The crack echoed across the basketball court as Sarah’s elbow connected with her teammate’s jaw during an aggressive rebound. In an instant, what started as a friendly pickup game turned into a rush to the emergency room, with two front teeth lying shattered on the hardwood floor. Sports bring out our competitive spirit and provide countless benefits for physical and mental health, but they also present very real risks to our smiles that many athletes never consider until it’s too late.
At JAX Dental Studio, Dr. Charles Poblenz and our experienced team understand the unique dental challenges faced by Jacksonville’s active community. Whether you’re a weekend warrior playing recreational softball or a student athlete competing at the highest levels, protecting your teeth should be just as important as any other piece of safety equipment. Our custom mouthguard solutions provide superior protection compared to generic alternatives, helping athletes of all ages and skill levels compete with confidence while safeguarding their smiles for a lifetime. Through our comprehensive preventive dentistry approach, we help athletes understand the importance of proper oral protection and provide solutions that actually work when they’re needed most.
What to Know About Sports-Related Dental Injuries
The financial and emotional costs of dental sports injuries extend far beyond the immediate pain and inconvenience. A single knocked-out tooth can require years of treatment, with total costs easily reaching thousands of dollars, including:
- Root canals
- Crowns
- Implants
- Bridges
More importantly, the psychological impact of losing or damaging front teeth can affect an athlete’s confidence both on and off the field, potentially impacting their performance and self-esteem for years to come.
Young athletes face particular risks because their permanent teeth are still developing and may be more susceptible to damage. Additionally, many youth sports leagues don’t require mouthguards for all activities, leaving parents to navigate the protection decisions on their own. The good news is that properly fitted mouthguards can prevent up to 80% of dental sports injuries, making them one of the most effective pieces of protective equipment an athlete can wear.
What makes these injuries particularly tragic is their preventable nature. Unlike other sports injuries that might result from training, conditioning, or technique issues, dental trauma often occurs from unexpected contact or collisions that no amount of skill can completely avoid. The split-second impact that changes everything could happen to any athlete, at any level, during any game or practice.
The Custom Mouthguard Advantage
Beyond superior fit and comfort, custom mouthguards offer several advantages that make them the clear choice for serious protection.
Better Material
The materials used in professional-grade guards are specifically designed to absorb and distribute impact forces more effectively than retail alternatives. This enhanced protection is particularly important for contact sports where high-velocity impacts are common.
Designed to Meet Your Unique Needs
Custom guards can also be designed with specific sports and positions in mind. A football lineman faces different risks than a basketball guard, and their mouthguards can be tailored accordingly. Dr. Poblenz considers factors like the athlete’s sport, position, age, and individual dental anatomy when designing each guard, ensuring optimal protection for their specific needs.
More Durable
The durability of custom mouthguards far exceeds that of store-bought options. While retail guards may need replacement several times per season due to wear, distortion, or damage, a properly cared-for custom guard can last multiple seasons with regular use. This longevity makes custom guards cost-effective despite their higher initial investment.
Accommodating to Other Oral Health Treatments
For athletes with braces, retainers, or other orthodontic appliances, custom mouthguards become even more critical. Store-bought options rarely accommodate these devices properly, potentially causing damage to both the guard and the orthodontic work. Custom guards can be precisely designed to work with any dental appliance, providing protection without interfering with ongoing treatment.
Your Path to Superior Dental Protection
Getting a custom mouthguard at JAX Dental Studio is a straightforward process that typically requires just two comfortable visits. During your initial appointment, Dr. Poblenz will examine your teeth and mouth, discuss your sport and specific protection needs, and take precise impressions of your teeth. These impressions capture every detail of your dental anatomy, ensuring your finished guard will fit perfectly.
Within a week or two, your custom mouthguard will be ready for fitting and final adjustments. Dr. Poblenz will ensure the fit is comfortable and secure, make any necessary refinements, and provide detailed care instructions to help your guard last as long as possible. Most athletes are amazed by how comfortable and unobtrusive their custom guard feels compared to previous experiences with retail options.
Protect Your Smile With a Custom Sports Mouthguard at JAX Dental Studio
Your athletic performance and dental health don’t have to be mutually exclusive, and at JAX Dental Studio, we’re committed to helping Jacksonville athletes compete safely without compromising their smiles. Dr. Charles Poblenz combines his extensive dental training with a genuine understanding of sports and athletics, having witnessed firsthand the devastating impact that preventable dental injuries can have on athletes and their families. His membership in the American Dental Association and commitment to continuing education ensure you receive the most current protective solutions available.
We understand that athletes and their families face many equipment expenses, which is why we work with most insurance plans and offer flexible financing options to make custom mouthguards accessible for athletes at every level. Don’t let a preventable injury sideline your athletic dreams or damage your smile permanently. If you do experience a dental emergency during sports, our emergency dentistry services are here to help you get back in the game quickly and safely. Ready to upgrade your dental protection and compete with complete confidence? Call our Jacksonville office at (904) 396-4091 or complete our contact form to schedule your custom mouthguard consultation and take the first step toward superior athletic dental protection.
