Mouth Guards
Play Like A Pro
At Clemente Orthodontics, we recommend that patients who participate in contact sports wear a mouth guard. We work with GuardLab to create premium protective devices for our patients that are also worn by professional athletes. GuardLab uses advanced 3D technology to provide patients with a comfortable and perfectly-fitted device that effectively protects the teeth. GuardLab’s design is completely customizable, making them fun to wear! GuardLab is recognized for producing the best mouthguard for athletes seeking superior protection and comfort.
What Is A Mouth Guard?
A mouth guard is a device used to protect the teeth from injury while playing a sport. Mouth guards are typically recommended for patients who play contact sports, where injuries are more likely, such as the following sports: football, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, wrestling, and more. Children are especially vulnerable to dental injuries and should always wear a mouth guard during games and practices. Injuries can happen during any game, making mouthguards essential for safety. Whether undergoing orthodontic treatment or not, we recommend that every athlete protect their teeth. There are also mouthguards specifically designed for individuals with braces to ensure proper protection.
Types of Mouth Guards
Mouth guards come in several types, each designed to offer varying levels of protection and comfort for athletes in different sports. Custom mouthguards are considered the gold standard, as they are crafted in a dental office to fit the unique shape of your teeth and mouth. This custom fit ensures maximum protection against dental injuries and makes them comfortable to wear during high impact sports like football, ice hockey, and boxing. The American Dental Association strongly recommends custom mouthguards for athletes participating in these sports, as they provide the best defense against injuries.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are another popular option, especially for those looking for a balance between cost and fit. These mouthguards are softened in hot water and then molded to your bite at home, offering a more personalized fit than stock mouthguards. Stock mouthguards, on the other hand, are pre-formed and ready to wear straight out of the package. While they are the most affordable, they often lack the comfort and protection of custom or boil-and-bite options, as they come in limited sizes and may not fit securely over your teeth. Whether you’re playing basketball, martial arts, or any other sport, choosing the right mouth guard is essential for your safety and performance.
Common Uses of Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are a critical piece of protective equipment for anyone involved in athletic activities, especially contact sports like football, hockey, and rugby, where the risk of dental injuries and orofacial injury is high. Wearing a mouth guard helps protect the teeth and oral structures from sports related injuries, such as chipped or broken teeth, cuts to the lips, and even jaw fractures. Even in non-contact sports like gymnastics and skiing, mouth guards can prevent injuries caused by accidental falls or collisions.
Beyond sports, mouth guards are also used to protect against teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep, which can lead to dental injury, jaw pain, and headaches. The importance of wearing a mouth guard cannot be overstated—it significantly reduces the risk of injury and helps ensure the safety of athletes of all ages. Whether you’re a youth athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who grinds their teeth at night, a properly fitted guard is an essential tool for prevention and protection.
Creating Mouth Guards
At Clemente Orthodontics, we use advanced 3D technology to create digital impressions of your teeth, eliminating the need for traditional messy and uncomfortable impressions. Before receiving your mouth guard, your orthodontist will help you decide which GuardLab device is right for you.
Next, you’ll need to visit our office for a 3D scan of your teeth. Our digital scan technology is fast and efficient—it should take no more than 15 minutes. Then you’ll be able to design your device and select the colors, images and text to make it uniquely yours. Your device will be created using your digital scan. Because GuardLab is located here in the United States, your guard ships to you in 10-14 business days.
Mouth Guard Materials
The effectiveness of a mouth guard depends greatly on the materials used in its construction. Most mouthguards, especially custom mouthguards, are made from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), a flexible and resilient material engineered to withstand impact and provide reliable protection for your teeth and mouth. For high impact sports like football and hockey, some custom mouthguards incorporate a hard layer or use advanced materials such as polyolefin or polystyrene-polyolefin copolymer to enhance durability and performance.
The American Dental Association recommends choosing mouthguards that meet ANSI/ADA standards, ensuring that the materials used are both safe and effective for athletic use. The right material not only offers superior protection but also contributes to the comfort and fit of the mouth guard, making it easier for athletes to wear during games and practices. Whether you need a guard for sport or sleep, selecting a mouth guard made from high-quality, resilient materials is key to safeguarding your smile.
Night Guards
Night guards, sometimes called dental guards, are custom made devices designed to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching while you sleep. Crafted in a dental office using precise impressions of your teeth and mouth, night guards provide a perfect fit that maximizes comfort and protection. Wearing a night guard can help prevent dental injuries caused by bruxism, such as worn enamel, chipped teeth, and jaw pain.
In addition to protecting against grinding, night guards can also reduce the risk of sports related injuries like concussions by absorbing impact forces. Dentists often recommend night guards for patients who experience jaw discomfort, headaches, or other symptoms related to teeth grinding. The benefits of a custom night guard include improved sleep quality, reduced risk of dental injury, and long-term protection for your oral structures. If you suspect you grind your teeth at night or want to protect your smile, talk to your dentist about the advantages of a custom crafted night guard.
Caring For Mouth Guards
It’s important to clean your mouth guard to keep it feeling fresh and to prevent bacteria from collecting. Caring for your device is easy. Simply spray it with an antimicrobial and alcohol-free cleaning spray before and after each use. You can also refresh your device while you play, just wait at least 60 seconds after spraying before placing on the teeth. Here are some other tips we recommend to extend the life of your mouth guard:
WHAT IF I WEAR INVISALIGN®?
Invisalign® and mouth guards cannot be worn at once—Invisalign® patients must remove their aligners before using mouth guards. Because the teeth shift during Invisalign® treatment, Invisalign® patients should wear GuardLab’s Apex boil and bite mouth guard, which is reshaped to perfectly fit the patient’s smile throughout treatment. Boil and bite devices are soaked in hot water before wear, which allows for wear even as your teeth move during Invisalign® treatment.
CUSTOM VERSUS STORE BOUGHT
We understand it may be tempting to just buy a mouth guard next time you’re at the store. While they are cheaper, they are a one-size fits all and may not fit perfectly over your teeth like our custom devices do. As a result, they may not be as effective at protecting your teeth if you do suffer an injury while playing sports. Additionally, when you opt for one made by our team at Clemente Orthodontics, you may find it is more comfortable than a store bought one as this appliance is designed specifically for you.
HOW LONG WILL MY MOUTH GUARD LAST?
If you take proper care of your custom device, it can last several years. On the contrary, store bought mouth guards are not as durable and will need to be replaced often. When you come to us for your dental checkups, bring your custom appliance with you and we will inspect it for any wear signs to determine if it needs to be replaced.
Mouth Guards Available in All Three Locations
At Clemente Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer custom GuardLab mouth guards at all three of our convenient locations serving the communities of New City, Woodcliff Lake, and Ridgewood. Using advanced 3D technology and digital impressions, we create premium protective devices that are worn by professional athletes and provide superior protection for patients of all ages participating in contact sports.
New City Location
Visit our New City office at (845) 638-6646 to get fitted for your custom GuardLab mouth guard. Our team uses fast and efficient digital scanning technology to create a perfectly-fitted device that protects your teeth during sports activities.
Woodcliff Lake Location
Our Woodcliff Lake location at (201) 484-0600 offers the same advanced 3D technology to create your personalized mouth guard. Schedule your appointment today to protect your smile with a comfortable, customizable device.
Ridgewood Location
Contact our Ridgewood practice at (201) 447-2888 to learn more about our GuardLab mouth guards. Whether you need protection for contact sports or a night guard for teeth grinding, our experienced team will help you choose the right device for your needs.
Let’s Get Started!
If you play a sport or are thinking about starting a sport, talk to your team at Clemente Orthodontics about protecting the teeth from potential injury. Wearing a protection device is one of the easiest things you can do to safeguard your smile! To schedule your digital scan, call us or schedule an appointment using our online form. See more services we offer here.
For more information about mouth guards and to explore available options, visit our site.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mouth Guards
At Clemente Orthodontics, we prioritize the protection of your smile during sports and physical activities. Our custom mouth guards provide superior protection compared to over-the-counter options. Here are answers to common questions about mouth guards and dental protection.
Why are mouth guards important for sports and physical activities?
Mouth guards are essential for protecting your teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue during sports and physical activities. They help absorb the impact of blows to the face, significantly reducing the risk of broken teeth, cuts to the lips and cheeks, root damage, and even concussions. According to the American Dental Association, athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries when not wearing a mouth guard. This protective equipment is particularly important for patients with braces or Invisalign®, as dental injuries during orthodontic treatment can be more complex to address and may delay treatment progress.
What sports require mouth guards?
While mouth guards are mandatory in high-contact sports like football, hockey, boxing, and lacrosse, we recommend them for virtually all athletic activities where there’s a risk of falls, collisions, or impacts. This includes:
- Basketball and soccer
- Baseball and softball
- Volleyball and tennis
- Skateboarding and biking
- Gymnastics and cheerleading
- Wrestling and martial arts
Even in non-contact sports, accidental impacts can occur. The benefits of wearing a mouthguard for contact sports extend beyond protecting your teeth—they can also help protect against concussions and jaw injuries.
What’s the difference between custom orthodontic mouth guards and store-bought options?
Custom mouth guards created by our orthodontists offer several advantages over store-bought options:
Custom Mouth Guards:
- Precisely fitted to your unique dental structure
- Thinner and more comfortable, encouraging consistent use
- Allow for easier breathing and speaking
- Provide superior protection with optimal coverage
- Made from higher-quality, more durable materials
- Can be designed to accommodate braces or other orthodontic appliances
Store-Bought Mouth Guards:
- Generic fit that may slip or require constant biting to keep in place
- Bulkier design that can impede breathing and speech
- Less effective protection due to improper fit
- Typically less durable and may need frequent replacement
- Often uncomfortable, discouraging regular use
While custom mouth guards represent a greater initial investment, their superior protection, comfort, and durability make them the preferred choice for anyone serious about their sport and their smile.
Can I wear a mouth guard with braces?
Absolutely! In fact, wearing a mouth guard is especially important if you have braces. A properly designed orthodontic mouth guard provides space for braces and protects both your appliances and soft tissues from damage during sports. Without a mouth guard, an impact to the face could damage brackets and wires, potentially causing painful cuts to your lips and cheeks and extending your treatment time. We create custom mouth guards specifically designed to fit over braces, providing optimal protection while accommodating your orthodontic treatment.
How often should I replace my mouth guard?
Most custom mouth guards should be replaced every 1-2 years, depending on wear and tear, growth changes, and dental developments. For adolescents who are still growing or patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, more frequent replacements may be necessary as the dental structure changes. Signs that you need a new mouth guard include:
- Visible wear, tears, or holes
- Deformation that affects fit
- Difficulty keeping the guard in place
- Uncomfortable fit or pressure points
- Completion of significant dental work or orthodontic adjustments
We recommend bringing your mouth guard to your regular orthodontic appointments so we can evaluate its condition and fit.
How do I clean and care for my mouth guard?
Proper care extends the life of your mouth guard and maintains good oral hygiene:
- Rinse with cool water or mouthwash before and after each use
- Clean with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste
- Store in a ventilated case when not in use
- Keep away from high temperatures (hot water, direct sunlight, hot car dashboards)
- Avoid chewing on your mouth guard
- Bring to regular dental and orthodontic appointments for professional cleaning and inspection
- Keep out of reach of pets who might mistake it for a chew toy
With proper care, your custom mouth guard will provide optimal protection throughout its lifespan.
Can mouth guards help with teeth grinding (bruxism)?
While sports mouth guards and night guards serve different purposes, we do create specialized guards for nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism). Night guards are designed differently from sports mouth guards, with specific thickness and materials to address grinding forces rather than impact protection. If you experience teeth grinding or clenching, especially during sleep, ask about our custom night guards. These appliances can help prevent tooth damage, alleviate jaw pain, and reduce morning headaches associated with bruxism.
Are mouth guards covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for mouth guards varies by provider and plan. Some dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for custom mouth guards, particularly when they’re deemed medically necessary for patients with orthodontic appliances. Our team can help verify your insurance benefits and explain your coverage options. Even without insurance coverage, we believe the investment in a custom mouth guard is minimal compared to the potential cost of treating dental injuries that could have been prevented.
How is a custom mouth guard created?
The process for creating a custom mouth guard at Clemente Orthodontics involves:
- Taking precise digital impressions of your teeth (a quick, comfortable process)
- Fabricating the guard using high-quality, durable materials
- Ensuring proper thickness in key areas for optimal protection
- Carefully finishing and polishing for comfort
- Fitting the completed guard and making any necessary adjustments
- Providing instructions for care and maintenance
The entire process typically requires two short appointments—one for impressions and one for delivery and fitting. The result is a comfortable, effective mouth guard that’s specifically designed for your unique dental structure.
Can children and teenagers use the same type of mouth guard as adults?
Children and teenagers have unique needs when it comes to mouth guards. Their mouths are still developing, and they may be undergoing orthodontic treatment. We create custom mouth guards specifically designed for younger athletes, taking into account:
- Growth and development considerations
- Current orthodontic treatment needs
- Sport-specific requirements
- Comfort factors that encourage consistent use
For young athletes, especially those involved in multiple sports throughout the year, proper mouth protection is essential for their long-term dental health. Our custom-fitted youth mouth guards provide the protection they need while accommodating their growing smiles.
For more information about custom mouth guards or to schedule an appointment, contact us today. Visit our offices in Ridgewood, Woodcliff Lake, or New City to learn how our custom mouth guards can help protect your investment in your healthy, beautiful smile.
