Investing in cosmetic dental work is a big decision, both financially and personally. Whether you’ve had veneers, bonding, crowns, implants, or whitening treatments, cosmetic dentistry could transform your smile and boost your confidence. But once you’ve achieved that beautiful, healthy-looking smile, the next step is protecting it. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your dental investment is by wearing a custom mouthguard. Far from being just for athletes, mouthguards serve as essential protection for anyone looking to prevent damage to their teeth, especially those who’ve undergone cosmetic procedures.
Why Cosmetic Dental Work Needs Extra Protection
Just like natural teeth, cosmetic restorations, no matter how durable, aren’t indestructible. Veneers can chip, crowns can crack, and dental bonding can wear down or break under pressure. These restorations are designed to last many years, but they are still vulnerable to trauma, grinding, clenching, or accidents.
Cosmetic work also represents a significant financial investment. Redoing veneers or repairing a damaged crown can be costly and time-consuming. A custom mouthguard helps preserve both your dental health and your investment by minimizing the risk of damage in everyday life or during activities where your teeth are vulnerable.
Everyday Risks You Might Not Think About
Many people associate mouthguards with contact sports, but there are many everyday situations where a custom mouthguard can be beneficial. Nighttime teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common condition that can go unnoticed but is highly damaging to cosmetic dental work. Even minor, unconscious clenching while you sleep can put undue stress on restorations, causing premature wear or even fractures.
Additionally, if you’re active in recreational sports, workout regularly, or even have a job with physical labor, accidents happen. A sudden impact to the face or a fall could mean expensive repairs or the need to redo your dental work entirely. A well-fitted mouthguard can provide a cushion against impact and protect your teeth from this kind of trauma.
Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard Over a Store-Bought Option?
It might be tempting to grab a generic mouthguard from the pharmacy, but when it comes to protecting high-value cosmetic work, custom is the way to go. Over-the-counter guards are often bulky, uncomfortable, and poorly fitted, which means they offer limited protection and may not stay in place during use.
A custom mouthguard, on the other hand, is made specifically for your mouth. Your dentist will take a precise mold of your teeth and design a guard that fits snugly and comfortably. This ensures better protection and encourages regular use since it won’t cause jaw pain or interfere with breathing or speaking. Moreover, a custom fit is especially important if you’ve had cosmetic enhancements. Your dentist understands the details of your dental work and can create a mouthguard that accommodates and protects the unique structure of your smile.
The Long-Term Benefits
Wearing a custom mouthguard consistently can significantly extend the life of your cosmetic dental work. By reducing wear and tear, preventing fractures, and minimizing the impact of clenching or grinding, you’ll not only maintain the appearance of your smile but also avoid unexpected repair costs down the line. Think of it as insurance for your mouth, one that pays off by preserving the results you’ve worked hard to achieve. Plus, protecting your smile with a custom mouthguard shows that you’re serious about your oral health and committed to maintaining your investment.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Hoffman Estates, IL
At Best Dental Spa, we are dedicated to helping our patients both achieve and maintain healthier, brighter smiles. If you’ve recently gotten veneers, bonding, crown, or teeth whitening, a custom mouthguard can help protect your investment. By being proactive, you could extend the life of your new smile and save money in the long run. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how to care for your cosmetic work.
