Reviewed by Dr. Adel Elbaz, DDS, general dentist · Last reviewed
Custom Sports Mouthguards in London, Ontario
A sports mouthguard cushions a blow to the face and spreads its force, so it is far less likely to chip, crack or knock out a tooth or cut your lips and cheeks. A guard made from a model of your own teeth fits snugly, stays in place when you’re hit, and is comfortable enough that you’ll actually keep it in.
At Lunar Smile Dentistry we make custom guards for kids, teens and adults, for hockey, football, rugby, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, martial arts, boxing and any sport where a ball, stick, elbow or fall can reach your face.
New patients: a pro sports guard is one of the three free gifts you can choose from when you book your first visit. See the offer.
Why a dental injury is worth preventing
A knocked-out or broken front tooth often means emergency treatment and then years of follow-up: a root canal, a crown, or eventually an implant. For a growing child, a lost permanent tooth is especially hard to replace well. A mouthguard costs far less than repairing even one tooth.
Custom vs store-bought guards
| Custom guard (from your dentist) | Boil-and-bite | Stock (ready-made) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fit | Made on a model of your teeth | Moulded at home, often uneven | One size, loose |
| Stays in place | Yes, snaps onto the teeth | Fair | Needs clenching to hold |
| Thickness | Set where you need it, thinner elsewhere | Thin spots where it was bitten through | Bulky |
| Talking and breathing | Easiest | Harder | Hardest |
| Comfort for long games | Good | Fair | Poor |
The main problem with store-bought guards is that athletes take them out because they’re bulky, gag-inducing or fall loose. A guard that’s in your pocket protects nothing.
How we make your guard
- Quick check. We look for loose teeth, cavities or erupting teeth that should be considered in the design.
- Model of your teeth. We take a digital scan or impression of your upper teeth (and lower teeth if you wear braces or play certain sports).
- Fabrication. The guard is formed from layers of sports-grade material, thicker over the front teeth where impacts land.
- Fitting. At a second short visit we check the fit and bite, trim any edges that rub, and show you how to care for it.
Pick your colour; many of our athletes match their team.
Braces, kids and growing mouths
- Braces: a guard protects both your teeth and the inside of your lips from the brackets. We design it with room for tooth movement.
- Kids: children’s mouths change quickly as baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in, so a child’s guard may need replacing every season or two. Bring it to check-ups and we’ll check the fit.
Looking after your mouthguard
- rinse it before and after each use, and brush it gently with cool water and mild soap
- store it in a vented case and let it dry
- keep it out of hot cars and away from hot water, which can warp it
- don’t chew on it or cut it down
- bring it to your check-ups so we can check for wear
- replace it when it’s torn, thin, loose, or no longer fits after dental work
If a tooth gets knocked out
Pick it up by the white crown, not the root, rinse it briefly in milk or water, and put it back in the socket if you can, or keep it in milk. Then call us right away: a knocked-out tooth has the best chance within about 30 to 60 minutes. See emergency dental care.
Grinding at night is different
A sports guard is built to absorb impacts. If you grind or clench while you sleep, you need a night guard, which is thinner, harder and shaped for your bite.
Cost and coverage
Some dental insurance plans cover a custom mouthguard; many don’t, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan generally doesn’t. Our fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide, and we’ll check your plan before we start. New patients can choose a sports guard as their free gift.
Common questions
At what age should my child get a custom guard?
Once they play contact sports, usually from about age seven or eight. Because a child’s mouth changes quickly, their guard may need replacing more often.
Can I wear a sports guard with braces?
Yes, and you should. We design it with room for your braces and tooth movement.
Does it affect breathing or talking?
A custom guard is slimmer than store-bought ones, so most athletes can breathe, drink and call plays more easily.
Upper or lower teeth?
Usually the upper teeth, which are more exposed. Some sports or bites call for both.
Book a mouthguard fitting in London
Getting ready for hockey season, a new team or a tournament? Allow about one to two weeks. Book online or call 226-884-2573. We’re open six days a week, with evening appointments until 9 pm on weekdays, easy to fit around practices.
Part of our other services services in London, Ontario. See all dental services.