Custom mouthguards are made from records of your teeth and designed around your individual bite and dental needs.
Custom Sports Mouthguards in Aldershot, Burlington
Whether you play hockey, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, football, martial arts, or another activity where contact or falls can occur, protecting your teeth should be part of your sports equipment.
At Aldershot Village Dental, we provide professionally fitted custom sports mouthguards in Aldershot, Burlington for children, teens, and adults. Each mouthguard is made to fit your teeth securely and comfortably while helping protect your teeth and the soft tissues of your mouth during sports and physical activity.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends properly fitted mouthguards, preferably custom-fitted by a dentist, to help reduce the risk of oral and facial injuries in higher-risk sports.
Why Wear a Sports Mouthguard?
Sports-related impacts, falls, and collisions can result in dental injuries such as chipped, fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth, as well as injuries to the lips, cheeks, and gums.
A properly fitted sports mouthguard creates a protective layer around the teeth and can help absorb and distribute forces from an impact.
The Ontario Dental Association recommends mouthguards for sports and activities where contact with another player or a hard surface may occur.
Who Should Wear a Sports Mouthguard?
Mouthguards should be considered for activities where there is a reasonable risk of contact, falls, or impact to the mouth.
These can include:
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Football
- Rugby
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Baseball
- Martial arts
- Boxing
- Wrestling
- Gymnastics
- Skateboarding
- Cycling
- Skiing and snowboarding
Mouthguards are useful for more than organized contact sports. The Ontario Dental Association recommends considering them for recreational activities where falls or impacts may occur as well.
Why Choose a Custom Sports Mouthguard?
A custom sports mouthguard is made specifically for your teeth and bite rather than relying on a generic shape.
Benefits may include:
A more secure and precise fit
Greater comfort
Less bulk than many ready-made options
Easier breathing and speaking
Protection tailored to your teeth and bite
Accommodation for individual dental needs
The Ontario Dental Association describes custom-made mouthguards as offering the best fit, protection, and comfort compared with other mouthguard types.
Custom Mouthguards vs. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are softened in warm water and shaped by biting into the material. They can provide protection, but the fit is generally less precise than a professionally fabricated custom appliance.
For athletes who play frequently or participate in higher-risk sports, a custom mouthguard may provide a more comfortable and secure option.
What to Expect
- 1.
Dental Assessment
Your dentist evaluates your teeth, bite, existing dental work, and the sport or activity you participate in.
- 2.
Custom Records
Impressions or digital records of your teeth are taken so the mouthguard can be made specifically for you.
- 3.
Fitting
Once your sports mouthguard is ready, the fit is checked and adjustments can be made if necessary.
Children and teens may need their mouthguards checked more frequently as their teeth and jaws continue to develop.
What If I Have Braces?
Athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment may still need mouth protection.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends that patients undergoing orthodontic treatment use a custom-fit mouthguard that accommodates their treatment.
Your dentist can assess your individual circumstances and determine the appropriate type of protection.
Does a Mouthguard Prevent Concussions?
A sports mouthguard is designed primarily to help reduce oral and facial injuries.
It should not be promoted as a concussion-prevention device. The Canadian Dental Association specifically states that mouthguards have a very limited role in preventing brain concussion, which is why appropriate helmets and other sport-specific head and facial protection remain important.
How to Care for Your Sports Mouthguard
To keep your mouthguard clean and in good condition:
- Rinse it after every use
- Follow the cleaning instructions provided by your dental team
- Allow it to dry before storing
- Keep it in a protective ventilated case
- Avoid excessive heat
- Check regularly for wear or damage
- Bring it to dental appointments for periodic inspection
- Replace it if it becomes damaged, distorted, or no longer fits properly
Why Choose Aldershot Village Dental?
Aldershot Village Dental provides custom mouthguards based on your teeth, bite, age, and sporting activity.
Our approach focuses on:
- Professional dental assessment
- Customized fit
- Comfort and retention
- Protection appropriate to your activity
- Monitoring fit as your mouth changes
We provide custom sports mouthguards for children, teens, and adults in Aldershot, Burlington, and surrounding communities.
Get a Custom Sports Mouthguard in Aldershot
Protecting your smile is an important part of getting ready for the season.
If you or your child participates in a sport or physical activity where there is a risk of contact, falls, or impact to the mouth, ask us whether a professionally fitted sports mouthguard is appropriate.
Contact Aldershot Village Dental to book an appointment for a custom sports mouthguard in Aldershot, Burlington.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Mouthguards
Are Custom Sports Mouthguards Better Than Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards?
Custom mouthguards are made specifically for your teeth and bite. The Ontario Dental Association identifies custom-made mouthguards as providing the best fit, protection, and comfort, while boil-and-bite guards generally offer a less precise fit.
What Sports Require a Mouthguard?
Requirements vary by sport and organization, but mouth protection should be considered whenever there is a risk of contact, falls, or impact. Examples include hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby, basketball, soccer, baseball, martial arts, and other higher-risk activities.
Can Children Wear Custom Sports Mouthguards?
Yes. Custom sports mouthguards can be made for children and teens. Because their teeth and jaws are still developing, the fit should be monitored and the appliance replaced when necessary.
Can I Wear a Sports Mouthguard With Braces?
Yes, but the mouthguard must accommodate the orthodontic appliances and changes occurring during treatment. The Canadian Dental Association recommends custom-fit mouthguards for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Is a Sports Mouthguard the Same as a Night Guard?
No. A sports mouthguard is designed to protect your teeth during athletic activity and impact. A night guard is designed to protect the teeth from forces associated with grinding and clenching. They should not be used interchangeably.
How Long Does a Custom Sports Mouthguard Last?
There is no set lifespan. Replacement depends on growth, changes to the teeth, wear, damage, frequency of use, and how well the mouthguard continues to fit. Children and teens may require replacement more frequently as their mouths develop.
Does a Mouthguard Prevent Concussions?
Mouthguards help protect the teeth and oral tissues, but they should not be relied upon to prevent concussions. Appropriate helmets and other protective equipment should be used according to the requirements of the sport.