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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Renton
Hockey, ball hockey, rugby, baseball and other sports carry a risk of dental injury. Renton athletes can get a well-fitted guard from our Port Dover office.
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A sports guard that fits well is easier to wear and better at protecting teeth.
Sports guards cushion the teeth, lips, tongue and jaw against impact. They can lower the risk of chipped, cracked or knocked-out teeth and cuts to soft tissues. While many athletes use store-bought guards, a custom-fitted guard is shaped to the individual’s teeth, which often makes it more comfortable, easier to breathe and talk with and more likely to stay in place.
Teens and adults in Renton who play contact or high-risk sports, coach, referee or take part in recreational leagues can arrange a fitting at our Port Dover office. The dentist will look at your teeth and bite, ask about your sport and any equipment you use and recommend a design that suits your needs.
Who needs one
Many activities carry more risk than people realize.
Sports with higher dental risk
Hockey, lacrosse, football, rugby, boxing, martial arts and wrestling carry obvious risks of facial impact. Basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, skateboarding and mountain biking also lead to dental injuries through falls, collisions or stray balls. Even adult recreational players benefit from protection, especially when facial gear is not required by the league. A guard is a small precaution.
Other reasons to consider a guard
People with braces, bridges, implants or crowns may face more costly damage from an injury and may benefit from extra protection. Those who have had a previous dental injury may also want to reduce the chance of another. Discuss your dental history with the dentist so the guard design can take it into account properly.
Custom or stock
Fit makes a real difference in protection and comfort.
Custom-fitted guards
A custom sports guard is made from impressions or a scan of your teeth. It follows the shape of your bite precisely, so it stays in place, distributes impact and allows easier breathing and speaking. Athletes often find custom guards more comfortable, which makes them more likely to wear the guard for every practice and game.
Boil-and-bite and stock guards
Boil-and-bite guards are moulded at home and offer some protection, though fit can be inconsistent. Stock guards come pre-formed and are often bulky and loose. If you use either, bring it to your appointment so the dentist can assess how well it fits and whether a custom guard might be worth considering for you. Comfort matters.
Getting fitted
A custom guard typically takes two visits.
Impressions and design
At the first visit, impressions or a scan are taken. The dentist may discuss thickness, colour and coverage based on your sport and position. For athletes in orthodontic treatment, the design accounts for brackets and tooth movement. The guard is then made to the specifications agreed on during the visit with you. Ask about timing.
Trying it in
At the fitting appointment, the guard is checked for fit and comfort. The dentist confirms that it stays in place, does not impinge on the gums and allows you to breathe and speak reasonably well. Bring any helmet or face cage you wear so compatibility can be checked before the season starts in earnest. Plan ahead.
Care and replacement
Looking after the guard keeps it protective.
Daily care
Rinse the guard after each use and clean it with a soft brush and cool water. Store it in a ventilated case and keep it out of hot vehicles or direct sunlight, which can warp the material. Avoid chewing on the guard, and never share it with teammates. Inspect it regularly for tears or thinning.
When to replace it
Replace the guard if it becomes loose, cracked or worn, or if dental changes such as new crowns or orthodontic treatment affect the fit. Teens may need replacements as their mouths grow. Bring the guard to checkups so the dentist can evaluate it. Renton athletes may want to arrange fittings in the off-season each year.
Planning your appointment
Getting fitted before the season.
Phone our Port Dover office at 519-583-2929 to book a sports guard fitting. Tell the team which sport you play and when the season begins so the guard can be ready in time.
Bring your current guard and any helmet or face cage you use, and mention braces or other dental work that may affect the design.
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 need sports guards?
Yes, if they play sports with a risk of facial impact. Adult recreational leagues may not require guards, but injuries can still happen. A guard is a simple precaution that can help prevent costly and painful dental damage.
Can I talk and breathe with a custom guard?
Custom guards are generally easier to talk and breathe with than stock or boil-and-bite types because they fit closely. There may be a short adjustment period. If breathing or speaking remains difficult, the dentist can review the fit.
Can I wear a sports guard with braces?
Yes, and protection is especially important with braces. The design must allow for brackets and tooth movement. Talk with the dentist and your orthodontist about the most suitable option for your situation and sport. Ask at your next visit.
How long does a sports guard last?
It depends on how often it is used, how it is cared for and whether your teeth change. Many athletes replace guards every season or two. Bring the guard to checkups so its condition and fit can be assessed.
Is a night guard the same as a sports guard?
No. Night guards protect against grinding and are usually thinner and harder. Sports guards are thicker to absorb impact. Each is designed for a different purpose, so using one for the other is generally not advised.
Protection and injury care
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
Hockey, soccer, ball games and backyard play can all lead to dental knocks. Renton families can discuss a well-fitting child’s mouthguard in Port Dover.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
A fall, a farm or worksite accident or a sports collision can loosen, push or break teeth. Learn what Renton patients should do first and when to call us.