Sports Mouth Guards in Springfield, OR: Protecting Smiles
Sports mouth guards in Springfield, Oregon, help protect teeth, lips, cheeks, and jaws during practices and games. This educational guide explains how mouth guards work, the differences between over-the-counter and custom options, and what athletes can expect from a proper fit. Whether you play contact sports or enjoy activities with occasional impacts, the right protection reduces the risk of dental injuries.
Sports Mouth Guards Explained
A sports mouth guard is a resilient oral appliance worn over the teeth to cushion blows to the face. It distributes and absorbs impact forces to lower the chance of chipped or broken teeth, soft tissue cuts, and joint strain. Common styles include stock guards, boil-and-bite guards, and custom mouth guards made in a dental office. Stock and boil-and-bite options are accessible, but they can feel bulky or loosen during play. Custom-made mouth guards provide the most reliable fit and protection because they are formed to your exact bite.
Custom guards are typically made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) in one or more layers. Thickness and design can be adjusted for sport-specific needs or to accommodate orthodontic appliances. Many athletes in Springfield, OR, use them for football, basketball, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, martial arts, wrestling, and skate or bike sports. If you wear braces, a well-designed mouth guard can shield brackets and reduce irritation while still allowing room for tooth movement.
How Sports Mouth Guards Can Help You
Patients often ask what is a sports mouth guard good for and how do mouthguards work. The benefits are practical and immediate:
- Reduced risk of chipped, cracked, or avulsed (knocked-out) teeth.
- Less chance of lip, cheek, and tongue lacerations.
- Improved distribution of impact forces to help limit jaw strain.
- More comfortable breathing and speaking with a proper custom fit.
- Options tailored for braces to protect hardware and soft tissues.
Research on concussion reduction remains mixed, so no mouth guard should be considered a concussion-prevention device. Its main role is dental trauma prevention and soft tissue protection.
The Custom Mouth Guard Process
The process for a custom sports mouth guard is straightforward and centered on precision fit:
- Evaluation and planning: A brief exam confirms your sport, age, braces status, and any history of dental injury.
- Impressions or digital scan: A precise model of your teeth is taken to guide accurate fabrication.
- Laboratory fabrication: The guard is pressure- or vacuum-formed for consistent thickness and durability.
- Fitting and adjustments: The appliance is trimmed and polished so it stays secure without rubbing or gagging.
- Instructions and follow-up: You receive mouthguard care instructions, storage tips, and guidance on replacement timing.
Turnaround time is typically short, and minor refinements can be made if your bite changes, especially during orthodontic treatment.
What to Expect With Your Mouth Guard
A well-made guard should feel snug, allow normal breathing, and let you speak with minimal effort. It should not require constant biting to keep it in place. Expect a brief break-in period as you get used to the fit. If you have braces, a specialized design provides added room and smooth contours to protect lips and cheeks while brackets do their job.
Daily care is simple and helps extend the life of your guard:
- Rinse before and after each use, and brush gently with a soft toothbrush.
- Use cool water; avoid hot water that can warp the material.
- Store dry in a ventilated case away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Clean the case regularly to limit bacterial buildup.
- Bring the guard to dental checkups for fit assessment and cleaning tips.
Replacement frequency varies. Growing athletes may need a new guard each season. Adults often replace guards every 1–2 years or sooner if the appliance becomes thin, loose, or damaged. If you start or complete orthodontic treatment, a refit may be needed to keep protection reliable.