At 1st Impressions Orthodontics, we help athletes protect their teeth, braces and smiles with custom sports mouth guards in Westminster, CO. Dr. Colin Gibson creates comfortable, secure mouth guards designed for better protection than standard over-the-counter options.
Dr. Gibson has practiced in the Westminster area for more than 23 years and has completed more than 15,000 orthodontic cases. His experience with braces, bite alignment, athletic mouth guards and oral appliances helps patients get protection that fits properly, feels comfortable and supports active lifestyles.
Sports Mouth Guards in Westminster, CO
A sports mouth guard is a protective appliance worn over the teeth during athletic activity. It helps reduce the risk of dental injuries, including chipped teeth, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, soft tissue cuts and damage to orthodontic appliances.
While store-bought mouth guards can offer some protection, they are not made for your exact teeth, bite or braces. A custom sports mouth guard is designed to fit your mouth more securely, which can make it more comfortable to wear during practice, games and competition.
What Are Custom Sports Mouth Guards?
Custom sports mouth guards are made from impressions or scans of your teeth. Because they are designed specifically for your mouth, they often fit better, stay in place more securely and allow easier breathing and speaking than boil-and-bite or generic mouth guards.
At 1st Impressions Orthodontics, we recommend custom mouth guards for athletes who want dependable protection, especially patients currently in orthodontic treatment with braces, clear braces or other appliances.
When Are Sports Mouth Guards Recommended?
Sports mouth guards are recommended for children, teens and adults who participate in activities where impact to the mouth, jaw or face is possible. This includes contact sports as well as activities where falls, collisions or accidental contact may occur.
A custom sports guard may be especially important for patients who play:
- Football
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Wrestling
- Baseball or softball
- Volleyball
- Martial arts
- Skateboarding, biking or other high-impact activities
Athletes with braces should be especially careful. A properly fitted mouth guard can help protect the teeth, lips, cheeks and orthodontic appliances from injury during sports.
Sports Mouth Guards for Braces
If you or your child has braces, a mouth guard needs to fit differently than one made for teeth without brackets and wires. Braces create extra surfaces that can cut the lips or cheeks during impact, and they can also be damaged by a hard hit.
Dr. Gibson understands how to design mouth guards for patients in braces and other orthodontic appliances. If your teeth are still moving during treatment, our team will help determine the right type of protection for your current stage of care.
Patients with braces may also want to learn more about our clear braces, Invisalign® clear aligners and other orthodontic options if they are planning treatment around sports.
The Custom Mouth Guard Fitting Process
The process begins with a consultation at our Westminster orthodontic office. During your visit, Dr. Gibson will review your needs, sport, age, dental development and whether you currently wear braces or another appliance.
Our team may use digital impressions or other modern technology to create an accurate model of your teeth. Your custom mouth guard is then made to fit securely over your teeth and gums while allowing you to breathe, speak and move comfortably.
Once your mouth guard is ready, we will check the fit and explain how to wear, clean and store it properly.
Benefits of Custom Sports Mouth Guards
A custom-fitted sports mouth guard can provide several advantages over generic options:
- Better protection: A custom fit helps shield teeth, gums, lips and cheeks during athletic impact.
- More secure fit: A guard made for your mouth is less likely to shift, slip or fall out during activity.
- Improved comfort: Custom guards are designed around your teeth, bite and appliances.
- Easier breathing and speaking: A precise fit can feel less bulky than many store-bought options.
- Protection for braces: Custom guards can help reduce injury risk for athletes in orthodontic treatment.
- Durable materials: Custom appliances are made to hold up better during regular athletic use.
Custom Mouth Guards vs. Store-Bought Mouth Guards
Store-bought mouth guards may be inexpensive, but they often feel bulky or loose. If a mouth guard is uncomfortable, an athlete may be less likely to wear it consistently. Poor fit can also make it harder to talk, breathe or focus during play.
Custom sports mouth guards are made for your exact mouth. This can make them a better choice for athletes who need reliable protection, especially those with braces, growing smiles or a history of dental injuries.
Pros and Cons of Custom Sports Mouth Guards
Pros of Custom Mouth Guards
- Designed specifically for your teeth and bite
- More comfortable than many generic mouth guards
- Can help protect braces and orthodontic appliances
- May reduce the risk of costly dental injuries
- Better stability during athletic activity
Things to Consider
- Custom mouth guards cost more than over-the-counter options
- They require an appointment and a short fabrication period
- Children and teens may need replacements as their teeth and jaws grow
- Athletes in braces may need updated guards as treatment progresses
Why Choose Dr. Gibson for a Sports Mouth Guard?
A mouth guard should do more than cover the teeth. It should fit the bite, protect the mouth and feel comfortable enough to wear consistently.
As an orthodontist, Dr. Gibson has extensive experience with tooth movement, bite alignment, braces and custom oral appliances. This is especially helpful for athletes who are in orthodontic treatment or need a mouth guard that works with their current bite.
At 1st Impressions Orthodontics, we also use advanced technology, including digital impressions when appropriate, to create a more accurate and comfortable fit.
Protecting Your Smile During Orthodontic Treatment
Sports and orthodontic treatment can go together safely with the right precautions. If you play sports while wearing braces, clear braces or other appliances, our team can help you choose a mouth guard that protects your smile during treatment.
We can also provide guidance for what to do if you experience a sports-related orthodontic issue, such as a broken bracket, loose wire or mouth injury. For urgent appliance concerns, visit our orthodontic emergencies page or contact our team.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Mouth Guards
How often should I replace my sports mouth guard?
Your sports mouth guard should usually be replaced each season or sooner if it becomes worn, loose, damaged or uncomfortable. Children and teens may need replacements more often because their teeth and jaws are still growing.
Can I wear a sports mouth guard if I have braces?
Yes. Wearing a mouth guard is especially important for athletes with braces. A custom or orthodontic mouth guard can help protect the teeth, lips, cheeks and braces from injury during sports.
Are custom sports mouth guards better than boil-and-bite guards?
Custom sports mouth guards typically provide a better fit, better comfort and more stable protection than boil-and-bite guards. They are especially helpful for athletes with braces or patients who have trouble keeping a generic mouth guard in place.
How do I care for my custom mouth guard?
Rinse your mouth guard before and after each use, clean it regularly as directed and store it in a ventilated case. Avoid leaving it in hot water, direct sunlight or a hot car because heat can warp the material.
Can a sports mouth guard prevent all dental injuries?
No mouth guard can prevent every injury, but a properly fitted sports mouth guard can significantly reduce the risk of damage to the teeth, lips, cheeks and orthodontic appliances during athletic activity.
Do you make sports mouth guards for patients in nearby areas?
Yes. Our Westminster orthodontic office welcomes athletes and families from nearby communities, including Thornton, Broomfield, Arvada, Brighton, Lafayette and Northglenn. If you need a custom sports mouth guard, contact our team to schedule a visit.
Schedule a Visit for Sports Mouth Guards in Westminster, CO
A custom mouth guard can help protect your smile while you stay active in the sports you love. Whether you need protection for braces, a growing smile or regular athletic play, Dr. Gibson and our team can help you choose the right option.
To schedule a consultation for sports mouth guards in Westminster, CO, call 1st Impressions Orthodontics today at 303-452-2277 or contact our team.
