For athletes of all ages and skill levels, a custom sports guard is an essential piece of equipment. These protective devices cushion your teeth and jaw from impact during physical activity, significantly reducing the risk of oral injuries. Whether you’re playing contact sports like football or engaging in solo activities like skateboarding, a sports guard acts as a barrier against sudden force, protecting your smile from damage.
Beyond physical protection, sports guards provide peace of mind. Knowing you’re safeguarded allows you to focus on your game and perform at your best. Additionally, for parents of young athletes, a high-quality sports guard is a simple yet effective way to ensure their child’s safety on the field or court. Enso Dental Arts is passionate about providing comprehensive, personalized care to everyone who walks through our doors, ensuring that you receive the exceptional dentistry you deserve.
Sports guards, also known as mouthguards, are flexible devices designed to fit snugly over your teeth. They protect against injuries that may be caused by impacts to the mouth, jaw, or face during sports and other high-impact activities. While over-the-counter versions of sports guards are available, custom-made sports guards from a dental office offer superior fit and protection.
A well-fitted sports guard absorbs and disperses the energy from a blow, reducing the risk of broken teeth, lacerations, and even concussions. They are especially important for athletes involved in contact sports like hockey, football, soccer, and basketball, where collisions and falls are common. However, even athletes in non-contact sports, such as gymnastics or mountain biking, can benefit from wearing one.
There are different types of sports guards tailored to various needs. Stock guards are pre-made and inexpensive, but they often lack comfort and effectiveness. Boil-and-bite options allow for some customization but still fall short of the protection provided by custom sports guards. However, custom-made guards that are designed by a dentist are crafted to fit your mouth perfectly, offering the best balance of safety, comfort, and durability.
The effectiveness of a sports guard largely depends on how well it fits. A guard that doesn’t fit well may slip out of place during activity, leaving your teeth exposed to injury. Additionally, an ill-fitting guard is often uncomfortable, making it less likely you’ll wear it consistently during games or practices.
By taking detailed impressions of your teeth, a dentist can create a guard that stays securely in place, even during intense activity. This personalized approach minimizes discomfort and ensures the guard doesn’t interfere with speaking or breathing.
Also, high-quality materials are used in custom designs to make them more resistant to wear and tear compared to generic options. This means they provide reliable protection season after season, making them a worthwhile investment for any athlete.
While the primary role of a sports guard is to protect your teeth, the benefits extend even further. For example, a sports guard can help prevent jaw injuries by cushioning impacts that might otherwise cause fractures or dislocations. This protection can also extend to soft tissues like the lips and cheeks, reducing the risk of cuts or bruising from accidental bites.
Another overlooked benefit is their ability to improve focus. Athletes who wear guards report feeling more confident and less worried about potential injuries, allowing them to stay in the moment and perform at their peak.
Lastly, sports guards can help prevent long-term dental issues. Damage to your teeth and jaw can lead to complications like misalignment or chronic pain if they are not addressed immediately. By wearing a sports guard, you reduce the risk of these injuries and protect your long-term oral health, saving time, money, and discomfort in the future.
At Enso Dental Arts, we’re dedicated to providing tailored solutions that prioritize your comfort and safety. Our custom sports guards are designed to offer optimal protection while fitting seamlessly into your active lifestyle. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, we can create a guard that perfectly suits your needs and ensures you’re ready for the game.
Our team – including Dr. Maria Hiruma, Dr. Kevin Chen, and Dr. Michael Moskowitz – combines years of experience with state-of-the-art technology to deliver unmatched quality in every sports guard we design. We take the time to understand your unique requirements and craft a solution that is as comfortable as it is effective. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are here to ensure all of your needs are cared for. Protect your smile and enhance your performance by calling us at (516) 484-2676 or visiting our contact page to get started.
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GET IN TOUCH
**Requested time is not final until you receive confirmation from our office.
Please do not submit any Protected Health Information (PHI).
"*" indicates required fields