A sports mouthguard is a protective appliance worn over the teeth during athletic activities where contact, falls, or impact to the face may occur. While over-the-counter options are available, a custom mouthguard is created from precise records of your teeth and designed specifically for your individual mouth.
A properly fitted mouthguard helps cushion direct impact and protect the teeth, lips, cheeks, and other oral structures during activity. Customization also allows us to consider your bite, dental work, stage of development, and the demands of your sport when designing your protection.
Mouthguards are especially important for contact and collision sports, but dental injuries can occur during many activities involving balls, equipment, falls, or accidental contact with another player.
A protective mouthguard may be recommended for athletes participating in:
We’ll help determine the appropriate type of protection based on your sport, age, dental development, and individual needs.
Athletic mouthguards are available in several forms, but they don’t all provide the same level of customization. A professionally made appliance is designed around your individual teeth rather than requiring your smile to adapt to a standard shape.
The appliance is created from precise records of your teeth for a fit tailored specifically to your smile.
A properly fitted mouthguard is designed to remain comfortably in place during movement and athletic activity.
The design can account for your sport, bite, existing dental restorations, and other individual considerations.
Children and teenagers may require new mouthguards as their teeth and jaws develop. Regular evaluations help ensure their protection continues to fit properly.
Rinse your mouthguard before and after each use and clean it regularly according to the instructions provided by your dental team. Allow it to dry before storing it in a protective, ventilated case, and avoid exposing it to excessive heat that could affect its shape.
Inspect your mouthguard periodically for signs of wear, damage, or changes in fit. Children’s and teenagers’ mouthguards should also be reevaluated as their teeth and jaws develop. Bring the appliance to routine dental visits so we can check its condition and determine when replacement is appropriate.
Store-bought mouthguards can provide a degree of protection, but custom appliances are made specifically for your teeth and bite. This allows the fit, retention, coverage, and design to be tailored to the individual athlete rather than relying on a standard shape.
Replacement depends on wear, fit, dental changes, and how frequently the mouthguard is used. Growing children and teenagers may require replacement more frequently as their teeth and jaws change. Adults should replace an appliance if it becomes damaged, worn, distorted, or no longer fits securely.
Often, yes, but the appropriate design depends on the type of orthodontic treatment or dental work present. Athletes with braces, crowns, bridges, implants, or other restorations should have their protection evaluated so the mouthguard can accommodate their individual needs.
Mouthguards are primarily designed to help protect the teeth and oral structures from sports-related injury. They should not be relied upon as a method of preventing concussions. Athletes should use all appropriate protective equipment and follow the safety protocols recommended for their sport.
