Do You Need a Custom Sports Mouthguard?
Key Takeaways
- A custom sports mouthguard is made to fit your teeth and usually covers the upper teeth.
- Kids, teens, and active adults can all benefit from wearing one.
- Stock, boil-and-bite, and custom guards differ in fit, comfort, and cost.
- A well-fitting guard should stay in place and allow comfortable breathing and speech.
- Simple care habits can help your guard stay in good shape between games.
Hockey, soccer, martial arts, and other activities can involve blows or falls that injure teeth. South Ancaster Family Dental offers custom-fitted mouthguards to help protect teeth and the surrounding soft tissues during sport.
Bring up your sport, age, and any existing dental work during a mouthguard consultation or regular dental exam. These details help the team discuss fit and protection. If you wear braces, ask your treating orthodontist about a suitable guard.
What Is a Custom Sports Mouthguard?
A custom sports mouthguard is made to fit an individual’s teeth. It usually covers the upper teeth and cushions impacts that could damage teeth or injure the lips, cheeks, and tongue.
The fit matters: a guard should stay in place without constant adjustment. Its design should suit the activity and the person’s dental needs.
Who Can Benefit From a Custom Sports Mouthguard?
Kids & Teens in Team Sports
Hockey, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse can involve contact or falls. A suitable mouthguard can be worn during practices as well as games.
As your child grows, their smile changes too, so they may need a new guard over time to keep a good fit.
Adults Who Stay Active
Adults in recreational leagues, martial arts, and activities such as mountain biking may also face a risk of dental injury. Ask about a guard that suits your activity.
If you have crowns, bridges, or dental implants, a guard can help protect that dental work as well.
How Custom Mouthguards Compare to Store-Bought Options
Comfort & Fit
The three common types differ in how they are fitted:
- Stock guards come ready to wear in set sizes.
- Boil-and-bite guards are softened and shaped at home according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Custom guards follow the shape of your teeth.
Breathing, Speech, and Retention
A well-fitting guard should allow comfortable breathing and speech while staying securely in place. A thinner guard is not automatically the right choice; the design must also provide appropriate protection.
Tell the dental team if your guard moves, feels bulky, or interferes with breathing or speaking. Fit and protection matter more than simply choosing the slimmest option.
What to Discuss at a Mouthguard Appointment
South Ancaster offers custom-fitted mouthguards. At your appointment, the discussion can cover:
- The sports or activities you take part in, along with any current dental work.
- How the guard will be made and fitted for your teeth.
- How to check the fit, clean the guard, and recognise when it needs replacing.
Ask about the expected turnaround before the season begins, rather than assuming the guard will be ready on the day of your visit.
Custom Mouthguard Care & FAQs
How Do You Clean a Mouthguard?
Follow the cleaning instructions for your guard’s material. Rinsing is useful, but it should be part of a regular cleaning routine:
- Rinse with cool water before and after use, and clean regularly as your dentist or the manufacturer recommends.
- Let it dry in a sturdy ventilated case, and clean the case too.
- Keep it away from hot cars and direct sun.
How Long Does a Custom Mouthguard Last?
Every guard wears differently, depending on how often you play. Watch for these signs that it may be time for a new one:
- You notice cracks, tears, or thin spots.
- The fit feels loose or uncomfortable.
- Your mouth has changed after dental work or a growth spurt.
What About Braces or Other Dental Work?
If you wear braces, ask your treating orthodontist which sports mouthguard is appropriate and how often its fit should be reviewed as teeth move.
For crowns, bridges, or dental implants, ask the dental team about suitable protection. Bring your existing guard to regular dental exams so its fit and condition can be checked.
Book a Custom Mouthguard Visit in Hamilton
South Ancaster Family Dental offers custom-fitted sports mouthguards at our Ancaster office. Contact the team to request a mouthguard appointment and discuss your sport, dental needs, and timing before the season starts.