Custom Sports Guards for Fall Sports in Midtown Toronto

Why Store-Bought Guards Fall Short

The boil-and-bite guards you find at sporting goods stores are better than nothing, but they come with real limitations.

If a guard lives in the bottom of the gym bag instead of in your child's mouth, it is not protecting anyone.

• Loose fit. A guard that shifts during play cannot absorb impact consistently, and athletes often take it out mid-game because it is annoying.
• Breathing and speech problems. Bulky generic guards can make it harder to breathe through the mouth or call a play, which is a big reason kids stop wearing them.
• Uneven protection. Stock guards are thickest where the material happened to settle, not where your teeth need the most cushioning.
• Shorter lifespan. Cheaper materials break down faster, especially for athletes who chew on their guard between plays.

What Makes a Custom Guard Different

A custom sports guard is made from an exact impression or digital scan of your teeth, so it fits like it was built for one mouth only, because it was. At our office at 1881 Yonge St., we use precise digital impressions to create guards that are:

For athletes in braces, a custom guard is even more important, since a hit to the mouth can drive brackets and wires into the lips and cheeks.

• Snug and stable. The guard stays put through contact, so there is no need to clench to hold it in place.
• Comfortable enough to actually wear. A slim, secure fit makes breathing, drinking, and talking on the bench much easier.
• Evenly protective. The material is distributed where impact is most likely, cushioning the teeth and helping stabilize the jaw.
• Durable. High-quality materials stand up to a full season of practices and games, and often longer.

Custom Guards for Kids, Teens, and Adults

Sports guards are not just for kids in minor hockey. We make them for:

For growing kids, we check the fit of the guard at regular dental visits and let you know when it is time for a replacement.

• Young athletes whose mouths are still growing and who may need a new guard every season or two as their teeth shift
• Teens in school and league sports, where guard rules are often enforced but fit is rarely checked
• Adults in recreational leagues, from pickup basketball to Sunday soccer, who sometimes forget that a weekend game carries the same risks as a competitive one
• Athletes with braces or other orthodontic appliances, who need a guard designed to protect both the teeth and the soft tissue around brackets and wires

What a Dental Injury Really Costs

It is tempting to think of a sports guard as optional equipment. But compare it to the alternative. A chipped front tooth often needs bonding or a crown. A knocked-out tooth is an emergency visit, and even when the tooth can be saved, it may need root canal treatment and years of monitoring.

A custom guard is one of the most affordable forms of insurance in all of sports.

Which Sports Need a Guard?

The short answer: more than most people think. Guards are strongly recommended for contact and collision sports like:

They are also a smart idea for activities where falls are common, like skateboarding, mountain biking, and gymnastics. If there is any chance of an elbow, stick, ball, or the ground meeting your child's face, a guard belongs in the bag.

• Hockey and ringette
• Football and rugby
• Basketball and volleyball
• Martial arts, boxing, and wrestling
• Lacrosse and field hockey
• Soccer, especially for competitive play

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Getting a custom guard at Belman Dental Centre is quick and easy:

The whole process typically takes just a couple of short visits.

• A fast visit. We take a digital impression of the teeth. No messy putty, no gagging, just a quick scan.
• Custom fabrication. The guard is made to match the exact shape of the mouth, with the right thickness for the sport.
• Fit check. When the guard is ready, we make sure it seats properly and feels comfortable before it goes anywhere near a rink or field.

Caring for a Sports Guard

A little maintenance keeps a guard fresh and effective all season:

• Rinse it with cool water before and after each use
• Clean it regularly with a toothbrush and mild soap
• Store it in a ventilated case, never loose in a bag
• Keep it away from heat, which can warp the material
• Bring it to dental checkups so we can check the fit, especially for growing kids whose mouths change quickly