All About Sports Guards
Sports guards do more than just protect your teeth; they also safeguard braces, bridges, dental implants, and even the soft tissues of your mouth like the inside of your cheeks and lips. They are essential for anyone participating in activities involving falls, body contact, or flying equipment. While any sports guard is better than none, a custom-made sports guard from your dental team offers the best protection, as it is personalized to fit your mouth perfectly and provide maximum safety.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These are pre-formed, ready-to-wear guards that you can purchase at most sporting goods stores. They often don’t fit well and may feel bulky, making it harder to breathe or speak, which can lead to athletes removing or fidgeting with them during play.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Available at sporting goods stores, these guards offer a slightly better fit than stock guards. After boiling the guard, you bite into the softened plastic to mold it to your teeth. While they offer improved comfort, they may still feel bulky and affect breathing or talking, depending on the fit.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Custom-made guards, created by your dentist, provide the best protection and most comfort. They are specifically tailored to fit your teeth and mouth, offering superior safety during sports. If adjustments are needed, your dentist can ensure a perfect fit, and they are always accountable for making it right.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you can’t. Mouthguards and nightguards serve different purposes. A sports guard protects your teeth from impacts during physical activity, while a nightguard is designed to address issues like teeth grinding and alignment by supporting the jaw and teeth at night.
These terms refer to the same thing: a device worn over your teeth to protect them from injury or minimize the impact of injuries during sports.
Sports guards should ideally be replaced after each sports season, as they wear down over time, especially if you chew on them or play multiple sports. Additionally, as children’s teeth shift during growth, a custom sports guard may need to be replaced more often.
A well-fitting sports guard should feel comfortable, allowing you to breathe and talk easily. If you find yourself frequently adjusting it or taking it out during games, it may not fit properly.
Any sport involving physical contact, potential falls, or flying equipment calls for a sports guard. This includes football, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, water polo, boxing, skateboarding, gymnastics, and many others.
Absolutely! In fact, it’s even more important if you have braces. A sports guard will not only protect your teeth but also safeguard your braces and prevent injury to the inside of your lips and cheeks.
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