All About Sports Guards
Sports guards do much more than shield your teeth. They also protect braces, dental appliances like bridges and implants, and help prevent injuries to your cheeks and lips caused by braces during accidents. A sports guard is a wise choice for anyone involved in activities or sports with risks of falls, contact, or flying objects. While any guard is better than none, a custom-fitted one designed by your dental team ensures optimal protection and comfort.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
Stock sports guards are pre-made and can be found at most sporting goods stores. However, they often don’t fit well, feeling bulky and awkward in the mouth. This can make it harder to breathe or speak, leaving many athletes distracted and tempted to remove them during play.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Boil-and-bite guards come with instructions and allow you to mould them to your teeth by softening the material in hot water and biting into it. These guards, also available at sporting goods stores, typically fit better than stock options. That said, they aren’t ideal for everyone. If a boil-and-bite guard feels uncomfortable, hinders speaking or breathing, or doesn’t fit properly, a custom-made guard might be the better choice.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Our top recommendation is a custom-designed mouthguard made just for you! These guards are tailored by our dental team to provide unmatched comfort and protection. If any adjustments are ever needed, we’re here to make sure it fits perfectly. Your comfort and satisfaction are always our main goals.
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
Certainly! While both mouthguards and nightguards are customised to fit your teeth, they serve different roles in protecting your oral health. Mouthguards are specifically crafted to shield your mouth from impacts during sports or physical activities. In contrast, night guards are designed to address issues like teeth grinding or clenching while you sleep, focusing on your bite, alignment, and jaw position. Each type of guard is tailored to meet unique needs for protection and comfort.
Sports guards are best replaced at the end of each sports season. Regular use can lead to wear and tear, especially if the guard is chewed on or not properly cared for. Additionally, as adolescent teeth shift, the fit may no longer be ideal. Athletes who participate in multiple sports often benefit from updating their sports guard during routine 6-month dental checkups to maintain optimal fit and protection.
A properly fitted sports guard should feel comfortable and stay securely in place, allowing you to breathe and speak easily. If you find the guard distracting, uncomfortable, or frequently remove it during play, it may not fit correctly. A snug and well-fitted sports guard ensures better performance and effective protection.
Sports guards are strongly recommended for any activity where falls, collisions, or impacts are likely. Whether you or your child participate in sports like hockey, football, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, cricket, field hockey, boxing, wrestling, or even activities like skateboarding, gymnastics, or mountain biking, a sports guard provides essential protection against injuries.
Yes, it’s highly recommended! A sports guard not only protects your teeth but also shields your braces from damage. In case of an impact, it also helps prevent injuries to your lips and cheeks caused by contact with the braces. Wearing a sports guard is a vital step in safeguarding your orthodontic treatment and overall oral health.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Super Relaxing and Incredibly Clean!
Smile Looking Right
Gentle and Great Care
