Sportsguard
A sportsguard is a custom-fitted mouthguard designed to safeguard your teeth, gums, and jaw during physical activity. Made specifically for your mouth, it provides a secure and comfortable fit that stays in place, even during high-impact movements.
Unlike store-bought options, custom sportguards allow for easier breathing and speaking while offering a much higher level of protection. Whether you’re an athlete, weekend warrior, or active teen, a sportguard helps prevent dental injuries before they happen.
Why a Custom Sportsguard Matters
Dental injuries are one of the most common sports-related injuries—and they’re often preventable with the right protection.
A custom sportsguard helps:
- Shield teeth from fractures, chips, and knockouts
- Protect the jaw and surrounding soft tissues
- Reduce damage to braces, crowns, veneers, or implants
- Fit comfortably without slipping or bulkiness
- Allow normal breathing and communication
This simple preventive step can save you from costly and painful dental emergencies down the road.
Designed for Active Kids, Teens & Adults
Sportguards are recommended for patients of all ages who participate in sports or activities where impact, falls, or contact may occur.
You may want a sportsguard if you or your child:
- Play contact or collision sports
- Participate in activities like biking, skateboarding, or gymnastics
- Have dental restorations that need extra protection
Want a comfortable, long-lasting alternative to store-bought guards
During a quick appointment, our team will take digital impressions and create a sportsguard tailored to your smile so you can stay active with confidence.
What is the Typical Process for Getting Sports Guards?
Getting a custom sports guard is a simple and comfortable process that typically takes just one or two appointments. During your first visit, your dentist will take an impression or digital scan of your teeth to create a precise mold of your mouth. This ensures the sports guard fits securely and comfortably while providing the best possible protection during athletic activities.
Once the impression is taken, the mold is sent to a dental laboratory where your custom sports guard is fabricated using durable, shock-absorbing materials. When the sports guard is ready, you’ll return to the office for a fitting. Your dentist will check that it fits properly, make any small adjustments if needed, and provide instructions on how to wear and care for it. The result is a comfortable, custom-fitted guard designed specifically for your mouth and your sport.
Do Sports Guards Require Special Care or Maintenance?
Sports guards are easy to care for, but proper maintenance is important to keep them clean and effective. After each use, the guard should be rinsed with cool water and gently brushed with a toothbrush to remove bacteria and debris. Some patients also like to occasionally soak their sports guard in a mild mouthguard or denture cleaner to keep it fresh.
You can also use the Zima Dental Pod to keep your mouthguard clean. The Zima Dental pod is an at-home ultrasonic cleaner designed to deep-clean removable dental appliances like retainers, aligners, nightguards and sports guards. It uses 42,000 Hz high-frequency sound waves to create millions of nano-scale bubbles that remove plaque, bacteria, and debris in 5 minutes without harsh scrubbing or chemical damage.
When not in use, sports guards should always be stored in a protective case that allows for airflow. This helps prevent bacteria buildup and protects the guard from damage. It’s also important to keep sports guards away from heat, such as hot water or direct sunlight, which can cause them to warp.
During regular dental visits, your dentist can check the condition and fit of your sports guard to ensure it’s still providing proper protection. For growing children and teens, sports guards may need to be replaced periodically as their teeth and jaws develop.