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Mouthguards For Sports Or Sleep In Tempe, AZ
Mouthguards can help prevent sports-related dental injuries and protect your teeth while you sleep. If you are interested in a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect your teeth, contact us at Okun Dentistry in Tempe, AZ, at (480) 967-8763.
Wearing A Mouthguard Is Vital In Preventing Dental Injuries During Contact Sports
Mouthguards can help prevent many different dental injuries. A mouthguard cushions the upper teeth from blows that might otherwise cause teeth to chip or break. Guards are generally made to fit the mouth, either custom-fitted by a dentist or bought over-the-counter.
Mouthguards can be used by anyone who plays any sport, whether there is contact or not. Football, boxing, soccer, hockey, or even gymnastics or skateboarding, pose a risk of injury to the natural teeth and jaw joints. Accidents to the mouth, teeth, and jaws can occur at any time during any sporting activity. Proper protective gear can save pain, alleviate anxiety, and save you from a costly dental treatment.
Types Of Mouth Guards
If you participate in any sport, the American Dental Association recommends wearing a mouthguard. Choosing the right guard is essential because you want it to fit correctly to protect your mouth. The three basic types of mouthguards include pre-made, “boil and bite,” and a custom-made mouthguard.
Stock Mouth Guards: Stock mouth protectors are pre-formed and ready to wear. Unfortunately, they are created as a one-size-fits-all and can be very uncomfortable to wear, and they can be bulky and make breathing and talking difficult. These can be found at many sporting goods stores.
Boil and Bite: These mouthguards are ready-to-wear protectors that will fit a wide range of mouth sizes. You place the mouthguard into hot water to soften it, then fit it over your teeth and bite down. Once cooled, it will harden and fit your mouth. This mouthguard is bulky because of its pre-formed shape and does not retain its exact form.
Custom Mouth Guard: A custom mouthguard created by a dentist is the best way to ensure that your mouth is adequately protected. Custom mouthguards are made in the office by taking an impression of your mouth, and the custom mouthguard is created from the impression to ensure a precise fit and maximum protection. This mouthguard allows for optimal breathing, speaking, and comfort.
When choosing the best type of mouthguard for you, you should look for one that:
- is sturdy and durable
- is easy to clean
- fits your mouth comfortably
- covers an entire arch of teeth
- fits comfortably over any orthodontic appliances
- and allows you to breathe easily
Can I Wear A Mouth Guard If I Wear Braces?
Caring For Your Mouth Guard
- Replace your mouthguard if it becomes worn or damaged and check for damage regularly.
- Do not allow young children or pets to chew on our play with the mouthguard, which can cause it to become damaged.
- Wash your mouthguard with lukewarm water and soap without scrubbing. Allow to dry overnight or wipe with a cloth before reinserting into the mouth.
- Replace mouthguards after two years for children and after 12 months for adults.
Contact Us At Okun Dentistry For Your Mouth Guard Needs Today!
Frequently Asked Questions
A custom-fitted mouthguard from our Tempe office provides superior protection compared to store-bought ones. We take precise impressions to ensure your denture fits your teeth and jaw accurately, protecting you from sports injuries, grinding, and TMJ stress while remaining comfortable to wear.
Anyone participating in contact sports, recreational activities, or those who grind or clench their teeth (bruxism) can benefit. At our Tempe location, we recommend mouthguards for athletes, nighttime grinders, and patients with TMJ symptoms seeking protective support.
At our Tempe office, we offer custom sports mouthguards, night guards for bruxism, and hybrid guards that combine features for athletes who grind their teeth. Each is constructed from durable materials and tailored to your bite and lifestyle.
We take a digital or physical impression of your teeth, design a mouthguard in the lab to fit precisely, and then deliver, adjust, and fit your custom guard at our Tempe office to ensure comfort, proper fit, and protection tailored to your specific needs.
Yes. A night guard designed for grinding helps reduce tooth wear, relax jaw muscles, and ease TMJ strain. Our Tempe team evaluates your bite and habits, then recommends a guard that protects your teeth and supports long‑term jaw health.
The lifespan depends on material, wear patterns, and care. With proper cleaning and storage, a well-fitted guard from our Tempe office can last anywhere from one to several years. We’ll monitor the fit during regular check-ups and recommend replacement when necessary.
Rinse your guard after each use, brush it gently with toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, and store it in a dry case. Avoid hot water or leaving it in sunlight. At our Tempe office, we’ll instruct you in cleaning and safe storage.
Yes — custom guards cost more initially because they’re tailored to you, but they offer better fit, comfort, and protection. At our Tempe office, we’ll review the cost, compare options, and explain why investing in a custom guard can save on future dental damage.
If your guard feels loose, cracked, worn, or causes discomfort, it’s time for a replacement. At our Tempe office, we inspect the fit at your dental checkups and advise when the guard no longer provides full protection.
Wear your sports mouthguard during practice and games to protect your teeth. Wear your nighttime guard every night if you grind, clench, or have TMJ symptoms. Consistent use protects your teeth, jaw, and restorations from damage over time.