Custom Sports Mouthguards in Clovis, CA
Protect Your Smile During Sports and Physical Activities
Sports are a great way to stay active, build confidence, and have fun. But falls, collisions, flying balls, and accidental impacts can put your teeth, gums, lips, cheeks, and jaw at risk.
At Clovis Country Dental, we provide custom sports mouthguards in Clovis, CA designed to fit your teeth comfortably and provide protection during sports and physical activities.
Whether you are a child, teen, recreational athlete, or competitive player, a properly fitted sports mouthguard can be an important part of protecting your smile.
Why Wear a Sports Mouthguard?
A sports mouthguard creates a protective barrier between your teeth and the soft tissues of your mouth. During sports, an unexpected impact can cause injuries such as:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Cuts to the lips, cheeks, or tongue
- Damage to existing dental restorations
- Injuries caused by accidental contact between the upper and lower teeth
A mouthguard is especially important during activities where falls, collisions, or contact with equipment or other players are possible.
What Is a Custom Sports Mouthguard?
A custom sports mouthguard is a protective dental appliance designed specifically for your mouth.
Unlike a generic mouthguard purchased from a store, a custom mouthguard is created using an impression or digital scan of your teeth. This allows the appliance to be designed around your individual dental anatomy and bite.
A properly fitted mouthguard should stay securely in place while you are active without unnecessarily interfering with breathing or speaking.
At Clovis Country Dental, we can evaluate your teeth and help determine whether a custom sports mouthguard is appropriate for your activity and dental needs.
Who Should Wear a Sports Mouthguard?
Athletes of many ages can benefit from wearing a mouthguard during sports where dental injuries are possible.
A custom sports mouthguard may be appropriate for:
- Children and teenagers who play sports
- Recreational athletes
- Competitive athletes
- Athletes participating in contact sports
- Athletes participating in collision or high-impact activities
- Patients with braces or certain dental appliances
If you are unsure whether your sport requires a mouthguard, ask your dentist about the appropriate level of protection for your activity.
Which Sports May Require a Mouthguard?
Mouthguards are commonly used during sports and activities where the face or mouth could be impacted.
Examples include:
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Hockey
- Wrestling
- Boxing and martial arts
- Baseball and softball
- Lacrosse
- Volleyball
- Skateboarding
- Gymnastics
- Other contact or high-impact activities
Even sports that do not involve direct contact can involve falls, collisions, or accidental impacts. Your dentist can help you choose appropriate protection based on the activity you participate in.
Custom Sports Mouthguards vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards
Sports mouthguards are available in several forms, including generic and custom-fitted options.
Store-Bought Mouthguards
Generic mouthguards are readily available and may provide basic protection. However, they are not specifically designed for your teeth and may feel bulky or become uncomfortable during activity.
Custom Sports Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards are made specifically for your mouth. Because they are professionally fitted, they can provide a more secure and personalized fit.
Potential advantages include:
- Customized fit
- Improved comfort
- Secure positioning during activity
- Easier communication
- Less interference with normal breathing
- Personalized protection based on your dental needs
If you or your child plays sports regularly, ask our dental team whether a custom mouthguard is a good option.
How Are Custom Sports Mouthguards Made?
Creating a custom sports mouthguard begins with a dental evaluation.
Your dentist will examine your teeth and determine the appropriate type of appliance based on your mouth, bite, sport, and individual needs.
A dental impression or digital scan may then be used to create a model of your teeth. Clovis Country Dental also offers Impressionless Dentistry using digital scanning technology, which may be used when appropriate.
The custom mouthguard is then fabricated based on the dental information collected.
Once the appliance is ready, your dentist can check the fit and make adjustments when necessary.
Sports Mouthguards for Children and Teen Athletes
Children and teenagers who participate in sports should also have appropriate protection for their developing smiles.
A custom mouthguard can be especially useful for young athletes because it is designed around their individual teeth and dental needs.
If your child has braces or other orthodontic appliances, talk with your dentist before choosing a sports mouthguard. The appliance may need to accommodate changes in the teeth and orthodontic treatment.
Clovis Country Dental also provides comprehensive children’s dentistry for young patients.
Can a Mouthguard Protect Braces?
Athletes who wear braces may need a specially designed mouthguard to help protect both their teeth and orthodontic appliances.
Do not assume that a standard mouthguard is appropriate for braces. Ask your dentist which type of appliance is suitable for your orthodontic treatment.
If you or your child is currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, our team can discuss your dental needs and recommend the appropriate approach.
What Injuries Can a Sports Mouthguard Help Reduce?
A properly fitted sports mouthguard can help protect the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth from direct impact.
It may help reduce the risk or severity of injuries involving:
- Chipped teeth
- Broken teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Lip injuries
- Cheek injuries
- Tongue injuries
- Certain impacts involving the upper and lower teeth
However, a mouthguard does not eliminate the risk of injury and should not be considered protection against every type of facial or head injury.
Athletes should continue to use appropriate helmets, protective equipment, and other safety gear recommended for their sport.
How to Care for Your Sports Mouthguard
Proper care can help keep your mouthguard clean and in good condition.
After each use:
- Rinse the mouthguard with cool or lukewarm water.
- Clean it according to your dentist’s instructions.
- Allow it to dry before storing it.
- Keep it in a ventilated protective case.
- Avoid exposing it to excessive heat.
- Bring it to your dental appointments so your dentist can check its condition.
Do not leave your mouthguard in direct sunlight or hot environments, as excessive heat may affect its shape.
When Should You Replace a Sports Mouthguard?
The lifespan of a sports mouthguard varies depending on the material, frequency of use, activity level, and changes in your teeth.
You should have your mouthguard evaluated if it:
- Becomes damaged or torn
- No longer fits properly
- Feels uncomfortable
- Becomes excessively worn
- Has changed shape
- No longer stays securely in place
Children and teenagers may also need replacement as their teeth and jaws develop.
Bring your mouthguard to regular dental appointments so your dentist can evaluate its fit and condition.
What Is the Difference Between a Sports Guard and a Night Guard?
Sports guards and night guards are designed for different purposes.
A sports mouthguard is worn during physical activity to help protect the mouth from impact and sports-related injuries.
A night guard is generally worn during sleep to protect teeth from grinding and clenching associated with bruxism.
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, visit our Night Guards page to learn about custom protection for bruxism.
Choosing the correct appliance is important because a sports mouthguard and a night guard are not interchangeable for every situation.
What Should I Do If a Sports Injury Damages My Tooth?
Even with a mouthguard, dental injuries can sometimes happen.
If you experience a chipped, cracked, broken, or knocked-out tooth during sports, contact your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Severe pain, significant bleeding, swelling, or a knocked-out permanent tooth may require urgent dental attention.
Learn more about what to do during a dental emergency and contact Clovis Country Dental for guidance.
Protect Your Smile Before the Next Game
A sports mouthguard is a simple way to add protection for your teeth and mouth during physical activities.
Instead of waiting until a dental injury happens, consider having your mouthguard professionally evaluated and fitted before your next season or competition.
At Clovis Country Dental, we provide custom sports mouthguards in Clovis, CA for children, teens, recreational athletes, and competitive players.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Mouthguards
Do I really need a sports mouthguard?
If you participate in a sport where falls, collisions, or impacts to the face are possible, a mouthguard can help protect your teeth and soft tissues. Your dentist can help determine whether one is appropriate for your activity.
Are custom sports mouthguards better than store-bought mouthguards?
Custom mouthguards are designed specifically for your teeth and bite, which can provide a more personalized and secure fit than generic options. The best choice depends on your individual needs and activity.
How much does a custom sports mouthguard cost?
The cost depends on the type of mouthguard and your individual dental needs. Contact Clovis Country Dental for current pricing and to determine which option is appropriate for you.
Can children get custom sports mouthguards?
Yes. Children and teenagers can receive custom sports mouthguards. Because their teeth and jaws can change as they grow, the fit should be checked regularly.
Can I wear a sports mouthguard with braces?
Some athletes with braces need specially designed mouthguards. Talk with your dentist or orthodontic provider before selecting a mouthguard to ensure it is appropriate for your orthodontic treatment.
Can a sports mouthguard prevent a concussion?
A sports mouthguard is primarily designed to protect the teeth and mouth. It should not be considered a reliable method of preventing concussions or other head injuries. Continue using appropriate protective equipment for your sport.
How often should I replace my sports mouthguard?
Replacement depends on wear, damage, fit, and changes in your teeth. Children and teenagers may need replacement more frequently as their mouths develop. Your dentist can evaluate the appliance during routine visits.
Can I use a sports guard as a night guard?
Sports guards and night guards are designed for different purposes. A sports guard protects against athletic impact, while a night guard is designed primarily to protect teeth from grinding and clenching. If you need protection from bruxism, ask about our custom night guards.
Custom Sports Mouthguards in Clovis, CA
If you are looking for custom sports mouthguards in Clovis, CA, Clovis Country Dental can help you protect your smile during sports and physical activities.
Our custom sports guards are designed around your individual teeth and are intended to provide a comfortable, secure fit.
Call (559) 552-0700 to schedule an appointment at Clovis Country Dental, located at 2141 Shaw Ave Ste 105, Clovis, CA 93611.