Sports Mouthguards in Sacramento, CA
A collision, fall, or accidental impact during sports can chip, loosen, or knock out a tooth. At Perfect Smile Dental of Sacramento, we provide sports mouthguards in Sacramento for athletes who need added dental protection during physical activity. A properly fitted mouthguard can help cushion impact to the teeth and surrounding oral tissues during sports.
Who Should Wear a Sports Mouthguard?
Athletes may benefit from a mouthguard when their sport involves collisions, falls, flying equipment, or another risk of impact to the face.
Sports and Activities Where Mouthguards Can Help
Football, basketball, soccer, hockey, boxing, martial arts, baseball, gymnastics, and similar activities can place teeth at risk. Appropriate sports dental protection can help reduce the incidence and severity of certain oral injuries.
Sports Mouthguards for Kids, Teens, and Adults
Children, teenagers, and adults can all use athletic mouthguards. We consider age, dental development, the activity involved, and how the appliance fits during movement.
Mouthguards for Athletes With Braces
Athletes with braces or other orthodontic appliances need additional fit considerations. Because tooth positions can change during orthodontic treatment, the mouthguard should be checked periodically and adjusted or replaced when necessary.
No mouthguard can prevent every sports-related injury.
Benefits of a Custom-Fit Sports Mouthguard
Protecting Teeth and Oral Tissues
Custom sports mouthguards can help protect against chipped or fractured teeth, displaced teeth, and injuries to the lips or cheeks during athletic activity.
A More Individualized Fit
Good retention helps keep a mouthguard in position during activity. An appliance that fits correctly can be more comfortable to wear and simpler to speak with compared to one that doesn’t fit well.
Dentist-Made and Store-Bought Mouthguards
Stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards are widely available, but their fit varies. A dentist-made custom-fit athletic mouthguard is created from a record of your teeth for a more individualized fit.
Protection depends on the guard’s fit, condition, design, and consistent use rather than whether it is custom-made alone.
How We Create a Custom Sports Mouthguard
Our process begins with an evaluation of your teeth and athletic needs.
Step 1: Dental Examination and Sports Review
We assess your teeth and discuss your sport, age, stage of dental development, and any orthodontic appliances that may affect the mouthguard.
Step 2: Taking an Impression
An impression of your teeth is taken to record their shape and position for the custom fitting process.
Step 3: Fabricating the Mouthguard
The mouthguard is created to fit the dental impression. We avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach because each athlete’s mouth and dental needs are different.
Step 4: Checking the Fit
We assess the completed guard and explain how to insert, remove, wear, clean, and store it. Fit should be reassessed if your teeth change or the appliance begins to feel different.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Sports Mouthguard
Proper care can help keep your mouthguard clean and in usable condition.
After each use:
- Rinse and gently clean the mouthguard as directed.
- Allow it to dry before storage.
- Keep it in a ventilated protective case.
- Avoid excessive heat that could distort the material.
- Avoid chewing on the guard.
Have the appliance checked if you notice cracks, tears, thinning, distortion, or a loose or uncomfortable fit.
Children and teenagers may need more frequent fit checks because their teeth and jaws continue to develop.
How Much Does a Custom Sports Mouthguard Cost?
The cost of a custom sports mouthguard can vary depending on the individual patient and fabrication needs.
Dental insurance does not necessarily cover athletic mouthguards, and benefits vary by policy. Our team can help review your available insurance information and discuss expected costs before you move forward.
Store-bought options may cost less upfront, while professionally made guards fit your individual teeth. Cost is only one factor to consider when choosing a mouthguard.
Why Choose Our Office for a Sports Mouthguard?
We provide personalized, unhurried care when planning a sports mouthguard. We take time to consider the athlete’s teeth, stage of development, sport, and any orthodontic appliances rather than recommending the same option for everyone.
We welcome athletes and families from Laguna Trail, Mack Road, Meadowview, Franklin, Elk Grove, and nearby communities.
Get a Mouthguard Ready for Game Day
If you or your child participates in an activity with a risk of dental impact, we can determine whether a custom mouthguard is appropriate.
Patients searching for sports mouthguards near me can contact our Sacramento office to schedule an evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Custom mouthguards are made from a record of your teeth, which allows the fit to be individualized. Custom-fitted and boil-and-bite mouthguards can also offer protection if they are fitted correctly and used consistently.
Yes. Athletes with braces may need a mouthguard designed to accommodate orthodontic appliances and changing tooth positions. Your dentist or orthodontist can give guidance on the fit of your treatment as it progresses.
There is no fixed lifespan. How long a mouthguard remains usable depends on wear, damage, fit, growth, dental changes, and how often it is worn.
Sports mouthguards and night guards serve different purposes. An appliance designed for athletic impact should not automatically be used for nighttime grinding or clenching.
Coverage varies by plan, and some policies may exclude athletic mouthguards. Our team can help you review available benefits, but insurance verification does not guarantee coverage or payment.
