Protect Your Smile with Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
At Mattson Hellickson Dental in Beaverton, OR, we care about keeping your smile safe and healthy. Our custom mouthguards are made just for you to protect your teeth during sports or from nighttime grinding. We provide these special dental devices as a general dental service.
What’s A Custom Mouthguard?
A custom mouthguard is a special protective device Dr. Ben Hellickson and Dr. Sam Mattson can create to fit your teeth perfectly. Unlike store-bought mouthguards that come in limited sizes, we create our mouthguards using impressions of your actual teeth.
Custom mouthguards are thicker in areas that need more protection and thinner in other areas for best performance. This makes them more comfortable to wear while still keeping your teeth safe.
These special guards can be used for:
- Protecting teeth during sports like football, basketball, and hockey
- Preventing damage from teeth grinding (also called bruxism)
- Reducing jaw pain from TMJ disorders
- Helping with sleep apnea in some cases
Benefits of Custom Mouthguards
Better Than Store-Bought Options
Boil-and-bite mouthguards at sporting goods stores don’t provide the same level of protection as custom-made guards. Here’s why custom mouthguards from Mattson Hellickson Dental are worth it:
- Perfect Fit: Our mouthguards are made from impressions of your teeth, creating a perfect fit that stays in place during activity.
- More Comfortable: Because they’re made just for you, custom mouthguards are more comfortable to wear. This means you’re more likely to actually use them.
- Better Protection: The materials we use are higher quality and provide better shock absorption than store-bought options.
- Easier Breathing and Speaking: Custom guards are designed to make breathing and talking easier while wearing them.
- Longer Lasting: Our mouthguards are made from durable materials that last much longer than over-the-counter options.
Protection for Athletes
If you or your child plays sports, a custom mouthguard is essential equipment. Sports-related dental injuries can be painful, expensive to fix, and sometimes permanent. Our custom mouthguards help prevent:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Cut lips and cheeks
- Jaw fractures
- Concussions (by cushioning blows to the jaw)
Relief for Teeth Grinders
Do you wake up with headaches or a sore jaw? You might be grinding your teeth at night. This common problem, called bruxism, can wear down your teeth over time and cause pain in your jaw muscles.
A custom night guard from Mattson Hellickson Dental creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This prevents grinding damage and helps your jaw muscles relax during sleep.
The Process of Getting A Mouthguard Fitted
Getting your custom mouthguard at our Beaverton office is easy and painless. Here’s what happens:
- Consultation: First, we’ll talk about your needs. Are you an athlete? Do you grind your teeth? This helps us determine what type of mouthguard will work best for you.
- Taking Impressions: We’ll take impressions of your teeth using a special dental material. This only takes a few minutes and isn’t uncomfortable.
- Creating Your Mouthguard: We send these impressions to our dental lab where skilled technicians create your custom mouthguard using high-quality materials.
- Final Fitting: When your mouthguard is ready, you’ll come back to our office. We’ll make sure it fits perfectly and make any small adjustments if needed.
- Care Instructions: We’ll show you how to clean and store your mouthguard so it lasts as long as possible. With proper care, your custom mouthguard can last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Mouthguards
Will it be hard to talk or breathe while wearing it?
Not at all. In fact, one of the biggest advantages of a custom-fit guard is that it’s less bulky. You’ll find it much easier to breathe and speak clearly because it fits your mouth so well without a lot of extra material.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
A custom mouthguard can last for several years with proper care. However, if you’re a growing teenager, your mouth and teeth will change. You may need a new one more frequently. For adults, we typically check the fit at your regular dental cleanings to see if it’s time for a replacement.
How do I clean and take care of my mouthguard?
It’s simple, just rinse it with cool water before and after each use. You can also gently brush it with a toothbrush and a little soap. Always keep it in its protective case when you’re not using it. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or hot water, because it can warp the material.
Can I wear a mouthguard if I have braces?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, it’s especially important to protect your teeth and braces during sports. We can create a custom mouthguard that fits comfortably over your braces. Our team will do their best to protect your teeth and your orthodontic hardware from damage.
Does the process of getting a mouthguard hurt?
No, the process is completely painless. The most involved step is taking an impression of your teeth. It feels like biting into a soft, putty-like material for a minute or two. It might feel a little strange, but it doesn’t hurt.
Are custom mouthguards covered by dental insurance?
Coverage depends on your specific insurance plan. Many plans offer coverage for custom mouthguards, especially if it’s for preventing teeth grinding. Our team will be happy to help you check your benefits and understand your coverage before you begin.
Why Choose Mattson Hellickson Dental for Your Custom Mouthguard?
We take pride in creating mouthguards that fit perfectly and provide maximum protection. Our team has years of experience making custom dental appliances that are both effective and comfortable.
We use only the highest quality materials and work with top dental labs to ensure your mouthguard meets our strict standards. Plus, we take the time to make sure your mouthguard fits just right before you leave our office.
Don’t wait until after an injury to think about protection. Whether you’re an athlete looking to stay safe on the field or someone who needs relief from nighttime teeth grinding, a custom mouthguard from Mattson Hellickson Dental is the answer.
Call our Beaverton office today at 503-308-7664 or schedule your consultation online. Your smile is worth protecting, and we’re here to help!
