Custom Sports Mouthguards in Greenwich, CT
Sports and recreational activities can put your teeth, lips, cheeks, and jaw at risk for injury. A properly fitted sports mouthguard cushions your teeth and surrounding tissues from impact during practices, games, and other physical activities.
Greenwich Smiles provides custom sports mouthguards for children, teens, and adults who want a secure, comfortable way to protect their smiles while staying active.
What Is a Sports Mouthguard?
A sports mouthguard is a protective dental appliance worn over the teeth during athletic activity. It helps absorb and distribute forces from impacts that could otherwise chip, fracture, loosen, or knock out teeth and injure the mouth’s soft tissues.
Most mouthguards are designed to fit over the upper teeth, although the design may vary depending on the patient’s bite, orthodontic treatment, or other dental needs.
Who Should Wear a Sports Mouthguard?
Mouthguards are especially important for activities where there is a risk of contact with another player, the ground, or sports equipment.
They may be recommended for athletes participating in activities such as:
- Football
- Lacrosse
- Hockey
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Baseball or softball
- Wrestling
- Martial arts
- Gymnastics
- Skateboarding or skating
- Other contact or high-impact sports
A mouthguard can be useful even in activities that are not traditionally considered contact sports because dental injuries can occur whenever there is a risk of falling or being struck in the face. The American Dental Association recommends mouthguard use for athletes participating in activities where dental injury is possible.
Benefits of a Custom Sports Mouthguard
Protects Teeth From Injury
A mouthguard cushions teeth during impact and can reduce the risk of chips, fractures, and other dental trauma.
Protects the Lips, Cheeks, and Gums
Covering the teeth can also reduce injuries caused when the teeth are forced against the soft tissues of the mouth.
Customized for Your Bite
A custom mouthguard is fabricated specifically for your teeth rather than relying on a standard size.
Comfortable and Secure
A closer fit can make it easier to keep the mouthguard in place during activity without constantly biting down to hold it securely.
Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards
There are three common types of sports mouthguards:
Custom Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards are made specifically for your teeth by a dental professional. They are designed to provide a close fit, good retention, and comfortable protection.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
These guards are softened in hot water and shaped around the teeth at home. They provide a more individualized fit than stock mouthguards but are not fabricated from a dental model of your mouth.
Stock Mouthguards
Stock guards are ready-made in standard sizes and require little or no adjustment. Because they are not customized, they may feel bulkier or require the wearer to clench to keep them in position.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry notes that custom-fabricated mouthguards generally provide superior retention, protection, and comfort compared with other types.
Sports Mouthguards for Children and Teens
Young athletes can be particularly vulnerable to sports-related dental injuries, especially as their teeth and jaws continue to develop.
Greenwich Smiles can provide age-appropriate mouthguard recommendations for children and teens based on their sport, dental development, and individual needs.
Because growing children may experience tooth eruption and changes in their bite, their mouthguards should be checked periodically to make sure they continue to fit properly.
Caring for Your Sports Mouthguard
Clean your mouthguard after each use, and let it dry before storing it in a protective case. Avoid exposing it to excessive heat, which can distort the material.
Check the appliance periodically for cracks, tears, thinning, or changes in fit. Children and teens may need replacement more frequently as their teeth and jaws develop.
Bring your mouthguard to regular dental visits so your dentist can check its condition and make sure it still fits properly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Mouthguards
Does my child need a mouthguard if their sport does not require one?
A mouthguard may still be beneficial whenever an activity carries a risk of falls, collisions, or blows to the face. The appropriate level of protection depends on the sport and your child’s individual risk.
Is a custom mouthguard better than a boil-and-bite mouthguard?
Custom mouthguards are individually fabricated for the patient’s teeth and generally provide better fit, retention, and comfort. Boil-and-bite guards can still offer protection when a custom guard is not available.
Can adults wear custom sports mouthguards?
Yes. Sports mouthguards are appropriate for both adults and children who participate in activities that put their teeth at risk of injury.
Can I wear a sports mouthguard if I have braces?
Yes, but the appliance may need additional room to accommodate brackets and ongoing tooth movement. Your dentist can recommend an appropriate design.
How often should a sports mouthguard be replaced?
Replace a mouthguard if it becomes damaged, no longer fits properly, or has worn significantly. Children and teens may require replacements more frequently because their teeth and jaws continue to change.
Is a sports mouthguard the same as a night guard?
No. A sports mouthguard is designed to cushion the teeth from impact during athletic activity. A night guard protects teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep.
What should I do if a tooth is injured during sports?
Contact Greenwich Smiles promptly if a tooth becomes chipped, broken, loose, displaced, or knocked out. Visit our Emergency Dental Treatment page for more information about urgent dental injuries.
Can I wear a sports mouthguard with braces?
Yes. Athletes with braces can wear a sports mouthguard, but the appliance may need additional space to accommodate brackets and ongoing tooth movement. Because your bite can change during orthodontic treatment, monitor the fit, and you may need to replace the mouthguard as treatment progresses.
Protect Your Smile With a Custom Sports Mouthguard
Whether you are an adult athlete or a parent looking to protect your child’s developing smile, a custom sports mouthguard can provide added protection during sports and recreational activities.
Contact Greenwich Smiles to learn whether a custom mouthguard is appropriate for you or your child.