Essential Protection for Every Athlete
Athletic mouthguards—also known as sports mouthguards—are a vital part of any athlete’s safety gear. Unfortunately, they’re often overlooked, even though thousands of dental injuries occur each year during sports activities.
At our practice, we emphasize the importance of preventive dental care by providing custom-fitted mouthguards for athletes of all ages. Many people assume that mouthguards are only necessary for high-contact sports like football or hockey. However, we recommend them for a wide range of activities—including those considered non-contact or individual sports.
Whether you play soccer, volleyball, practice gymnastics, or enjoy mountain biking or rollerblading, a properly fitted sportsguard can protect your teeth from serious injury. Don’t wait until damage occurs—invest in prevention now with a custom mouthguard designed to keep your smile safe.
Understanding Sports Mouthguards
A standard mouthguard is usually made from molded plastic and shaped into an arch that fits over the upper teeth. In sports settings, it provides multiple layers of protection. Primarily, it cushions the upper teeth from direct impacts to the face, reducing the risk of damage. It also helps prevent the upper and lower teeth from crashing together during sudden contact. Additionally, it protects the soft tissues inside the mouth—especially the cheeks—from injury caused by contact with the teeth.
This type of mouthguard is commonly referred to as a “stock” or “over-the-counter” mouthguard, as it’s widely available at drugstores and pharmacies. Typically made from plastic or rigid rubber, these guards have a U-shaped design with a groove for the teeth and a raised section that helps shield the gums.
While stock mouthguards are the most affordable option, they come in only a few standard sizes and offer limited customization. As a result, they may lack the comfort, fit, and effectiveness of professionally made alternatives.
Standard Fit Sportsguards
These sportsguards, often referred to as over-the-counter or stock mouthguards, are widely available at drugstores and pharmacies. Made from plastic or rigid rubber, they feature a U-shaped design with a trough to hold the teeth and an extended lip to protect the gums. While they come in only a few standard sizes and offer little to no customization, they are the most affordable option—though typically the least comfortable.
Boil and Bite Mouthguards
This type of sportsguard can also be found at drugstores or pharmacies. Unlike pre-made options, this guard needs to be heated (usually in boiling water) until it becomes soft and flexible. Once it is pliable but cool enough to handle, the athlete shapes the guard around their teeth by biting into it. While this method provides a better fit than pre-made sportsguards, boil-and-bite guards are not considered custom-made. The material they are made from is less durable than custom guards because it needs to be soft enough to mold. As a result, they have a shorter lifespan and may wear down if the athlete frequently chews on the mouthguard.
Professional Custom Mouthguards
Custom sportsguards are specifically designed and prescribed by a dentist to perfectly fit a patient's mouth. The process begins with taking an impression of the patient's teeth by biting down into dental paste. A stone model of the teeth is then created from this mold, which serves as the basis for crafting the sportsguard. Made from durable plastic, the guard is either poured into a mold or formed through vacuum molding. Because custom sportsguards are made from a replica of the patient's mouth, they provide a comfortable and secure fit, reducing the risk of displacement while allowing the athlete to speak and breathe normally. While custom sportsguards are more expensive due to the personalized production process, we recommend them for their superior comfort and functionality, which encourages athletes to wear them consistently when needed.