More Sports Need a Mouthguard Than You Might Think
Many athletes and parents assume mouthguards are only necessary for high-contact sports like football or hockey. In practice, we recommend them for a much wider range of activities - including volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, mountain biking, and rollerblading. Thousands of teeth are lost or injured in sports every year, and a properly fitted guard is one of the simplest ways to prevent that.
At Sendero Dental Studio, we are strong advocates of preventive dental care. Creating sportsguards for athletes of all ages is a natural part of that commitment.
How a Mouthguard Actually Protects You
A mouthguard is a molded plastic arch that fits over the upper teeth. It works in three ways: it shields the upper teeth from direct blows to the face, it prevents the upper and lower teeth from striking each other during a collision, and it cushions the soft tissues of the mouth - particularly the cheeks - from contact with the teeth. That combination of protections covers the most common ways dental injuries happen in sport.
Three Types of Sportsguards - and What Sets Them Apart
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection or comfort. There are three main types - ready-made, boil-and-bite, and custom - and understanding the differences helps you make the right choice for your situation.
A Closer Look at Each Type
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Ready-Made Sportsguards
Available at most drugstores, these over-the-counter guards come in a small range of basic sizes and are ready to use straight from the package. They are the most affordable option, but because they are not shaped to any individual mouth, they tend to offer the least comfortable fit and the lowest level of retention during activity.
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Boil-and-Bite Sportsguards
Also sold at pharmacies, boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and then shaped by biting into them while still pliable. This creates a modest improvement in fit over a stock guard. However, the plastic used must be soft enough to mold by biting, which makes it less durable - particularly for athletes who tend to chew on the guard during play.
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Custom Sportsguards
Prescribed and produced by our team, a custom guard begins with a mold of your teeth - a brief bite into a tray of dental paste. We then build a stone model of your teeth and form the guard from durable plastic over that model. The result is a guard that fits your mouth exactly, stays in place reliably, and allows you to speak and breathe normally. Because a comfortable guard is one an athlete will actually wear, we consider this the strongest choice for real protection.
Ready to Protect Your Smile?
Whether you are a weekend recreational cyclist or a competitive team-sport athlete, our team at Sendero Dental Studio is glad to help you find the right level of protection. Reach out to us to learn more about getting a custom sportsguard made for you or your child.
Get in touch with our team