Sports Guard
by Dr. Mehryar Issac Ebrahimi, DDS | Beverly Wilshire Dental Group
What Is a Sports Guard?
A sports guard, also known as a mouthguard, is a protective device worn over the teeth during athletic activity to absorb and distribute the force of an impact to the face or jaw. While generic, store-bought mouthguards are available, a custom-fitted sports guard is made from an impression or digital scan of your teeth, allowing it to fit precisely and stay securely in place during activity. This custom fit plays a significant role in both comfort and the level of protection provided.
The Benefits of a Custom Sports Guard
1. Better Protection Than Generic Options
A custom-fitted guard is shaped specifically to your teeth and bite, allowing for more even distribution of impact force compared to a generic, one-size-fits-all mouthguard.
2. A More Comfortable, Secure Fit
Because it's made from your own dental impression or scan, a custom guard stays in place more reliably during activity and doesn't require frequent biting or adjusting to keep it positioned correctly.
3. Easier to Breathe and Communicate
A well-fitted custom guard is designed to allow for more normal breathing and speech during activity compared to bulkier generic options, which can be especially important for athletes who need to communicate with teammates.
4. Durable, Long-Lasting Material
Custom sports guards are typically made from a more durable material than generic store-bought versions, offering better protection over repeated use.
5. Reduces Risk of Broader Injury
Beyond protecting the teeth themselves, a properly fitted sports guard can help cushion the jaw and reduce the risk of certain injuries associated with a direct blow to the face, including some types of jaw injury.
Common Myths About Sports Guards
Myth: "Store-bought mouthguards work just as well as custom ones." Generic mouthguards can offer some protection, but they don't fit as precisely as a custom guard, which can affect both comfort and how effectively impact force is absorbed and distributed.
Myth: "Sports guards are only necessary for contact sports like football or hockey." Dental injuries can occur in a wide range of sports and recreational activities, including basketball, soccer, and even some non-contact activities where falls or collisions are possible. Many dentists recommend a sports guard for any activity with a risk of facial impact.
Myth: "A mouthguard makes it hard to breathe or talk during activity." A well-designed custom sports guard is shaped to allow for more natural breathing and speech, addressing one of the most common complaints associated with bulkier, ill-fitting generic guards.
Myth: "Kids don't need custom sports guards since their teeth are still changing." Children and teens participating in sports can still benefit from a properly fitted guard, and many dental offices can accommodate mouthguards for growing smiles, adjusting as needed over time.
Myth: "One sports guard will last for years, regardless of how it's cared for." Like any dental appliance, a sports guard experiences wear over time and should be replaced periodically, especially if it becomes damaged, doesn't fit as well anymore, or if there are changes to your teeth, such as with orthodontic treatment.
Myth: "If I wear braces, I don't need a sports guard." Patients with braces are still encouraged to wear a sports guard, since impact to the mouth can cause injury to the lips and cheeks from the braces themselves, in addition to the risk to the teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should wear a sports guard? Anyone participating in an activity with a risk of facial impact, including many contact and non-contact sports, can benefit from wearing a properly fitted sports guard.
How is a custom sports guard made? The process typically begins with a digital scan or impression of your teeth, which is used to fabricate a guard that fits your mouth precisely, offering more secure protection than a generic option.
How long does a custom sports guard last? With proper care, a custom sports guard can last for a season or more, though it should be evaluated periodically for wear and replaced if damaged or if your bite changes.
Can I wear a sports guard with braces? Yes. If you have braces, Dr. Ebrahimi can recommend a sports guard designed to accommodate your orthodontic appliances while still providing effective protection.
How do I clean and store my sports guard? Rinse your guard with water after each use, clean it periodically with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, and store it in a ventilated case to prevent damage or bacterial growth.
Do children need a different type of sports guard than adults? Children's sports guards may need to be replaced more frequently as their teeth and jaws develop, but the basic principles of a custom, well-fitted guard apply at any age.
Is a custom sports guard worth the investment compared to a store-bought one? Many patients find that the improved fit, comfort, and level of protection offered by a custom guard justify the difference in cost, particularly for those regularly participating in higher-risk activities.
Protect Your Smile This Season
At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group, Dr. Ebrahimi offers custom-fitted sports guards designed to keep your teeth and mouth protected during physical activity. If you or your child play sports, we welcome the opportunity to discuss a custom sports guard tailored to your needs.
Sports Guards: Protecting Your Smile During Physical Activity
Whether you're a competitive athlete or someone who enjoys recreational sports, a dental injury can happen in an instant. A properly fitted sports guard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw during physical activity. At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group, Dr. Ebrahimi provides custom-fitted sports guards designed for comfort, protection, and durability.