Custom Sports Mouthguards St. Louis
Kirkwood Family Dental provides custom sports guards that protect your teeth during athletic activities. Sports-related dental injuries occur frequently in contact sports and recreational activities. A properly fitted sports guard significantly reduces the risk of damage to your teeth, jaw, lips, and face. Our custom sports guards in St. Louis offer superior protection and comfort compared to store-bought alternatives, allowing you to play confidently while safeguarding your smile. We can also add other fun features like a custom logo, for that extra special touch.
Why Custom Sports Guards Matter
Millions of dental injuries occur each year from sports-related trauma. Contact sports including football, basketball, soccer, and hockey present high risk for oral injuries. Recreational activities involving balls, bats, sticks, or frequent ground contact also threaten dental health. A sports guard acts as a shock absorber, distributing impact force and preventing teeth from chipping, breaking, or being knocked out. Custom guards also protect soft tissues from cuts and reduce jaw injury risk. Athletes who wear properly fitted sports guards experience significantly fewer dental emergencies and avoid costly restorative treatments.
Custom vs. Store-Bought Sports Guards
Custom oral appliances are typically worn during sleep, making treatment convenient and non-invasive. Each appliance is individually fitted to your mouth for optimal comfort and effectiveness. Oral appliances gradually correct orthodontic issues, reduce sleep apnea symptoms, and prevent harmful oral habits. Patients experience improved breathing, better sleep quality, and enhanced dental alignment. The custom design ensures consistent wear and superior results compared to over-the-counter alternatives.
Who Needs a Sports Guard?
Any athlete participating in contact sports should wear a sports guard. Football, hockey, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and wrestling all carry a significant risk of dental injury. Baseball, softball, and field hockey players benefit from protection against balls and sticks. Even non-contact sports like skateboarding, gymnastics, and mountain biking can result in falls that damage teeth. Children and teens with braces require special sports guards that accommodate orthodontic appliances. Adult recreational athletes often underestimate injury risk and benefit from protection. We recommend sports guards for anyone engaged in physical activities where dental injury is possible.
Getting Your Custom Sports Guard
Your appointment begins with a comprehensive oral examination to assess your teeth and bite alignment. We discuss which sports or activities you participate in and any specific protection concerns. We take precise measurements of your teeth using a digital scanner. The custom sports guard is fabricated to fit your mouth exactly, providing optimal coverage and comfort. At your delivery appointment, we ensure proper fit and teach you how to insert, remove, and care for your guard. Custom guards should be rinsed after use, cleaned regularly with mild soap, and stored in a protective case. We check your guard at regular dental visits and replace it as needed, especially for growing children whose mouths change.
Custom Sports Mouth Guards: FAQs
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Custom sports guards are a worthwhile investment in protecting your smile. The cost varies but is significantly less than treating a dental injury, which can involve emergency care, root canals, crowns, or implants. We provide pricing during your consultation and help you understand any insurance coverage for sports guards.
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Yes, we create special sports guards designed to fit over braces and protect both your teeth and orthodontic appliances. Athletes with braces face higher injury risk and absolutely need proper protection during sports.
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Custom sports guards typically last several seasons with proper care. Adults may use the same guard for years. Children and teens need replacement as their mouths grow and teeth shift. We evaluate your guard at regular dental visits and recommend replacement when fit or condition changes.
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Custom sports guards are designed for comfort and function. The precise fit allows normal breathing and clear communication. Unlike bulky store-bought guards, our custom guards stay in place without interfering with athletic performance.
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Contact sports including football, hockey, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, and boxing require mouthguards. Many athletes also wear them for baseball, softball, field hockey, skateboarding, mountain biking, and gymnastics. Any activity with risk of falls, collisions, or contact with hard objects benefits from protection.
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Rinse your guard with water after each use. Clean it regularly with a toothbrush and mild soap. Store it in the provided ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material. Bring your guard to dental appointments for professional evaluation.
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One properly fitted custom sports guard works for all sports. The guard protects teeth regardless of the specific activity. For growing children, we recommend checking the fit each season to ensure adequate protection as their mouth develops.
Ready to Protect Your Smile?
Schedule a consultation to get a custom sports guard designed specifically for your teeth and athletic activities.