8221 Glades Road, Suite 4, Boca Raton, FL 33434
Essential Protection for Every Athlete
Sports mouthguards, also called sportsguards, are an absolutely essential piece of athletic safety equipment. Yet despite the fact that thousands of people lose or injure teeth every year while playing sports, mouthguards remain one of the most overlooked and underused forms of protection. At Glades Dental Group in Boca Raton, we want to change that. A single well-fitted mouthguard can prevent painful, costly dental injuries and keep athletes of all ages smiling with confidence.
We are strong advocates of preventive dental care, which is why we create custom sportsguards for athletes of every age and skill level. Many patients and parents assume mouthguards are only necessary for contact sports like hockey and football, where collisions are common. In reality, there are dozens of sports where we recommend a sportsguard, including many that are considered solo or non-contact activities. Volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, mountain biking, and rollerblading are just a few examples where a mouthguard offers valuable protection against unexpected falls and impacts.
Get a Custom Sportsguard
What Is a Sports Mouthguard?
A sports mouthguard is a piece of molded plastic shaped like an arch that fits over the top teeth. It protects the mouth and face in several important ways. First, it shields the upper teeth from damage caused by impacts or blows to the face. Second, it prevents the top and bottom teeth from striking each other directly during a collision. Finally, it protects the soft tissues of the mouth, especially the cheeks and lips, from being injured against the teeth.
By absorbing and distributing the force of an impact, a quality mouthguard dramatically reduces the risk of chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, and other serious dental injuries. For any athlete, it is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe while staying active.
Who Should Wear a Sports Mouthguard?
A sports mouthguard is recommended for a wide range of athletes. You or your child may benefit from a custom sportsguard if you:
- Play a contact sport such as football, hockey, basketball, or martial arts
- Participate in a non-contact sport like soccer, volleyball, or gymnastics
- Enjoy recreational activities such as mountain biking, skateboarding, or rollerblading
- Are an athlete of any age, from youth leagues to adult recreational play
- Wear braces or other dental work you want to protect
- Want the best possible defense against costly dental injuries
If you or your child is active in nearly any sport, a custom mouthguard is a smart investment in long-term dental health.
Understanding Your Sports Mouthguard Options
There are three main types of sportsguards: ready-made, boil-and-bite, and custom. We want all of our patients to understand the differences so they can make an informed decision about the protection that is right for them.
Ready-Made Sportsguards
Sometimes referred to as over-the-counter or stock guards, ready-made sportsguards are available at many drugstores and pharmacies. They are typically made from plastic or hard rubber in a U shape, with a trough for the teeth and a lip that extends above the gum line to protect the gums. While they usually come in a few basic sizes, that is as customized as the fit will get. These are the least expensive option but also the least comfortable, and a poor fit can make them difficult to keep in place.
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Boil-and-Bite Sportsguards
Also found at drugstores and pharmacies, boil-and-bite guards are not ready to use straight out of the package. Instead, the guard is heated, usually in boiling water, until it becomes soft and pliable. While it is still soft but cool enough to handle, the athlete bites into it so it molds around the teeth. This creates a slightly better fit than a ready-made guard, but it still does not qualify as truly custom. Because the plastic must be soft enough to bite into, it tends to be less durable, meaning it may not last as long and can wear down quickly, especially for athletes who tend to chew on their guard.
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Custom Sportsguards
A custom sportsguard is prescribed and produced by a dentist to fit your mouth exactly. The process begins by taking a mold of your teeth, which involves briefly biting into a tray of paste. From that mold, we create a stone model of your teeth over which the sportsguard is formed. The guard is made from durable plastic that is either poured into a mold or vacuum formed. Because it is built from a precise model of your mouth, a custom sportsguard offers the most secure and comfortable fit. It is far more likely to stay in place and allows the athlete to speak and breathe normally. While the custom process makes this the most expensive option, we believe it is by far the best, because when a mouthguard fits well and feels comfortable, athletes are much more likely to wear it when it matters.
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Why Choose a Custom Sports Mouthguard
A professionally made mouthguard offers protection and comfort that store-bought versions cannot match. Here is why athletes across Boca Raton choose custom sportsguards from Glades Dental Group:
- Superior protection: A custom guard shields your teeth, jaw, and soft tissues from impacts far more effectively.
- Secure, comfortable fit: Made from a model of your mouth, it stays in place and feels comfortable throughout play.
- Easier breathing and speaking: A precise fit allows athletes to breathe and communicate normally on the field.
- Better durability: Custom guards are made from strong, long-lasting materials built to withstand regular use.
- More likely to be worn: When a mouthguard feels good, athletes actually wear it, which is what truly protects them.
- Protection for all sports: Custom guards are ideal for contact and non-contact sports alike.
Protect Your Smile with a Custom Sports Mouthguard in Boca Raton
Do not let a preventable injury sideline you or your child. A custom sports mouthguard from Glades Dental Group offers reliable, comfortable protection so you can focus on the game. Call us today at 561-883-2786 or request an appointment online to get fitted for a custom sportsguard.
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