At Dental Arts Davis Square in Somerville, we offer custom-fit sports mouth guards designed for optimal comfort and protection. Contact us to learn why a custom mouthguard is the best choice for active individuals. Schedule a mouth guard fitting or call (617) 776-2323.
The Risks of Skipping a Mouth Guard
For over 50 years, the American Dental Association has advised athletes to wear properly fitted mouth guards to help prevent oral injuries during sports. While they don’t offer complete protection, athletes who don’t wear one are up to 60 times more likely to suffer dental trauma. Blows to the face and flying objects can cause serious harm to the teeth and jaw.
A custom-fitted mouth guard shields the upper teeth, cushions impact, and helps stabilize the jaw. Without one, athletes face a higher risk of broken or knocked-out teeth, jaw injuries, cuts to the lips and cheeks, and damage to braces or other dental appliances.
Broken or Lost Teeth
Even though teeth are strong, they’re not indestructible. Without the protection of a mouthguard, a direct hit can cause teeth to chip, crack, or be knocked out entirely. These types of injuries often require immediate dental care and can have long-term consequences.
Jaw Injuries
Jaw injuries are common in contact sports. A properly fitted mouthguard helps absorb shock, reducing the impact on the jaw. It also prevents the teeth from cutting into the lips, cheeks, or tongue during a collision, lowering the risk of painful punctures or lacerations.
Damage to Orthodontic Appliances
Braces and other orthodontic devices need special protection. A custom-fit mouthguard—designed by a dentist—can accommodate both upper and lower teeth. It not only shields the teeth but also helps prevent wires and brackets from causing injury to the inside of the mouth during contact.
How a Custom Sports Mouth Guard Protects You
Shields the Upper Teeth
A custom-fitted guard shields the upper teeth and cushions impact from blows to the face and flying objects, helping prevent chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth.
Absorbs Shock to the Jaw
A properly fitted mouthguard helps absorb shock and stabilize the jaw, reducing the impact of a collision common in contact sports.
Protects the Soft Tissues
It prevents the teeth from cutting into the lips, cheeks, or tongue during a collision, lowering the risk of painful punctures or lacerations.
Accommodates Braces
A custom-fit guard can accommodate both upper and lower teeth and helps prevent wires and brackets from injuring the inside of the mouth during contact.
What to Expect When Being Fitted for a Mouth Guard
Expect a Digital Scan
First, we will take a 3-D digital scan of your teeth, which will be used to create a model of the teeth. This scan is then sent to a dental laboratory where a technician will use the digital model to fabricate a custom sports mouth guard.
Expect a Custom Mouth Guard from the Lab
Using the model, the lab technician will use a durable and comfortable material to create the mouth guard. Our dentist will specify the material based on the needs of the patient and the level of protection required.
Expect a Final Fitting
Once the sports guard has been fabricated, we will adjust and shape it to fit the patient’s teeth precisely, ensuring maximum protection and comfort.
Risks of Store-Bought Mouth Guards
There are three main types of mouth guards: stock (ready-made), boil-and-bite (mouth-formed), and custom-made. While store-bought options like stock and boil-and-bite guards are widely available, they offer the least protection.
Because these guards aren’t tailored to your mouth, they often fit poorly, shift during use, and can feel bulky or uncomfortable. They’re also more likely to tear and less effective at absorbing impact. For maximum protection, especially in high-contact sports, a custom-fitted mouth guard made from durable materials is the safest and most reliable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Mouth Guards
It depends on how often you use it. A custom mouthguard can last for several years with proper care. Store-bought options usually wear out faster. Bring your mouthguard to your dental checkups so we can check its condition.
Just give us a call to schedule a consultation. If you’re a good candidate, we’ll take impressions of your mouth and begin creating your custom-fit mouth guard.
Mouthguards can be made from materials like acrylic, vinyl, rubber, or acetate—sometimes in combination. We use a mix of soft and durable materials to ensure both comfort and protection.
Yes. We offer specially made mouthguards that fit over braces or other dental appliances to protect both your teeth and soft tissues during activity.
Rinse it with warm water and gently brush it with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste). Let it air dry completely and always store it in a ventilated case to keep it clean and bacteria-free.
Yes. At our Somerville dental office we offer custom sports mouth guards to patients in Somerville and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute dental or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A mouth guard reduces but does not eliminate the risk of sports-related dental and facial injury, and store-bought guards that fit poorly may offer limited protection. Consult Dr. Dobrin or a qualified dental professional regarding any questions about your oral health. Individual results may vary.
Learn More About Sports Mouth Guards
Contact our office to discuss how a custom sports mouth guard can protect your smile on and off the field.