Custom mouth guards protect your teeth, braces, and oral tissues during sports and physical activities. At ABM Orthodontics, we create professionally fitted mouth guards designed for maximum protection and comfort for athletes throughout Clearwater.
Dental injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries, affecting athletes in both contact and non-contact sports. A blow to the mouth can chip or knock out teeth, damage braces, cut lips and cheeks, and even cause jaw fractures or concussions. Mouth guards absorb and distribute impact forces, significantly reducing the risk of these injuries. For patients wearing braces or aligners, protection becomes even more critical since orthodontic appliances can cut soft tissue during impact and are expensive to repair if damaged.
Store-bought mouth guards offer minimal protection because they don’t fit properly. Generic guards are bulky, uncomfortable, and often interfere with breathing and speaking. Many athletes remove them during play, defeating their purpose entirely. Custom mouth guards from ABM Orthodontics are created from precise impressions of your teeth, ensuring a snug fit that stays in place without being held by your jaw. They’re thinner and more comfortable than over-the-counter options while providing superior protection. You can breathe easily, drink water, and communicate with teammates without removing your guard.
Standard mouth guards don’t accommodate braces properly and can damage brackets and wires during impact. Our orthodontic mouth guards feature special designs that fit over braces comfortably while protecting both your appliances and soft tissues. The extra cushioning prevents brackets from cutting your lips and cheeks if you take a hit. These specialized guards also protect your braces from damage, avoiding costly emergency repairs and treatment delays. We’ll make sure your mouth guard fits perfectly as your treatment progresses and your teeth shift.
Many contact sports mandate mouth guards, including football, hockey, lacrosse, boxing, and wrestling. However, dental injuries occur frequently in sports people don’t associate with mouth trauma. Basketball, soccer, baseball, gymnastics, skateboarding, and even cheerleading carry significant risk. Any activity where collisions, falls, or flying objects are possible warrants mouth guard protection.
If your child plays sports while undergoing orthodontic treatment, a mouth guard isn’t optional. It’s essential equipment that should be worn at every practice and game, not just competitions. Practices often involve more intense drills and less protective positioning than games.
Creating a custom mouth guard is quick and straightforward. We take detailed impressions of your teeth, which typically takes just a few minutes. These impressions go to a dental lab where technicians fabricate your guard from durable, medical-grade materials. The process usually takes one to two weeks. When your mouth guard is ready, you’ll return for a fitting appointment where we ensure proper fit and make any necessary adjustments. We’ll also provide care instructions to help your guard last multiple seasons.
Proper maintenance keeps your mouth guard hygienic and extends its lifespan. Rinse it with cool water immediately after each use and brush it with a toothbrush and mild soap. Never use hot water, which can warp the material and ruin the fit. Store your guard in its ventilated case to prevent bacteria growth and protect it from damage. Don’t leave it in hot cars, direct sunlight, or anywhere temperatures exceed room temperature. Bring your mouth guard to orthodontic appointments so we can check for wear and ensure it still fits properly as your teeth shift. Replace your guard if it becomes loose, shows cracks or tears, or no longer fits comfortably.
ABM Orthodontics is a family-owned practice where personalized care takes priority over quotas and corporate mandates. We combine advanced 3D imaging technology with a comprehensive approach addressing not just alignment but also airway health and long-term function. Our Clearwater location offers flexible scheduling including select Saturdays, virtual consultation options, and Spanish-speaking services to accommodate our diverse community.
We use the latest equipment and digital tools to ensure precise diagnosis and gentle, efficient treatment.
Our skilled professionals are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your needs.
From the moment you walk in, your comfort, time, and trust are our top priorities.
Schedule your appointment today and experience personalized dental care that puts your comfort first. Healthy teeth. Confident you.
Boil-and-bite guards are not recommended for patients with braces. The heat-molding process doesn’t accommodate brackets and wires properly, and these guards can actually damage your orthodontic appliances. They also provide inadequate protection for soft tissues around braces. Always use a custom orthodontic mouth guard specifically designed to fit over braces comfortably and safely.
With proper care, a custom mouth guard typically lasts one to two sports seasons. However, patients undergoing active orthodontic treatment may need replacements more frequently as teeth shift and the fit changes. Growing children and teens may also outgrow their guards as their jaws develop. We’ll evaluate your guard’s condition and fit at regular orthodontic appointments and recommend replacement when needed.
While mouth guards primarily protect teeth, jaws, and soft tissues, some research suggests they may reduce concussion risk by cushioning impacts and stabilizing the jaw. However, they’re not a guarantee against concussions. Proper headgear, good technique, and following safety rules remain the most important factors in preventing head injuries. The proven benefit of mouth guards is preventing dental trauma, which alone makes them essential protective equipment.
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for custom mouth guards, especially when prescribed for orthodontic patients. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend checking with your insurance provider. Even without insurance coverage, custom mouth guards are a worthwhile investment considering the cost of treating dental injuries or repairing damaged braces. We offer flexible payment options to make protective equipment affordable for all our athletes.
Our convenient Clearwater location at 1180 Ponce de Leon Blvd makes quality orthodontic care accessible to families throughout Pinellas County. We’re proud to serve patients from Clearwater, Largo, Belleair, Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, Seminole and the surrounding communities. Our modern office features the latest orthodontic technology in a welcoming, comfortable environment designed with your family in mind. Whether you’re coming from nearby or across the bay, you’ll find ample parking and easy access to our practice. We offer flexible appointment times, including select Saturdays, to fit your busy schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and discover the ABM Orthodontics difference.
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