All about sports guards
Sports guards do more than just protect your teeth. They also safeguard braces and fixed dental appliances such as bridges and dental implants, while reducing the risk of injury to the inside of your cheeks and lips in the event of an accident.
A sports guard is an excellent choice for anyone involved in activities or sports where falls, body contact, or flying equipment are common. While any guard is better than none, the best protection comes from a custom-made guard created by your dental team to fit your mouth and teeth perfectly.
What types of sports guards are available?
Standard stock guards
These guards are sold pre-formed and ready to use, often found at sporting goods stores. While affordable, they rarely provide a proper fit. Many athletes find them bulky, making it harder to breathe or speak clearly. Because of the poor fit, players often end up removing them during games, which reduces protection when it’s needed most.
Boil-and-bite guards
This option comes in a kit where you soften the material in boiling water and then bite into it to shape it around your teeth. They offer a better fit than stock guards and are also widely available. However, not everyone finds them comfortable. If a boil-and-bite guard feels bulky, interferes with breathing, or makes it difficult to talk, it may not be the right choice for you.
Custom-made sports guards
The gold standard for protection and comfort is a guard that is made specifically for your mouth. A custom-made sports guard is designed by your dental team to fit precisely, offering maximum protection for your teeth, gums, and appliances. It feels comfortable to wear and won’t distract you during play. If any adjustments are needed, our dental team is here to ensure the perfect fit.
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During this visit, we will carefully examine your teeth, gums, soft tissues, and the overall function of your bite. Our goal is to understand how your entire mouth looks and works together. Before creating a treatment plan, we take the time to learn about both the health and appearance of your smile, and most importantly, your personal goals so we can design the right care to help you achieve them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Even non-contact sports like biking, skateboarding, or gymnastics carry a risk of falls or collisions. A properly fitted sports guard protects your teeth, gums, and dental work from damage during these activities.
Absolutely. A custom-made sports guard can be designed to fit comfortably over braces and protect appliances such as dental bridges or dental implants. It also reduces the risk of cuts to your lips and cheeks.
A well-fitted sports guard should feel snug without needing to bite down to hold it in place. It should not make breathing or speaking difficult. If your guard feels bulky or loose, it may be time for a custom option.
Most sports guards last one to two years, depending on wear, growth in children, and how often they are used. We recommend bringing your guard to regular checkup dentals so your dentist can check the fit.
Sports guards are designed to absorb shock and protect teeth from sudden impacts during play, while night guards are used to prevent damage from teeth grinding or clenching during sleep.
Rinse it with cool water after each use, brush it gently with toothpaste, and store it in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material.
Children should start wearing a sports guard as soon as they participate in organized sports or activities with a risk of falls or contact. A properly fitted guard will help protect their developing teeth and jaws.
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