Custom Mouthguard Washington, DC

Custom mouthguards are essential for protecting your teeth and mouth from injury. As a dentist practicing in Washington, DC—and someone who is addicted to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)—I’ve seen dental trauma enough times in my office to be absolutely shocked by the number of athletes training without proper protection. Studies show that if you don’t wear a mouthguard, you are 7 to 8 times more likely to experience dental trauma.

Whether you’re dealing with bruxism, sleep apnea, or taking elbows on the mat, Dr. Slate offers expertly crafted custom mouthguards to meet your specific oral health needs.

Custom Mouthguards in Washington, DC

Protecting your teeth and mouth from injury is critical for contact sports. Dental trauma can result from vibrational forces, a blow to the jaw, a strike to the head, or whiplash.

To understand why custom guards work better, let’s look at the physics—specifically Newton’s Second Law of Motion (F=MA). If you take a hit to the jaw, the mass of the opposing force is constant, but the acceleration is the variable. By increasing the distance between your upper and lower teeth, a proper mouthguard decreases the deceleration speed, massively reducing the resulting force on your jaw and teeth. We recommend custom sports mouthguards for anyone playing football, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, or basketball.

The Real Risks of Skipping the Guard

Without proper protection, you are risking severe complications. Some of the most common trauma we treat at our Washington, DC office includes:

• Tooth Fractures: The most common injury, requiring anything from simple re-bonding to complex root canals to attempt to save the tooth.
• Alveolar Fractures: Breaking the bone immediately surrounding the tooth, which requires resetting and splinting the teeth like a cast.
• Tooth Avulsion: Knocking the tooth completely out. (Pro-tip: If this happens at your gym, transport the tooth in Hank’s balanced salt solution or the patient’s own saliva to keep the ligament cells alive!)
• Mandibular Fractures: Breaking the jaw itself, which often requires immobilizing the jaws by wiring them shut to heal.
• TMD Issues: Trauma to the mandibular fossa (where your jaw attaches to your skull) can cause long-term pain when opening, closing, and chewing.

Custom vs. Store-Bought Sports Mouthguards

Not all mouthguards are the same. Many athletes grab cheap, boil-and-bite mouthguards from the store. While these are better than nothing, they often feel bulky, fall out easily, or make it hard to talk and breathe. In fact, discomfort is the number one reason athletes “forget” to wear their guards. Furthermore, independent studies show that mouthguards do not negatively impact aerobic performance—so there is no athletic downside to wearing one.

Custom sports mouthguards are made just for you. Dr. John Slate will take a precise impression of your teeth to ensure a snug, comfortable fit. Because it matches your bite exactly, it stays in place. I recommend a minimum of 3mm of thickness. A dentally fitted, laminated mouthguard of at least 3mm is scientifically proven to be superior to over-the-counter options in reducing impact forces.

Can I Use TMJ Nightguards for Sports?

No, while we provide custom mouthguards for sports and for patients with TMJ, each device is completely different. A TMJ nightguard is much thinner, designed to protect your teeth from grinding and relieve pressure on your jaw joints while you sleep.

A sports mouthguard is built to absorb heavy shock and reduce the risk of impact injuries during physical activities. Using your TMJ nightguard during sports could easily destroy it and won’t provide the 3mm of protection you need for blunt force trauma.

Process for Getting a Custom Mouthguard in Washington, DC

Getting a custom mouthguard is easy and comfortable. Unlike store-bought mouthguards, which are one-size-fits-all, custom mouthguards are made just for you. Here’s what you can expect:

• First Visit: We will examine your teeth and discuss the specific sport you play to determine the exact type and thickness of mouthguard you need.
• Impressions: Dr. Slate will take a quick, painless impression of your mouth to create a guard that adapts perfectly to your teeth, minimizing the amount of space it takes up in your mouth for maximum comfort.
• Fitting and Final Adjustments: When your custom mouthguard is ready, you’ll return to try it on. We will check the fit and make small changes to ensure it stays locked in place while you play.

How to Maintain and Care for Custom Sports Mouthguards

You should clean your mouthguard regularly to remove bacteria. We recommend soaking it in a cleaning solution like Efferdent, or washing it gently using mild soap and water. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface of your guard.

Keep your mouthguard in a ventilated case when you’re not using it. Airflow helps prevent bacteria from growing. Never leave your mouthguard in a hot car or near anything warm, as extreme heat can warp the material and ruin the custom fit.

How Often Should I Replace My Sports Mouthguard?

Most people should replace their mouthguard every one to two years. If your mouthguard starts to feel loose or uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to get a new one sooner.

Children and teenagers may need to replace their mouthguards more often as their mouths grow and they lose or gain teeth.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

The cost of a custom mouthguard in Washington, DC can vary based on material, design, and purpose. Dr. John Slate will provide a detailed estimate during your consultation. Remember: an appointment for a chipped or avulsed tooth will likely be vastly more expensive than any custom mouthguard you’ll ever buy. Invest in something you will actually wear!

Many insurance plans offer coverage for custom mouthguards, and our office can assist in verifying your benefits.

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