Protect Your Smile With the Right Guard
Dental mouth guards have long been used to protect the teeth, gums and supporting tissues from damage, injury and trauma. There are two types of sports mouth guards – over the counter and custom. While OTC guards are helpful for occasional use, many dental patients require the benefit of a customized dental mouth guard fitted by a dentist to effectively prevent injury.
Quick Care Guide
The American Dental Association recommends keeping mouth guard protected in a sturdy container in between usage. You should also be careful to clean your mouth guard after use and occasionally soak it in cool, soapy water for thorough sanitation. Custom dental mouth guards are designed for durability, but it is important to check your mouth guard for signs of wear every few months. Mouth guards for children and teens must be replaced frequently to account for growing jaws and changes to the teeth.
Types of Sports Mouth guards
Mouth guards play a critical role in protecting athletes from dental injuries during sports. There are three main types of sports mouth guards, each offering different levels of fit, comfort, durability, and cost.
- Ready-made sportsguards: also known as over-the-counter or stock guards, are widely available in drugstores and pharmacies. These guards are typically made from plastic or rigid rubber and come pre-formed in a U-shape with a trough to accommodate the teeth and a lip that extends above the gum line to protect the gums. Although they are the most budget-friendly option, they are only available in a few basic sizes and offer minimal customization, often resulting in a poor fit and reduced comfort.
- Custom sportsguards offer the highest level of comfort, fit, and protection. These are professionally designed and fabricated by a dentist using a precise impression of the patient’s teeth. The process begins with the patient biting into a tray filled with dental paste to create a mold. This mold is then used to form a stone model, which serves as the base for crafting the sportsguard. Made from strong, high-quality plastic, custom guards are shaped either by pouring into a mold or through vacuum forming. Because they are designed specifically for the individual’s mouth, custom sportsguards fit securely, stay in place, and allow the athlete to speak and breathe easily. Although they are the most expensive type, their superior comfort, durability, and functionality often lead to better compliance and consistent use—making them a worthwhile investment for athletes of all ages.