Why a Custom Sports Guard Makes a Difference
A dental injury during sport can mean a cracked tooth, a knocked-out tooth, or soft tissue damage that requires significant treatment and recovery time. A properly fitted sports guard is one of the simplest and most affordable forms of protection available, yet many athletes in St. Catharines and across the Niagara Region still rely on generic store-bought versions that offer limited protection and poor comfort.
Custom vs. Store-Bought Guards
Generic boil-and-bite guards from a pharmacy can provide some cushioning, but they often fit poorly, restrict breathing, and are uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. Because they feel awkward, athletes tend to remove them or avoid wearing them altogether. A custom sports guard fabricated from impressions of your own teeth fits precisely, stays in place, allows normal breathing and speaking, and provides a significantly higher level of impact protection. At A Cleaner Smile, all sports guards are custom-made in our St. Catharines clinic.
Which Sports Require a Mouth Guard?
Any sport where contact or collision is possible warrants a sports guard. Hockey, football, rugby, basketball, lacrosse, martial arts, boxing, and baseball are among the most common sports where dental injuries occur. Even recreational cycling and skateboarding carry a risk of mouth injury in the event of a fall. If there is any possibility of contact with another player, equipment, or the ground, a properly fitted guard is worth having.
Athletes and parents from across the Niagara Region bring their children and themselves to A Cleaner Smile in St. Catharines for custom sports guards, including patients from Niagara Falls, Thorold, Vineland, Stoney Creek, and Beamsville. No referral is required and free parking is available.
Questions About Sports Guards in St. Catharines
The process typically requires two appointments. We take impressions of your teeth at the first visit and the guard is fabricated and fitted at the second visit. The turnaround is generally quick so you are not waiting long before your next game or practice.
Rinse your guard with cool water after each use and clean it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Store it in a ventilated case when not in use and avoid leaving it in heat, which can distort the fit.
Custom guards are recommended for children as well as adults. A well-fitted guard is more likely to be worn consistently, which is ultimately what provides protection. A guard that is uncomfortable or bulky tends to end up in the sports bag rather than in the mouth.