Why Athletes Choose a Custom—Fitted Mouth Guard
A mouthguard made specifically for your smile offers advantages you will notice from the first time you wear it:
- Superior protection: Even thickness and precise coverage help absorb impact where your teeth need it most.
- Secure, snug fit: Custom guards stay in place during play, so you are not constantly adjusting or clenching to hold them in.
- Easier breathing and speaking: A slimmer design means you can communicate with teammates and coaches clearly.
- All-day comfort: Smooth edges and a precise fit reduce gagging and irritation to the gums and cheeks.
- Lasting durability: High-quality materials resist tearing and hold their shape longer than many over-the-counter options.
- Protection beyond teeth: Mouth guards help prevent cuts to the lips, tongue, and cheeks, and may lessen the force of jaw injuries.
Keeping Your Mouth Guard Clean and in Great Shape
A little care helps your mouth guard stay hygienic and effective season after season:
- Rinse your guard with cool water before and after each use.
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap.
- Store it in a ventilated case to let it dry and keep it protected.
- Keep it out of hot cars and away from hot water, which can warp the material.
- Never share your mouth guard with teammates.
- Bring it to your checkups so we can inspect it for wear, tears, or changes in fit.
Kids and teens may need a new guard each season as their teeth and jaws grow. Adults should replace their guard if it becomes worn, damaged, or loose.
Crafting Your Personalized Mouth Guard
Getting a custom sports guard is quick, easy, and comfortable. Most patients need just two short visits:
Consultation
We talk about the sports you play, your level of contact, and any special needs, such as braces or existing dental work.
Dental Exam
Our dentists check your teeth and gums to make sure your smile is healthy and ready for a guard.
Precise Impressions
We take detailed impressions of your teeth, which serve as the blueprint for your custom mouth guard.
Custom Fabrication
Your guard is crafted from durable, impact-absorbing material shaped to the exact contours of your teeth.
Fitting Appointment
We place the guard, check the fit and comfort, and make any small adjustments so it feels just right.
Care Instructions
Our team shows you how to clean and store your guard, and we check its condition at your routine visits.
Who Should Wear a Sports Mouth Guard?
Anyone who plays a sport or takes part in an activity with a risk of falls, collisions, or flying objects should wear a mouth guard. This includes:
- Football, hockey, lacrosse, and rugby players
- Basketball, soccer, baseball, and softball athletes
- Wrestlers, boxers, and martial arts students
- Volleyball, water polo, and field hockey players
- Skateboarders, snowboarders, skiers, and mountain bikers
- Gymnasts, cheerleaders, and dancers who perform stunts
Custom mouth guards are especially valuable for:
- Kids and teens: Young athletes are at high risk for dental injuries, and their guards can be updated as their mouths grow.
- Patients with braces: A custom guard protects both the teeth and the brackets, and helps prevent cuts to the lips and cheeks.
- Patients with dental work: Crowns, bridges, veneers, and implants are worth protecting with a well-fitted guard.
Gear up with a Custom Mouth Guard
Protecting your smile is easier than repairing it. Whether your child is starting their first season or you are a lifelong athlete, our team at Clear Creek Dentistry can create a comfortable, custom mouth guard made to keep you in the game. Call us or request an appointment online to get fitted before your next practice.
Schedule Your Mouth Guard FittingFrequently Asked Questions About Mouth Guards
A custom mouth guard is a protective device made from impressions of your teeth. Because it is shaped to fit your mouth exactly, it offers better comfort, a more secure fit, and more reliable protection than one-size-fits-all guards.
Yes. Custom mouth guards fit better, stay in place during play, and make it easier to breathe and talk. Because they are more comfortable, athletes are more likely to wear them consistently, which is key to preventing dental injuries.
Mouth guards are recommended for any sport with a risk of contact, falls, or flying objects, including football, hockey, lacrosse, basketball, soccer, baseball, wrestling, martial arts, skateboarding, and more.
Yes. Athletes with braces should always wear a mouth guard. A custom guard can be designed to fit over brackets and wires, protecting both the teeth and the orthodontic appliances.
Adults can often use a custom mouth guard for several years with proper care. Children and teens may need a new one each season or year as their mouths grow and new teeth come in.
Most custom mouth guards are ready within about one to two weeks after your impressions are taken. The fitting appointment itself only takes a few minutes.
Rinse your mouth guard with cool water after each use, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, and let it dry in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material.
No. Sports mouth guards are designed to absorb impact during athletic activities, while night guards are made to protect teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep. Each is designed for its own purpose, so one should not replace the other.
