Sports Mouthguards in Newtown, PA
Custom-fit guards that protect teeth from injury — and from grinding. Built for your mouth, not off-the-shelf.
Custom Mouthguards That Actually Fit
Why Mouthguards Matter
Our teeth play an important role in our lives. From speaking, eating, to smiling, we need to make sure that we keep them protected. The American Dental Association recommends that athletes wear custom mouthguards for sports to avoid severe oral injuries and trauma. Mouthguards are a removable dental accessory that protects the teeth and gums from trauma. If you engage in recreational sports, it is important to have increased tooth protection while being easy to use.
Three Types of Mouthguards
Not all mouthguards are equal. There are three main types:
1. Preformed Mouthguards
Available at sports stores. They have a rigid teeth pattern and are the most affordable option, but they are not very comfortable unless the wearer has perfectly aligned teeth. Many people find Preformed Mouthguards painful on the gums.
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Also found at sports stores. They are flat and relatively hard until placed in boiling water. The user lets them cool slightly and molds them onto their teeth using their fingers and tongue. These are significantly more comfortable than Preformed Mouthguards, but the fit is still imprecise.
3. Personalized Mouthguards (Custom-Made Here)
Made in our office, Personalized Mouthguards are the best-fitting devices. To make the safest and most comfortable mouthguard, Dr. Bob takes an impression of your teeth. The impression is used to mold a Personalized Mouthguard from a soft, resistant material. They are unbeatable when it comes to comfort and protection. Personalized Mouthguards are highly recommended for patients wearing braces.
Who Should Wear One
- Professional and recreational athletes who play contact sports, like hockey, football, boxing, lacrosse, basketball, soccer
- Children and adults who skateboard, mountain bike, or engage in other high-impact activities
- People who grind their teeth at night (Bruxism) to prevent enamel damage, jaw pain, and headaches
If You're Grinding, There May Be a Bigger Reason
Note that 77% of people who clench their teeth at night have Sleep Apnea or Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome. A night guard can help prevent further damage from grinding — but if you grind, it's worth evaluating for an airway issue. We may recommend an At-Home Sleep Study alongside the night guard. Sometimes the right answer is treating the underlying breathing issue, not just the symptom.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
Care and maintenance is simple. The basic rule: keep it clean. Rinse your mouthguard or clean it with a mild cleanser after each use, and rinse it thoroughly before putting it back in. Store it in a ventilated container to prevent damage or odors. Keep it out of reach of pets — they tend to think guards are chew toys. If your mouthguard is acrylic, it needs to be kept fully immersed in water to maintain its shape.
What is a Personalized Mouthguard?
A Personalized Mouthguard is a custom dental device made specifically for your mouth from impressions of your teeth. Unlike store-bought boil-and-bite versions, a custom guard fits precisely, doesn't shift while you wear it, is more comfortable, and provides superior protection. We make custom guards for both sports and nighttime grinding.
How much does a Personalized Mouthguard cost in Newtown, PA?
Custom guards cost more than off-the-shelf options, but they last longer and protect better. We are transparent with our fees before any treatment. Sports Mouthguards are typically not covered by insurance. Night guards for documented Bruxism are sometimes partially covered. We file claims as a courtesy.
Are Personalized Mouthguards Uncomfortable?
Custom-made mouthguards are far more comfortable than store-bought options because they're molded to your specific teeth. There's a brief adjustment period — usually a few nights for night guards, or a few practices for sports guards — but most patients adapt quickly. Some athletes say they forget they're wearing it after a few games.
How long does it take to make a mouthguard?
From start to finish, custom mouthguards typically take about 1-2 weeks. The first appointment is for impressions (about 30 minutes). The lab takes a few days to a week to make the guard. Then you come back for a fit check (about 15 minutes). The whole process is straightforward.
Sports Mouthguards in Newtown, PA
➔ Custom-fit, comfortable, more protective than store-bought
➔ Sports guards for contact sports and high-impact activities
➔ Night guards for grinding and clenching
➔ Recommended by the American Dental Association
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports require a mouthguard?
The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for any contact sport — football, hockey, lacrosse, boxing, martial arts, rugby, wrestling. Many youth leagues now require them. We also recommend them for high-impact activities like skateboarding, mountain biking, and gymnastics.Can my kid wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes — and we strongly recommend it. Personalized mouthguards work especially well over braces because the fit is precise. Braces can cause additional injury to the lips and cheeks during impact, so a guard becomes even more important. We make special-fit guards for orthodontic patients.How often should a mouthguard be replaced?
Sports Mouthguards typically last 1-3 years depending on use and wear. Night guards typically last 5-10 years. Replace your guard if you notice tears, holes, fit changes, or persistent odor. Kids who are still growing may need replacements more often as their teeth shift.Do night guards stop grinding?
Night guards don't stop grinding — they protect your teeth from the damage grinding causes. If you're a serious grinder, the underlying cause matters: stress, bite imbalance, or airway issues are common drivers. We evaluate for these so we can address the root cause, not just the symptom.
The Mouth-Body Connection —
Lantzy DMD Blog
Dementia prevention. Sleep apnea. Why your child's behavior might be a breathing problem. Dr. Bob writes about the things most dentists don't, because he believes patients deserve to understand what's really going on.
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