All about sports guards
If you or your child plays a sport that involves falls, body contact, or flying equipment, a sports guard is an essential part of your protective gear. It can prevent broken teeth, jaw injuries, and damage to dental appliances like braces, implants, and bridges. It also helps protect the inside of your lips and cheeks from trauma in the event of an accident.
While any guard is better than none, a custom fit sports guard made by your dental team offers the best protection and comfort.
So what are your options?
Stock Sports Guards
These guards come pre-shaped and ready to wear. They are easy to find at most sporting goods stores, but they rarely fit well. Because they are bulky and can make it difficult to breathe or speak, many athletes find them uncomfortable and distracting.
Boil and Bite Sports Guards
These are made from a moldable plastic that softens in boiling water. After heating, you bite into it to shape it to your mouth. These are also sold in stores and fit better than stock guards, but not all users find them comfortable. If yours feels too bulky or interferes with breathing or speaking, a custom-made option may be better.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
These are designed and created by your dentist specifically for your teeth and bite. They offer the highest level of comfort, protection, and durability. Plus, if anything feels off, your dentist can easily adjust it. Custom sports guards are especially useful for athletes with braces or dental restorations.
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. While both are molded to fit your teeth, they are made for different purposes. A sports guard is built to protect against sudden impact, while a nightguard is designed to manage clenching, grinding, or alignment issues during sleep.
These terms are used interchangeably. They all refer to a device that covers and cushions your teeth to prevent or reduce injury during sports or physical activity.
Most should be replaced after each sports season. Wear and tear from chewing or heavy use can reduce their effectiveness. Also, as children grow or their teeth shift, an old guard may no longer fit properly. Many families opt to get a new guard during their child’s regular dental checkup.
A well fitting guard should feel snug but comfortable. You should be able to breathe and talk without any trouble. If you catch yourself removing it during play or adjusting it constantly, it might be time for a better fit.
Sports guards are highly recommended for any activity that could result in a blow to the face. This includes football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, boxing, wrestling, mountain biking, skateboarding, ringette, field hockey, gymnastics, water polo, curling, and similar activities.
Absolutely. In fact, it is even more important to wear one. A guard will protect both your teeth and your orthodontic appliances, and it will help prevent cuts or injury to the inside of your mouth if you get hit.
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