All About Sports Guards
Beyond protecting teeth, these guards also shield braces, dental appliances like implants and bridges, and the soft tissues of the cheeks and lips from injury caused by braces during accidents. For individuals involved in sports or activities with risks of contact, falls, or flying objects, they are an essential safety measure. A custom-fitted guard made by your dentist ensures optimal protection compared to standard options.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These pre-made guards are widely available at sporting goods stores and ready to use right out of the package. However, their one-size-fits-all design often results in poor fit, making them uncomfortable and cumbersome. This can interfere with speaking and breathing, causing many athletes to remove or adjust them during games.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
This type of guard allows for a semi-custom fit. The process involves boiling the guard to soften it, then biting into the material to mould it to your teeth. While they offer a better fit than stock guards and are easy to find in sporting goods stores, they aren’t ideal for everyone. If the fit feels awkward or affects your ability to breathe or speak, a custom option may be more suitable.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
It’s no wonder this is our preferred option! Custom sports guards, designed by our dental team, provide the highest level of comfort and protection. If adjustments are ever needed, we’ll make sure your guard fits perfectly, ensuring maximum safety and ease of use.
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, even though they both fit securely over your teeth, their purposes are different. Sports guards are designed to absorb impacts during physical activities, while nightguards focus on preventing issues like grinding and maintaining proper alignment of your jaw and teeth.
These are simply different terms for the same item—a device worn over your teeth to help protect them from injuries or minimise damage during physical activity.
It’s advisable to replace your sports guard after each season. Over time, regular use can cause wear, and habits like chewing on the guard can reduce its effectiveness. For adolescents, shifting teeth may mean a guard needs to be replaced more often, typically during a six-month dental check-up.
A well-made sports guard should be comfortable to wear, allowing you to speak and breathe easily. If it causes discomfort or you find yourself removing it during games, it might not fit properly and may need adjustment.
Any activity involving potential contact, falls, or the risk of being struck by equipment is a strong reason to use a sports guard. Examples include football, hockey, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, gymnastics, skateboarding, and similar activities.
Yes, and it’s even more crucial if you have braces. A sports guard not only shields your teeth but also helps protect your braces and prevents injuries to your lips and cheeks caused by your braces during an impact.
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