Everything You Need to Know About Sports Guards
Sports guards do more than just protect your teeth—they also safeguard braces, fixed dental appliances like bridges and implants, and help prevent injuries to the inner cheeks and lips during impact. If you participate in activities involving falls, physical contact, or airborne equipment, investing in a sports guard is a smart choice for your oral health. While any protection is better than none, a custom-fitted sports guard from your dental team offers the highest level of comfort, fit, and defence against dental injuries.
So, What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These pre-formed, over-the-counter options are available at most sporting goods stores. However, they often lack a precise fit, leading to discomfort, excessive bulk, and difficulties with breathing or speaking. Many athletes find them distracting and tend to remove or adjust them during play, reducing their overall effectiveness.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
These semi-custom guards allow for a slightly better fit than stock versions. After heating the blank guard in water, you bite down to shape it to your teeth. While they offer improved comfort, they may still feel bulky and might not be suitable for everyone. If your boil-and-bite guard interferes with your breathing, speech, or comfort, it may be time to consider a professionally made alternative.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Looking for the best option? A professionally crafted, custom-fit sports guard offers unmatched protection and comfort. Designed specifically for your mouth, these guards provide the perfect balance of durability, fit, and breathability. Plus, if any adjustments are needed, our team is here to ensure it fits you perfectly—because your safety is our priority.
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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 designed to fit snugly over your teeth, they serve different purposes. Sports guards are built to absorb impact and protect against injuries during physical activity, whereas night guards are specifically designed to prevent teeth grinding (bruxism) and help align the bite and jaw position.
These terms all refer to the same protective device worn over the teeth to reduce the risk or severity of dental injuries during sports and high-impact activities.
It’s generally recommended to replace your sports guard at the start of each season. Over time, they can wear down, especially if frequently chewed on or handled roughly. For adolescents, regular replacement is even more important, as their teeth continue to shift. Many multi-sport athletes opt to have a new custom guard made during their routine six-month dental checkup.
Any sport or activity that involves falls, physical contact, or potential impact from equipment warrants the use of a sports guard. This includes football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, boxing, and other contact or high-risk sports.
Absolutely! In fact, wearing a sports guard is even more important for individuals with braces. It not only protects your teeth but also shields your braces, lips, and cheeks from potential injuries in the event of an impact. A properly fitted guard can help prevent painful cuts and damage to your orthodontic appliances.
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