Sports Guards
Protect Your Smile While You Play
Whether it’s hockey, basketball, football, gymnastics, skateboarding, or any activity with contact, falls, or flying equipment, accidents can happen fast.
A sports guard helps protect your teeth, jaw, lips, and soft tissues from injuries that can be painful, expensive, and sometimes permanent.
For athletes with braces, bridges, implants, or other dental work, protection becomes even more important.
A properly fitted sports guard can help reduce the risk of:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Lip and cheek injuries
- Damage to braces or dental appliances
- Jaw injuries from impact
- Dental emergencies during sports and activities
It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your smile both on and off the field.
Not all mouthguards are created equally.
While store-bought options offer some protection, many athletes stop wearing them consistently because they feel bulky, uncomfortable, or make it difficult to breathe and talk.
The better the fit, the more likely you are to actually wear it, and the more protection it can provide when it matters most.
Your Sports Guard Options
Stock Mouthguards
These ready-made guards are available at most sporting goods stores. While they’re inexpensive and easy to find, they often feel bulky and loose, which can make speaking and breathing uncomfortable during play.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
These guards are softened in hot water and molded to your teeth at home. They usually fit better than stock guards, but they can still feel uneven or uncomfortable depending on the fit.
Custom Sports Guards
Custom-made guards are designed specifically for your mouth, offering the most secure fit and highest level of protection. Because they’re tailored to your teeth, they’re often more comfortable, easier to wear, and less distracting during sports.
Many athletes prefer custom guards because they:
- Fit more securely
- Feel more comfortable
- Allow for easier breathing and speaking
- Provide stronger, more even protection
- Better protect braces and dental work
Comfortable Protection You’ll Actually Wear
A sports guard only works if you keep it in. That’s why comfort matters just as much as protection. Our custom guards are made to fit your smile properly so they feel natural and stay securely in place during activity.
If adjustments are ever needed, we’re here to make sure your guard continues fitting comfortably as your mouth changes over time.
Protecting Smiles for the Long Run
A split-second impact can lead to years of dental treatment. A properly fitted sports guard is a small investment that can help prevent broken teeth, emergency visits, and long-term complications later on.
For growing athletes and active adults alike, protecting your smile now can make a big difference down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a mouthguard as a night guard?
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.
What’s the difference between a sports guard, a mouth guard, and a mouth protector?
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.
How long do sports guards last?
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.
Which sports require a sports guard?
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.
Can I wear a sports guard if I have braces?
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.