Protecting your smile should be a priority, especially when you’re in the middle of the action on the sports field. Whether you’re playing football, basketball, or any other contact sport, the risk of injury is always present. A custom mouthguard is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s a smart, simple way to safeguard your teeth, jaw, and overall oral health.
Mouthguards play an essential role in protecting your smile during contact sports. At Clemente Orthodontics, we understand how important it is to prevent injuries before they happen. With decades of experience serving families in New York and New Jersey, we’ve seen firsthand how effective mouthguards can be in reducing the risk of dental trauma. Whether you’re hitting the field or going out on the court, investing in a custom-fit mouthguard ensures maximum comfort and protection tailored specifically to you.
4 Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard for Contact Sports
A mouthguard is a soft, flexible dental appliance that fits over your teeth. It works like a cushion, absorbing impacts to the mouth, teeth, and jaw. In contact sports, where injuries to the face and mouth are common, wearing a mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries.
Here’s how a mouthguard helps protect your smile:
- Prevents Tooth Damage: The most obvious benefit of wearing a mouthguard is protecting your teeth from chips, cracks, or even complete tooth loss. Accidents are bound to happen, and a mouthguard acts as a barrier to keep your teeth safe from direct impacts.
- Protects Your Jaw and Face: Mouthguards also help cushion the jaw, reducing the risk of broken jaws or facial injuries. They even help minimize the risk of concussions by preventing the head from snapping back too quickly during impact.
- Prevents Soft Tissue Injuries: The edges of your teeth can easily cut your gums, lips, and the inside of your cheeks during physical contact. A mouthguard provides a protective layer to prevent these painful injuries.
- Improves Performance: When you’re not worried about the risk of injury, you can focus better on your game. Mouthguards can help athletes perform with more confidence, knowing their teeth and jaw are protected.
With your custom mouthguard in hand, you’ll be ready to step onto the field with confidence, knowing that your smile and oral health are well-protected.
Custom vs. Boil-and-Bite vs. Stock Mouthguards
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection, and understanding the differences can help explain why an orthodontist-made mouthguard is worth the investment.
Stock Mouthguards
These pre-formed, one-size-fits-all mouthguards are the least expensive option found at most sporting goods stores. They typically fit poorly, can make talking and breathing more difficult, and offer the least reliable protection of the three types.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Softened in hot water and then bitten down on to create a rough impression of the teeth, boil-and-bite mouthguards offer moderate protection at a low cost. According to the American Dental Association, boil-and-bite mouthguards can be a reasonable option when a custom mouthguard is not available, particularly those carrying the ADA Seal of Acceptance, though the fit is still less precise than a professionally made appliance.
Custom Mouthguards
Made from a precise digital scan or impression of your own teeth, a custom mouthguard from an orthodontic office offers the closest fit, the most consistent thickness for shock absorption, and the least interference with speech and breathing.
Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard from Clemente Orthodontics?
While store-bought mouthguards may seem convenient, they often fall short when it comes to comfort and protection. At Clemente Orthodontics, we specialize in creating custom mouthguards for your needs. Here’s why a professional mouthguard from Clemente Orthodontics is the best choice:
- Perfect Fit: Custom mouthguards are made based on precise impressions of your teeth, giving you better comfort and more protection than a one-size-fits-all option.
- Durability and Comfort: Professional-grade mouthguards are built to last and offer superior protection. They’re also designed to be more comfortable for long-term use, allowing you to focus on your game without the distraction of a bulky or ill-fitting mouthguard.
- Personalized Care: When you work with Clemente Orthodontics, you get more than just a mouthguard. You get personalized care from professionals who are dedicated to your oral health. We’ll ensure your mouthguard is crafted to meet your specific needs and preferences.
Getting a custom mouthguard at Clemente Orthodontics is easy and convenient, ensuring your mouth, teeth, and jaw are protected.
Mouthguards for Patients Wearing Braces
Athletes who are currently in braces have specific mouthguard needs, since a standard mouthguard can trap brackets and wires against soft tissue during an impact. An orthodontic-specific mouthguard is designed with extra room to accommodate braces safely, protecting both the appliance and the surrounding gum tissue. If you play a contact sport during treatment, let your orthodontist know so a properly sized mouthguard can be provided as part of your care.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
A little routine care extends the life of any mouthguard and keeps it sanitary between uses:
- Rinse with cool water or a non-alcohol mouth rinse before and after every use.
- Store it in a ventilated, protective case rather than a closed bag or pocket to prevent warping.
- Avoid exposure to hot water, direct sunlight, or a hot car, all of which can distort the fit.
- Bring it to your regular dental visits so your provider can check it for wear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mouthguards
Can I wear a regular mouthguard if I have braces?
A standard mouthguard is not recommended for patients with braces, since it can press wires and brackets into the lips and cheeks during an impact. An orthodontic mouthguard built with extra clearance is the safer option during treatment.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
With proper care, a custom mouthguard typically lasts one to two sports seasons before it needs replacing. Growing children and teens, or patients actively moving teeth with braces, may need a new one sooner to maintain a proper fit.
What sports require a mouthguard?
Any sport with a risk of collision or falling, including football, hockey, basketball, wrestling, soccer, and lacrosse, is a reasonable candidate for a mouthguard, even when it is not required by league rules.
Can a mouthguard help with more than just teeth protection?
Yes. A properly fitted mouthguard cushions impacts to the jaw and can reduce strain on the jaw joint during contact, in addition to protecting the teeth and soft tissue of the mouth.
How is a custom mouthguard made?
A digital scan or impression of your teeth is taken in the office and used to fabricate a mouthguard that matches the exact contours of your bite, providing a level of fit that store-bought options cannot replicate.
Protect Your Smile with a Custom Mouthguard
At Clemente Orthodontics, we’re passionate about helping athletes of all ages maintain their oral health while excelling on the field. With decades of experience and a commitment to personalized care, we know how important it is to have the right equipment to protect your smile. A custom mouthguard not only offers unmatched protection but also ensures a comfortable fit that helps you focus on your game.
We’re proud to offer custom mouthguards that prioritize your safety and confidence. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, our custom-fit solutions are crafted to provide the best protection possible. Contact us today to learn how Clemente Orthodontics can help safeguard your smile during your favorite activities. Call us at (845) 638-6646 or visit our contact page for more information.
Medically reviewed by:
The Orthodontic Team at Clemente Orthodontics
September 9, 2026
At Clemente Orthodontics our expert dental team takes great care in providing orthodontic treatment and Invisalign solutions for our patients.
