Does your weekend routine include a pickup basketball game, a Saturday morning bike ride with the kids, or hitting the mats for jiu-jitsu? If so, you probably already know that protecting your head and body is important. But what about your smile? At TotallySmiles, we’ve seen how a split-second accident can change a smile for life. Our founder, Dr. Steven Anolik, has been caring for smiles since 1973, and one thing hasn’t changed in all those years: a well-fitting custom mouthguard is one of the best investments you can make for your teeth.
Store-Bought vs. Custom Mouthguard: There’s a Real Difference
We know it’s tempting to grab a boil-and-bite mouthguard at the drugstore on your way to practice. They’re cheap and easy to find. But here’s the thing; they’re also bulky, uncomfortable, and often end up sitting in a gym bag rather than in your mouth where they belong.
A custom mouthguard from your dentist is a totally different experience. Here’s why:
It Actually Fits. We use a digital scan or a gentle impression of your teeth to create a mouthguard that fits like a glove. It stays put when you’re talking or breathing hard, so you’re not constantly adjusting it or chewing on it.
You Can Breathe and Speak. Because it’s made precisely for your mouth, a custom guard is thinner and more streamlined. You can actually talk to your teammates and breathe naturally without feeling like you’re sucking air through a football helmet.
It Protects Better. A proper fit means better shock absorption. If you take an elbow to the jaw, a custom guard distributes that force more effectively, reducing your risk of chipped teeth, cracked fillings, or even concussions.
It Lasts. That drugstore guard wears out fast. A custom guard, with proper care, can protect your smile for years.
It’s Not Just for Contact Sports
Here’s something people often miss: mouthguards aren’t only for football and hockey players. We’ve made guards for:
- Basketball players (elbows fly during rebounding!)
- Gymnasts and mountain bikers
- People who grind their teeth at night (that’s a whole different type of protection we can tell you about)
- Anyone with braces who needs extra protection for their lips and cheeks
If there’s a chance of falling or bumping your mouth, a guard is a good idea.
The TotallySmiles Difference
When you come to us for a mouthguard, we keep things simple and comfortable. Our team uses the latest technology, like our iTero digital scanner, to capture every detail of your teeth without any goopy mess. It takes just a few minutes.
Then we create a guard that’s tough on impacts but easy on your mouth. You’ll try it in, we’ll make sure it feels right, and you could walk out with a custom piece of protection that actually fits your lifestyle.
From Our Family to Yours
Our team has spent decades treating families in Gaithersburg and the surrounding communities. We’ve seen what happens when people skip the mouthguard. A great season or a fun weekend can end with a frantic call about a broken tooth.
A little prevention goes a long way. Whether you’re shopping for your kid’s first mouthguard or realizing you should have gotten one for yourself years ago, we’re here to help.
Have questions about mouthguards? Give us a call at 301-701-5861 or schedule a consultation online. We’re happy to talk through your options and keep your smile in the game.