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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Hillcrest
From hockey to ball games, a fitted sports guard helps protect teeth and lips from impact. Hillcrest athletes of any age can be fitted at our Port Dover office.
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Browse every service for HillcrestProtection that stays in place
A comfortable guard is one you will actually wear in the game.
Contact and collision sports, along with activities that carry a risk of falls, can lead to chipped, broken or knocked-out teeth, as well as cuts to the lips, tongue and cheeks. A sports guard cushions blows and helps spread impact. Adults who play recreational hockey, basketball, rugby, martial arts or mountain biking are at risk just as much as younger athletes.
Athletes from Hillcrest, whether teens or adults, can be fitted for a custom sports guard at our Port Dover office. The dentist will consider your sport, your teeth and any dental work so the guard offers protection without getting in the way of breathing or speaking.
Why wear one
Mouth injuries can be costly and lasting.
Injuries a guard can reduce
A blow to the face from a stick, ball, elbow or fall can damage teeth in an instant. Front teeth are especially vulnerable. Injuries may require bonding, crowns, root canal treatment or even tooth replacement, sometimes with lifelong maintenance. A well-fitted guard reduces the likelihood and severity of these injuries, as well as soft tissue cuts inside the mouth.
Risks for adults with dental work
Adults with crowns, bridges, veneers or implants may face expensive repairs if these are damaged. A guard can help protect existing dental work as well as natural teeth. If you have significant restorations or wear braces, mention them, since the guard design may need adjusting to accommodate them while still offering protection where it is needed most.
Guard types
Fit makes a real difference to protection and comfort.
Stock and boil-and-bite guards
Stock guards come ready to wear and are inexpensive, but they often fit loosely and can make breathing and talking difficult. Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and moulded at home, offering a closer fit, though results vary. These options may be acceptable for some athletes, but loose guards are often removed during play, reducing their benefit.
Custom-fitted guards
Custom guards are made from impressions or scans of your teeth and fabricated to fit closely. They can be designed with thickness and coverage suited to your sport. Many athletes find them more comfortable and easier to breathe and speak with. The dentist will explain the differences so you can choose an option that balances protection, comfort and cost.
Getting fitted
A custom guard usually takes two short visits.
Assessment and impressions
At the first visit, the dentist checks your teeth and gums, asks about your sport and position and takes impressions or a digital scan. If you have upcoming dental work, it may be better to complete it first. Mention the start of your season so the guard can be ready in time, allowing a little extra for any adjustments that may be needed.
Trying on the finished guard
At the fitting visit, the dentist checks that the guard seats securely, does not press on the gums and allows comfortable breathing and closing. Small adjustments may be made. Wear the guard during practice before a game to get used to it. If it feels loose, tight or causes sores, contact the office for a check.
Care
Good habits keep the guard clean and protective.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use and clean it with a soft brush and cool water. Store it in a ventilated case and let it dry completely. Avoid leaving it in hot cars or direct sunlight, which can distort the shape. Do not chew on the guard, and keep it separate from other sports equipment to prevent damage and contamination.
Replacing the guard
Inspect the guard regularly for tears, holes, thinning or a loose fit, and replace it when damaged. Bring it to dental checkups so the dentist can assess it. Teens may need replacements more often as their mouths change. If you suffer a dental injury while wearing the guard, contact the office promptly for an assessment of the affected teeth.
Planning your appointment
Getting game-ready from Hillcrest.
Call our Port Dover office before your season starts to book a sports guard assessment. Mention your sport, any dental work or braces and when you need the guard, so the team can plan the timing of your visits.
Bring your current guard if you have one, so the dentist can see how it fits and discuss what you like or dislike about it.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Sports guard questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Do adults really need sports guards?
Yes. Adults playing contact sports or activities with fall risks face the same injuries as younger players, and repairs can be costly. Protecting existing dental work such as crowns and implants is another good reason to wear a fitted guard.
Can I talk and drink with a custom guard?
Custom guards are designed to fit closely, which usually makes speaking and breathing easier than with loose guards. Some athletes can drink while wearing them. Practice wearing the guard during training to become comfortable with it before games.
How often should I replace my sports guard?
Replace the guard if it becomes damaged, worn, loose or uncomfortable. Growing teens may need new guards more often. The dentist can check the fit at your regular appointments and advise when replacement would be sensible.
Can I wear a sports guard with braces?
Yes, but the guard must accommodate brackets and shifting teeth. Let the dentist and your orthodontic provider know about your sport. They can recommend a suitable design and how often it should be checked or replaced.
Is a night guard suitable for sports?
No. Night guards are designed to protect against grinding, not to absorb impact from blows. Sports guards are thicker and shaped differently. Using the wrong type may not provide adequate protection during play or practice.
Protection and injury care
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
A well-fitted mouthguard can lower the risk of dental injury in sport. Hillcrest parents can ask about custom guards for growing kids at our Port Dover office.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
Falls, sports and accidents can loosen, push or break teeth. Hillcrest patients can learn first steps and how our Port Dover office assesses dental injuries.