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Why Athletes Need Custom Sport Guards
Over-the-counter mouthguards from sporting goods stores might seem like a quick solution, but they rarely provide the protection your teeth actually need. These generic options often fit poorly, making them uncomfortable to wear and easy to dislodge during play. When a mouthguard shifts out of position during contact, it offers little defense against the forces that can damage your teeth, jaw, and soft tissues. Custom sport guards are made specifically for your bite and dental structure. We take detailed digital impressions of your teeth to create a guard with a precise fit, ensuring it stays put throughout your game or practice. This personalized approach means you get better protection and more comfort, so you can focus on your performance instead of adjusting an ill-fitting guard between plays. Athletes who wear custom guards also experience less interference with breathing and speaking compared to store-bought options. The improved fit allows for natural mouth movement while still providing a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth.Protection Beyond Your Teeth
Sport guards do more than prevent cracked or knocked-out teeth. They also reduce your risk of jaw injuries, concussions, and soft tissue damage to your lips, tongue, and cheeks. According to the American Dental Association, athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to experience dental injuries. When you take a hit to the face, the guard absorbs and distributes the impact force across a larger area, which can minimize trauma to your jaw joint and reduce the severity of head injuries. The cushioning effect of a properly fitted sports guard creates space between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from slamming together during impact. This separation is particularly important for protecting against jaw fractures and temporomandibular joint damage. Many parents bring their children to our practice specifically for sports guards before the school sports season begins. Young athletes with braces face even greater risks during contact sports, as brackets and wires can cut into soft tissues during collisions. We create guards that accommodate orthodontic hardware while still providing complete protection.The Custom Sport Guard Process
The process of getting a custom sport guard at Lumin8 Dentistry is straightforward and typically requires just two visits. During your first appointment, we examine your teeth and take digital molds of your upper and lower arches. These impressions capture every detail of your dental anatomy, including the unique contours and spacing of your teeth. We send your scans to a dental lab where technicians craft your sport guard from durable, medical-grade materials. The lab creates a guard with the right thickness to absorb impact while maintaining comfort and allowing for easy breathing. You can also choose from an array of colors to match your team or personal preferences. At your second visit, we ensure the guard fits correctly and make any necessary adjustments. We check that it seats properly, doesn’t interfere with your bite, and stays secure when you move your jaw. Proper fit is critical for both protection and comfort, so we take the time to get it right. Athletes who participate in multiple sports throughout the year benefit from having their sport guard available for each season. Unlike generic guards that wear out quickly or need frequent replacement, custom guards maintain their shape and protective qualities for extended periods when properly cared for.Caring for Your Sport Guard
Protect Your Smile With a Custom Sport Guard at Lumin8 Dentistry
Don’t wait until a dental injury sidelines you or your child from the sport you love. Custom sport guards from Lumin8 Dentistry provide superior protection compared to store-bought alternatives, and our team makes the process simple and convenient for busy athletes in Lakewood. Dr. Jun Carrington brings years of experience in preventive dental care and uses state-of-the-art technology to create sport guards with precise fits and maximum protection. We understand the unique needs of active individuals and families in our community, which is why we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate busy athletic schedules. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of dental innovation means you receive care backed by the latest techniques and materials available. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and keep your smile protected on the field, court, or ice.Affiliations & Education
