YOUSSEF KARTABIL, DDS
YOUSSEF KARTABIL, DDS
Serving Houston since 2000
Serving Houston since 2000
A hard hit to the face during a game, a late-night teeth-grinding habit, or a fall on the playground can turn an ordinary day into an emergency dental visit. Protecting your teeth before an accident happens is always easier and less expensive than repairing the damage afterward, especially when that damage involves a cracked tooth, a knocked-out crown, or a jaw injury that lingers for weeks.
At Pearl Smile Center, we help Memorial families protect their smiles with custom-fitted mouthguards designed for sports, sleep, and everyday peace of mind. Whether you need a mouthguard for a weekend soccer league or relief from nighttime grinding, our general and preventive dentistry services give you a comfortable, reliable option that off-the-shelf products simply cannot match.
Dental injuries happen more often than most people expect, and they are rarely convenient. A single blow to the mouth during a basketball game or a bike accident can chip a tooth, dislodge a crown, or fracture the jaw in ways that require months of restorative work to correct.
Research backs this up. A study published in Dental Traumatology found that among high school athletes in the United States who sustained dental injuries, the vast majority were not wearing a mouthguard at the time of the injury, and contact with another player was the most frequent cause. That single detail makes the case for prevention clear, since a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to avoid an injury that could otherwise mean a trip to the emergency dentist.
Beyond the obvious risk of a broken tooth, an unprotected mouth is also more vulnerable to soft tissue injuries, jaw fractures, and even concussions in high-contact sports. Cheap, stock mouthguards from a sporting goods store often fit loosely, which means they can slip out of place at exactly the moment they are needed most.
Not every mouthguard serves the same purpose, and we take the time to match you with the right one for your specific needs. Custom mouthguards are molded directly from an impression of your teeth, which gives them a snug, secure fit that stock versions cannot replicate.
We typically recommend one of the following options depending on your lifestyle and goals:
Once we understand how and when you plan to wear your mouthguard, we can recommend the thickness, material, and coverage that will keep you protected without feeling bulky or uncomfortable.
Mouthguards are not just for elite athletes. Anyone who grinds their teeth at night, plays a contact sport, or has braces or other dental work that could be damaged by an impact can benefit from a properly fitted guard.
Adults dealing with chronic jaw tension or headaches from grinding often find significant relief once they start wearing a night guard consistently, and we frequently discuss this option alongside our TMJ and jaw pain treatment for patients who mention morning soreness or clicking in the jaw joint.
Children and teenagers involved in youth sports face some of the highest rates of dental trauma, particularly during the growth years when permanent teeth are still settling into place. We work with families through our pediatric dentistry services to make sure young athletes have a mouthguard that fits properly even as their smiles continue to change.
Getting fitted for a custom mouthguard at our Memorial office is a simple, comfortable process. We start with a quick consultation to understand your activity level and any specific concerns, followed by a set of impressions or digital scans of your teeth.
From there, your mouthguard is custom fabricated to match your bite precisely, which means it stays in place during activity instead of shifting or falling out. Most patients find that once they switch to a custom guard, they barely notice they are wearing one, which makes it far more likely they will actually use it consistently. If an injury does happen despite taking precautions, our team also provides emergency dental care so you are never left without support.
Protecting your smile does not have to be complicated, and it starts with a conversation about your specific needs. Our team at Pearl Smile Center has helped Memorial patients of every age find comfortable, effective mouthguard solutions, and we accept most major dental insurance plans to make that protection accessible. For patients without insurance, our Office Loyalty Plan offers an affordable way to keep up with preventive care throughout the year.
If you or your child plays sports, deals with nighttime grinding, or simply wants peace of mind, we would love to help you find the right fit. Contact our office today to schedule your mouthguard consultation and take a proactive step toward protecting your smile for years to come.
Revamp your smile affordably at Pearl Smile Center today.
Phone: +1 (713) 461-3200
Text: + 1 (713) 461-3200