What Is a Custom Sports Guard?
A custom sports guard is one of the simplest and most effective pieces of protective equipment an athlete can wear. Impact to the mouth during sports and physical activities can result in chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth, lacerations to the lips and cheeks, and injuries to the jaw. A properly fitted mouthguard absorbs and distributes the force of impact, dramatically reducing the risk of dental trauma and its associated costs, pain, and treatment time.
Custom Sports Guards: Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | 2 (records, then fitting) |
| Time needed | About 1 to 2 weeks to make |
| Anesthesia | None |
| Recovery time | None |
| How long it lasts | One to several seasons; sooner for growing children |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Who Should Wear a Sports Guard
Sports guards are recommended for athletes of all ages who participate in contact and collision sports such as basketball, football, hockey, lacrosse, boxing, and martial arts. They are equally valuable in non-contact sports where falls and collisions still occur, including cycling, skateboarding, gymnastics, and skiing. For patients who also grind their teeth, a separate nightguard for bruxism is recommended, as sports guards and nightguards are designed for different purposes and different levels of force.
A mouthguard spreads the force of an impact over all the teeth instead of one. Anyone whose sport carries a risk of a fall, a collision or a ball or elbow to the face should wear one.
- Contact sports such as football, hockey, rugby, lacrosse and boxing
- Ball and stick sports such as basketball, soccer and baseball
- Skateboarding, cycling, gymnastics and skiing
- Athletes with braces
- Anyone who has already chipped or lost a tooth playing sport
Custom Sports Guards at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, sports guards are custom fabricated from impressions of each patient’s teeth, producing a guard that fits securely, stays in place during activity, and allows for comfortable breathing and communication. Unlike the boil-and-bite or one-size-fits-all guards available in stores, a custom guard is made from durable, professional-grade materials and designed to match the exact contours of the patient’s mouth. This precision translates directly into better protection, better comfort, and more consistent use.
What to Expect, Step by Step
- Exam. We check your teeth and ask about your sport.
- Impressions or scan. A record of your teeth is taken.
- Fabrication. The guard is made in layers to the thickness your sport needs.
- Fitting. The guard is tried in and trimmed for comfort and breathing.
- Review. Fit is rechecked as teeth change, especially in growing children.
Types of mouthguard
| Type | Fit | Protection | Breathing and speech |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock guard | Loose; held by biting | Low | Difficult |
| Boil-and-bite | Moderate | Moderate | Fair |
| Custom guard | Exact | High | Easy |
A guard only protects you if it is in your mouth. Comfort is what decides whether an athlete actually wears it.
Caring for Your Sports Guard
Daily care and replacement
After every use
- Rinse the guard with cool water after each use
- Brush it with a toothbrush and mild soap
- Store it dry in a ventilated case
Each season
- Check for tears or thinning at the start of each season
- Replace it when it no longer fits snugly
- Children and teens usually need a new guard every season
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- The guard is torn, bitten through or loose
- You take a blow to the mouth, even if nothing looks broken
- A tooth is loose, chipped or knocked out
Cost and Insurance
Preventative visits are the least expensive part of dental care, and they reduce the need for larger treatment later.
What affects the cost
- Whether X-rays are due
- The type of cleaning your gums need
- Add-on services such as fluoride, sealants or laser bacterial reduction
- Custom appliances such as nightguards and sports guards, which include a laboratory fee
Most dental plans cover exams, cleanings and X-rays at a high rate, often twice a year. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
