Sports mouthguards

Each winter the lakes freeze and the ski hills open. A custom mouthguard belongs in the bag beside your skates.

A mouthguard cushions your teeth, lips and jaw from a hit or a fall. A custom guard is made from an impression of your teeth, so it fits closely and stays put while you play.

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Dental injuries are common in hockey, lacrosse, basketball, rugby, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding. A broken or knocked-out tooth can mean years of treatment. A mouthguard is a small step that helps protect against that.

There are two main kinds. A boil-and-bite guard from the store is softened in hot water and shaped by biting into it. It’s easy to find, but it can be bulky, loose or hard to talk through. A custom guard is made to fit your mouth. It’s usually more comfortable, makes talking and breathing easier, and is more likely to stay in place.

How it works

01
A quick check
We check your teeth and bite, and ask about the sports you play.
02
Impressions
We take an impression of your upper teeth. It only takes a few minutes.
03
Making your guard
Your guard is made to fit your teeth, with a thickness suited to your sport.
04
Fitting
We check the fit and comfort, and show you how to clean and store it.

Afterwards

Wear your guard at every game and practice, not just the big ones. Rinse it after use, brush it gently with cool water and let it dry in a vented case. Keep it out of hot cars and away from boiling water, which can warp it. Bring it to your check-ups. Children and teens may need a new guard as their teeth and jaws grow.

Questions people ask

Is a custom guard worth it over boil-and-bite?

Wearing any mouthguard is a good step. A custom guard fits more closely, so it’s usually more comfortable and easier to talk and breathe in. That means you’re more likely to keep it in.

My child’s teeth are still changing. Does a custom guard make sense?

Yes, as long as it still fits. Growing mouths change, so we check the fit at regular visits and let you know when it’s time for a new one.

What if a tooth gets knocked out during a game?

Pick it up by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently, put it back in the socket if you can or keep it in milk, and call us right away. Our emergency dentistry page has the full steps.

Are sports mouthguards covered by insurance?

Some plans cover custom mouthguards and some don’t. We’ll give you a written estimate and can send a pre-determination to your insurer before we start.