Summerlin, Las Vegas, and Henderson Nevada
If you play sports, you are more likely to suffer damage to your teeth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), nearly one-third of dental emergencies are caused by sports-related accidents. A sports guard can protect your teeth while you engage in sports-related activities such as baseball, soccer, basketball, football, hockey, and even mountain biking.
A sports-related injury to the face increases your chance of causing damage to your mouth including:
- Avulsed tooth (knocked out)
- Lacerations of the lips, cheeks or other soft tissue inside the mouth
- Damage to existing dental work
- Broken, chipped, or fractured teeth
How Sports Guards Work
A sports guard absorbs the shock and force caused by trauma to the face. They help prevent seismic contact between teeth. Sports guards have also been shown to help prevent neurological injuries, such as concussions, by redistributing the force of an impact to the head. Our sports guards are custom made for each patient. Our sports guards are made of clear acrylic that fits over your teeth and is comfortable to wear while playing sports.
Who should get a sports guard?
Sports guards are not just for people who play contact sports such as football or wrestling. Sports guards are ideal if you skateboard, ski, surf, mountain bike, or are a gymnast. In fact, a sports guard offers protection while engaging in any sport in which an injury to the face may occur.
The Process
Getting a custom-made sports guard is easy! When you visit your Las Vegas dentist, Dr. Matthew Wilson, we take impressions of your mouth that are used to fabricate your sports guard. Since your new oral appliance is custom made, it will have a snug, yet comfortable fit, unlike those one-size-fits-all sports guards you can buy at pharmacies or sporting goods stores.
It may take up to two weeks for your sports guard to be made, but you will return to our office for a second appointment in which you will receive your oral appliance. Dr. Wilson will try in your new sports guard to ensure it fits properly.
Caring for a Sports Guard
You will be provided specific instructions on how to care for your sports guard. Don’t worry! It is easy! Using a soft bristled toothbrush, and mild soap, gently brush your sports guard after each use. Rinse with warm water, and be sure to store it in the designated case that we provide you. Ensure the sports guard, and inside of the storage case is completely dry before storing it away long-term. Never share your sports guard, or leave it in extreme heat such as the car. Let us know if it breaks or gets lost so that we can make you a new one.
Sports guards also help save you time and money down the road by avoiding costly dental repairs. Plus, nothing is as good as your natural teeth, so protect the teeth that you have! Once you receive your sports guard, be sure to wear it every time you play sports.
Sports Guards in Summerlin
To learn more about protecting your teeth with a custom-made sports guard or to find out about any of our other cosmetic or general dentistry services, please call us today at (702) 331-4700 to schedule an appointment.
Inspire Dental of Summerlin welcomes patients of Henderson, Las Vegas, and Summerlin, Nevada.