*Special offer valid for patients paying in cash at time of service. New patients only.
*Special offer valid for patients paying in cash at time of service. New patients only.
New patients welcome. Call today to ask about sports guards, insurance, and payment plans, or book online anytime.
One hard elbow, a missed catch, or a fall off a bike can chip or knock out a tooth in a split second. A mouthguard cushions that kind of blow, and a custom sports guard made from an impression of your teeth is designed to stay in place and feel comfortable, so you are more likely to wear it every time you play.
At Designing Smiles, Dr. Ryan Rose and our team make custom sports guards as part of our preventive dentistry services in Westchase. With over a decade of experience and a degree from the LECOM School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Rose can help athletes of all ages choose the right protection for their sport.
Dental injuries are common in sports, and they are not limited to rough games. The American Dental Association reports that mouthguard users were between 82 and 93 percent less likely to suffer dentofacial injuries in a 2019 systematic review, and it notes that dental injuries also happen in activities like gymnastics and skating. Sports where a mouthguard is commonly recommended include the following:
Even recreational players can benefit, and the ADA stresses that the best mouthguard is the one you actually wear. Collision sports carry the highest risk, but a single fall or stray ball in a pickup game can do the same damage, which is why the ADA recommends a properly fitted mouthguard for activities with a real risk of injury.
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Mouthguards come in three main types, and they differ in fit, comfort, and cost.
A custom guard is fabricated from an impression of your teeth, so it fits your mouth closely. It costs more than other types and takes a dental visit, but many dentists consider it the most protective option.
These guards are softened in hot water and molded to your teeth at home. They can fit better than stock guards, and some have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Stock guards come pre-formed and cost the least, but their generic fit can feel bulky and slip during play. The ADA considers them the least effective type.
If you wear braces or have fixed bridgework, a properly fitted guard may matter even more, so tell us about your dental work before your fitting. We can talk through which type fits your sport, your budget, and your mouth.
A custom guard starts with a quick visit and does not take long to complete.
We take a quick impression of your teeth.
A dental lab uses that impression to fabricate a guard that matches your bite.
Most patients receive their guard within a couple of appointments, and we check that it fits securely and comfortably.
A sports guard is different from a night guard, which is designed for grinding and clenching during sleep. If you need both, we can talk through each one at the same visit. Because a custom guard is made from your own impression, it is shaped to your teeth rather than to an average mouth.
A little care keeps a guard clean, comfortable, and ready for the next game.
Rinsing your guard with cool water after each practice or game helps keep it fresh between deeper cleanings.
A hard case with air holes protects the guard in your bag, and keeping it away from hot cars helps it keep its shape.
Bringing your guard to routine visits lets us check its fit, which matters for growing athletes whose teeth and jaws keep changing.
Replace a guard that is worn through, cracked, or no longer fits snugly. If a tooth is chipped or knocked out during a game, call us right away, or see our emergency dental services for next steps.
Coverage for sports guards varies by plan. We accept a range of PPO insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, and MetLife, and checking your benefits before you book can prevent surprises.
For patients without insurance, payment plans are available. No insurance, no problem. We would rather talk through the cost with you up front than have you skip protection before the season starts.
Here are answers to common questions about sports guards.
Dr. Ryan Rose earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the LECOM School of Dental Medicine, completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency, and served as a dentist in the U.S. Army. With more than a decade of experience, he helps athletes protect their smiles, and patients rate our practice 4.9 stars on Google.
We accept a range of PPO insurance plans and offer payment plans for patients without coverage. If you or your child plays sports, contact our office to schedule your sports guard fitting.
