean. Also, make sure it does not prevent you from breathing properly during use. If you wear braces or a retainer, it is imperative for you to wear a mouthguard. Your dentist can show you how to wear a mouthguard properly and how to choose the right mouthguard to protect your smile.

What Type of Sports Mouthguards Are the Best?

The best sports mouthguards near you are produced and custom-fitted by your dentist.

Custom-fit mouthguards are specifically made for each individual, and a professional, like a dentist, creates them in a dental office or a special lab. They’re designed based on your dentist’s instructions to ensure a perfect fit.

Usually, mouthguards are meant for upper teeth, but if you have braces on your lower teeth, your dentist might suggest one for them as well. It’s important to ask your dentist about the best mouthguard for you. A good mouthguard should be comfy, strong, easy to clean, and not get in the way of your breathing or talking.

How Much Do Custom Sports Mouthguards Cost in McLean, VA?

Because custom-made mouthguards use higher quality materials and require more time and expertise to produce, they are pricier than other types like the stock store-bought and off-the-shelf boil-and-bite varieties. However, they provide superior comfort and protection to prevent traumatic injury to the mouth, teeth, jaw, & face.

To ensure optimal comfort and protection, consider combining a custom mouthguard with professional tooth reshaping, for a personalized and secure fit that complements your natural tooth contouring.

Taking Care of Your Sports Mouthguard

Similar to a retainer, braces, or any other special dental appliance, it is important to take care of your mouthguard by storing it properly and keeping it clean. You should also know when to replace your old mouthguard with a new one.

Here are a few simple ways to keep your mouthguard clean and working correctly:

• Gently scrub your mouthguard after each use with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Store your mouthguard in a protective case.
• Do not leave your mouthguard in the sun or in hot water;  it may melt or become deformed.
• Replace your mouthguard at the beginning of every new sports season. You should also replace your mouthguard if you notice it has become worn and no longer fits properly.
• Do not wear a retainer with your mouthguard. If you wear braces, your dentist will help design a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your braces.
• Do not chew on or cut pieces off of your mouthguard.
• Bring your mouthguard to each dental checkup, and your dentist can check to make sure it’s still in good shape.

Our goal is to help minimize your chances of a sports-related injury by crafting custom-made sports mouthguards in McLean VA. Be sure to ask us about mouthguards at your next dental checkup.

Is a Dental Mouthguard Right for You?

If you suffer from teeth grinding, jaw pain, or are simply looking for extra protection for your oral health, a dental mouthguard can be a simple yet effective solution. By wearing a custom-fit mouthguard, you can protect your teeth, relieve jaw discomfort, and improve your overall quality of life.

Need a Dental Mouthguard in McLean, VA?

If you are looking for the best sports mouthguards near you, contact McLean Healthy Smiles today for top-notch protection and personalized oral care a custom-fit mouthguard provides.

The best mouthguards in McLean, VA are produced and custom-fitted by Dr. Colospate. If you have any more questions, we encourage you to learn more about protecting your – or your athlete’s – smile with a custom-fit mouthguard custom-crafted by Dr. Colospate.

During your consultation, we will discuss your options, answer your questions, present some examples for you to choose from, and review payment or insurance options. And if you’re looking for a children’s dentist near me in McLean, VA, we offer expert pediatric dental care in a friendly, welcoming environment.

Call us now at (703) 356-5330 or send us a message.

Areas Served:

We provide dental mouthguards in the following cities in Virginia.

Cities:

McLean, Great Falls, Falls Church, Arlington, Vienna