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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Villa Nova
Rec league hockey, ball hockey or mountain biking? Villa Nova athletes can learn how a custom sports guard is fitted and maintained at our Port Dover office.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
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Caring for Villa Nova patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Villa NovaGear for your teeth
A comfortable guard is one you will actually wear.
Sports guards protect teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from impact during contact and high-risk activities. Adults and teens playing hockey, lacrosse, rugby, basketball, martial arts or cycling can benefit, whether in organized leagues or casual games. The main challenge is comfort: a guard that feels bulky or makes breathing and talking hard often ends up left in the gear bag.
Villa Nova athletes can be fitted for a custom sports guard at our Port Dover office. Mention your sport, season dates and any dental work, such as crowns or braces, when you call.
Why wear one
A guard can lessen the damage from a hit or fall.
Reducing the risk of dental injuries
Impacts from sticks, pucks, balls, elbows and falls can chip, crack, loosen or knock out teeth and cut soft tissues. A properly fitted guard cushions and spreads the force. Dental injuries can require extensive treatment, so prevention is worthwhile even in recreational play.
Protecting existing dental work
If you have crowns, bridges, veneers or implants, an impact can damage them. A guard designed around your dental work can offer protection. Let the dentist know about any restorations so the guard can be shaped appropriately.
Types of guards
Fit makes a real difference to comfort and protection.
Stock and boil-and-bite guards
Stock guards come ready to wear and are inexpensive but often fit poorly. Boil-and-bite guards are softened and shaped at home, offering a better fit if done carefully. Both may feel bulky and can shift during play, making them less likely to be worn consistently.
Custom-fitted guards
Custom guards are made from impressions or scans of your teeth, providing a closer fit. Many athletes find them easier to breathe and talk through. The dentist can discuss thickness and design based on your sport and level of contact.
Fitting
Custom fitting usually involves two short visits.
Taking impressions
At the first visit, impressions or scans of your upper teeth are taken, and sometimes a bite record. The guard is then fabricated, which may take some time, so plan ahead of your season. Mention any gag reflex so the team can make the process more comfortable.
Checking the finished guard
When the guard is ready, it is checked for fit, retention and comfort. You should be able to close your mouth and breathe comfortably. Small adjustments may be made. Ask about cleaning and storage before you leave.
Care
Look after the guard to keep it hygienic and effective.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use, clean it gently with a toothbrush and cool water and let it dry in a ventilated case. Avoid leaving it in a hot vehicle or in direct sunlight, which can warp it. Keep it away from pets, which may chew it.
When to replace it
Inspect the guard regularly for tears, thinning or changes in fit. Bring it to dental checkups so the dentist can assess it. Replace it if it is damaged, after significant dental work or if it no longer fits well.
Planning your appointment
Getting fitted from Villa Nova
Call our Port Dover office to book a sports guard fitting. Mention your sport and when your season starts so the guard is ready in time.
Mention crowns, braces or recent dental injuries, and bring your current guard if you have one for comparison.
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. Adults in contact and high-risk sports face the same risk of dental injury. A guard can help protect teeth and dental work.
Can I wear a sports guard with braces?
Yes, but the guard needs to accommodate the brackets. Ask your dentist or orthodontist about suitable designs.
Does a mouthguard prevent concussions?
Mouthguards are designed to protect teeth and soft tissues. They should not be relied on to prevent concussion.
How long does a sports guard last?
It depends on use and care. Inspect it regularly and bring it to checkups. Replace it if it is damaged or no longer fits.
What should I do if I injure a tooth during play?
Seek emergency care for head injury or serious bleeding. For dental injuries, call the dental office promptly and keep any knocked-out tooth moist.
Protection and injury resources
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
Hockey, soccer or a backyard game can all knock a tooth. Villa Nova parents can ask about custom mouthguards for growing children at our Port Dover office.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
A fall, sports hit or accident can loosen, push or break teeth. Villa Nova patients can learn first steps and how injured teeth are assessed in Port Dover.