Keeping your young athlete in the game with mouthguards made to fit, last, and protect
Is an aspiring Cougar or Aggie in your midst? At Canyon Crossing Dental, in Ivins, Utah, we can protect your young athlete’s smile and performance on the field, court, rink, pitch, diamond, track, or course.
Our team, led by Dr. Susan Baker, designs protective mouthguards for student-athletes from Ivins, St. George, Utah, and beyond. These oral appliances are unlike anything you may find in the sporting goods store or online; they are fabricated from precise molds of your child’s mouth. Such custom-fit “sports guards” slip into the mouth and over the teeth.
Why should I consider customized mouthguards?
Since they fit so well, your child will actually wear the device as intended. They are comfortable and do not irritate oral tissues. Plus, these professional mouthguards also function as designed since they don’t slide around. They are truly able to protect the teeth and tissues from injuries caused by contact during sports, such as blows to the face from balls, other equipment, and even other players.
What makes your mouthguards different than over-the-counter options?
Our guards are made from quality materials. They are durable and built to last. This is an important feature because of the potential stressors that are associated with contact sports. You need to have strong guards that will not break, wear down quickly, or fail to adequately protect your child from traumatic dental, oral, and facial injuries that require invasive, costly, and time-consuming restorative treatment.
How long will these mouthguards last?
Dr. Baker will continue to work with your child after the mouthguard is created to ensure it fits properly and remains in good condition. During each dental checkup, Dr. Baker will examine the mouthguard. As your child grows and develops, the mouthguard may not fit as well as it once did. Additionally, even the highest-quality, custom-fit mouthguards may eventually need to be replaced. With proper care, you can expect many years of protection from our sports mouthguard.
What can I expect during my appointment for a custom mouthguard?
During your child’s appointment for a custom mouthguard, Dr. Baker will first examine their mouth to assess their needs and determine if a custom mouthguard is appropriate. If it’s decided that a custom mouthguard is necessary, impressions of your child’s teeth will be taken to create a mold for the appliance.
This mold is then sent to a dental laboratory, where the custom mouthguard is crafted to fit your child’s unique mouth shape and size. This ensures a comfortable fit and maximum protection during sports activities.
Once the custom mouthguard is ready, your child will return for a follow-up appointment, during which Dr. Baker will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments.
When do I need to replace them?
Our team encourages your child to bring their mouthguard to each checkup so we can evaluate its structure and ensure it is still working as intended. If a replacement is needed, we will discuss this with you so you can make an informed decision for your family’s needs.
How do I take care of my or my child’s new sports guards?
Taking proper care of your child’s mouthguard is crucial for extending its lifespan and ensuring it protects their teeth effectively. Here are some tips for caring for your child’s new mouthguard:
- Rinse it after each use: After each use, have your child rinse their mouthguard with cool water to remove any debris or bacteria.
- Brush it regularly: Just like you would brush your teeth, encourage your child to brush their mouthguard regularly with a toothbrush and toothpaste. This helps prevent plaque build-up and keeps the mouthguard clean.
- Store it correctly: When not in use, store the mouthguard in a ventilated container to allow it to dry thoroughly.
Who can I call to find out more about these options?
Feel free to call us at (435) 344-4445. We are happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. Our office is conveniently located in Ivins, Utah, and we also serve patients in St. George. Dr. Baker is an experienced provider of oral appliance therapy, helping protect patients from a range of issues, including sports-related dental injuries, sleep-disordered breathing, and chronic teeth grinding.
