Preventive Dentistry

Custom Sports Mouthguards in Bel Air, MD: Real Protection Made for Your Teeth

A knocked-out or fractured tooth is one of the most common sports injuries in both children and adults. It is also one of the most preventable. A custom mouthguard made from an impression of your actual teeth provides protection that generic store-bought versions simply cannot match. At Elevated Smiles Dentistry in Bel Air, MD, we make custom sports mouthguards for athletes of all ages, from youth soccer players to adult contact sports competitors.

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Why Is a Custom Mouthguard Better Than a Store-Bought One?

Stock mouthguards come in a fixed size that fits nobody particularly well. Boil-and-bite versions are an improvement but still cannot replicate the precise fit of a professionally made custom guard. A custom mouthguard is fabricated from an impression of your own teeth, meaning it fits exactly to every contour of your mouth. The result is a guard that stays in place during activity, allows you to breathe and speak clearly, and distributes impact forces more effectively across all tooth surfaces. Athletes who use properly fitted guards report that they are far more comfortable and less distracting than store alternatives.

What Sports Require a Mouthguard?

The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for any sport involving contact, collision, or the risk of falls. This includes obvious contact sports like football, hockey, lacrosse, boxing, and wrestling, but also non-contact sports with significant fall risk like skateboarding, cycling, gymnastics, and basketball. Youth soccer players are among the most common patients we see for mouthguard fabrication. If there is any reasonable chance of a blow to the face or head, a mouthguard is worth having. Dental trauma is far more costly and time-consuming to repair than a custom guard is to make.

How Is a Custom Mouthguard Made at Elevated Smiles?

The process is quick and straightforward. Dr. Englander or our hygienist takes an impression or digital scan of your upper teeth. This impression is used to pour a precise stone model of your mouth, which is then sent to a dental lab where the mouthguard is pressure-formed from a thick, durable plastic material. The finished guard fits snugly over your teeth without needing to be held in place by biting down. Turnaround time is typically one to two weeks. We also offer custom-colored guards for athletes who want team colors or personal designs.

How Do I Care for a Custom Sports Mouthguard?

Rinse your mouthguard with cold water before and after each use. Clean it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap occasionally. Store it in the ventilated case it comes with so it can dry out between uses. Do not leave it in a hot car or expose it to hot water, as heat can warp the material. Bring it to your dental appointments so Dr. Englander can check the fit, particularly for growing children whose teeth change over time. A well-maintained custom guard typically lasts one to three years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Sports Mouthguards

Does my child need a new mouthguard every season?

For growing children whose teeth are still changing, a new mouthguard every one to two years ensures the fit remains accurate. Dr. Englander will check the fit at your child’s regular appointments and let you know when a replacement is needed.

How much does a custom mouthguard cost?

Custom sports mouthguards at Elevated Smiles Dentistry are typically priced between 0 and 0. Some dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for sports mouthguards. Our team will check your benefits when you schedule.

Can I wear a mouthguard if I have braces?

Yes. In fact, wearing a mouthguard during sports is especially important with braces because a hit to the mouth can cause the brackets and wires to cut the inside of the cheeks and lips. Special orthodontic mouthguards are designed to accommodate braces.

Do adults need sports mouthguards too?

Absolutely. Adult teeth are permanent and far more expensive to repair or replace than a mouthguard costs to make. Adult recreational athletes in contact sports, martial arts, and high-fall-risk activities benefit just as much as competitive youth athletes.

Is a sports mouthguard the same as a nightguard?

No. Sports mouthguards are designed to absorb and distribute impact from external forces during physical activity. Nightguards are thinner appliances designed to protect teeth from the grinding and clenching forces generated during sleep. They are different products designed for different problems.
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