
All About Sports Guards
Sports guards do more than protect teeth—they also shield braces, dental devices like bridges and implants, and the inner cheeks and lips from brace-related injuries. For activities involving physical contact, falls, or flying equipment, a sports guard is a wise investment. Custom guards made by dental professionals provide the best fit and protection.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
Pre-shaped and ready to use, these guards are available at sports stores. However, they often lack a proper fit, making them uncomfortable and limiting speech or breathing. Many athletes find them distracting and may remove or adjust them during play.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
These kits, found in sports stores, allow you to mould the guard by boiling it and biting down. They offer a better fit than stock guards but may still be uncomfortable or affect breathing and speech. If yours doesn’t fit well, consider upgrading to a custom guard.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Our top pick! A custom-made guard offers unmatched comfort and protection, designed specifically for you. If it’s not perfect, we’ll adjust it to ensure it fits just right—your satisfaction is our priority.
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, these are designed for different purposes. While sports guards protect your mouth from impact, nightguards focus on your bite and the alignment of your teeth and jaw.
These terms all refer to the same protective device worn over your teeth to prevent or minimise injury.
Ideally, they should be replaced after each sports season. Wear and tear, as well as habits like chewing on them, can reduce their effectiveness. For growing teens, changes in tooth alignment can lead to poor fit, making regular updates essential. Many athletes replace their guards during routine 6-month dental checkups.
A properly fitted guard should feel comfortable, allow easy breathing, and not interfere with speech. If it constantly needs adjustment or is removed during play, it may not fit correctly.
Any activity with a risk of falls, contact with others, or impact from equipment calls for a guard. Sports like football, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, field hockey, baseball, water polo, cricket, wrestling, boxing, gymnastics, skateboarding, mountain biking, curling, and ringette all benefit from added protection.
Absolutely, and it’s even more important. A sports guard not only protects your teeth but also shields your braces and prevents injuries to your lips and cheeks from contact with the braces.
