Sports Mouth Guards
Custom sports mouth guards protect your teeth, braces, and jaw during athletic activities. A properly fitted mouth guard is one of the most important pieces of protective equipment for athletes of all ages.
Custom Protection
Unlike over-the-counter options, custom mouth guards are designed specifically for your mouth, providing superior fit, comfort, and protection. They are especially important for patients currently undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Why Braces and Sports Need Extra Protection
A blow to the mouth can cut lips and cheeks, chip or loosen teeth, and bend or break orthodontic appliances. When you wear braces, the brackets and wires can add to soft tissue injuries during impact, which makes a good guard even more valuable. A properly fitted guard is designed to cushion the force and help keep the lips and cheeks away from the brackets. Mouth guards are not just for football and hockey. Basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, martial arts, skateboarding, cycling, and gymnastics all carry the risk of falls and collisions. Wearing a guard during practice as well as games is a smart habit. If your child plays several sports, one custom guard can often be worn across them. Ask Dr. Taylor which style is right for your stage of treatment and your sport.
Getting Fitted and Caring for Your Guard
Fitting a custom guard starts with an accurate model of your teeth, which our team can create with digital scanning technology so there is no messy impression material. Dr. Taylor will help you select a design that fits comfortably over your braces and allows you to breathe and speak clearly. Wear it as directed, and bring it to your appointments so we can confirm that it still fits. Because teeth move during treatment, a guard that fit well at the start may need to be adjusted or replaced later. To care for your guard, rinse it after every use, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush, store it in a ventilated case, and keep it away from heat. Never chew on it. A well-cared-for guard can protect your smile through many seasons. Call our Suffolk, VA office to ask about getting fitted.
Why a Custom Mouth Guard Is Essential
Over-the-counter mouth guards offer minimal protection and poor fit. A custom-fitted mouth guard from Suffolk Braces is designed specifically for your teeth and braces, providing superior protection, comfort, and breathability during athletic activities. The American Dental Association recommends mouth guards for over 25 sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Sports Mouth Guards
Can I wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes! In fact, it is especially important to wear a mouth guard with braces. We provide custom guards designed to fit comfortably over brackets and wires while protecting your teeth and oral tissues.
How long does it take to get a custom mouth guard?
We can typically fabricate a custom mouth guard within one to two weeks after taking impressions or digital scans of your teeth.
What sports require a mouth guard?
The ADA recommends mouth guards for football, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, wrestling, martial arts, gymnastics, and any sport with risk of contact or falls.
Protect Your Smile on the Field
Ask us about custom sports mouth guards at your next appointment.