Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards in Aurora, CO

A custom sports mouth guard is an oral appliance made specifically for your teeth to protect against dental injuries during athletic activities. Unlike stock or boil-and-bite guards you can buy at a store, a custom guard is fabricated in a dental laboratory from an exact model of your teeth. This precise fit helps keep the guard securely in place, so you can focus on the game without distraction. At Alameda Dental, we provide custom mouth guards for patients of all ages who participate in contact and non-contact sports.

Store-bought mouth guards offer some protection, but they often fit poorly, feel bulky, and can impede breathing and speaking. A custom guard, designed from impressions of your teeth and jaws, provides a secure fit that stays in place during impact. Because it matches your bite, it distributes forces more evenly, reducing the risk of chipped teeth, lip and cheek lacerations, and jaw fractures. Custom guards are also made from durable, high-quality materials that resist wear over time. The result is better protection and greater comfort, which makes consistent use more likely—and that is the key to preventing sports injuries.

Athletes in any sport with a risk of falls, collisions, or contact with equipment benefit from a mouth guard. This includes obvious contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing, but also basketball, soccer, baseball, skateboarding, and gymnastics. Children, teens, and adults who are active should consider protecting their teeth, as dental trauma can have lifelong consequences. Patients with braces or fixed dental appliances also need a properly fitting guard to shield both the teeth and the orthodontic hardware. If you grind your teeth at night, a different type of custom guard, known as a night guard, may be recommended; our team can evaluate your needs during a consultation.

Your first visit is a quick, comfortable appointment to capture an accurate model of your teeth. We also note your specific bite relationship to ensure the guard will not interfere with your jaw movement. The models and prescription are sent to a trusted dental laboratory, where a technician fabricates your mouth guard to our exact specifications. When the guard is ready (usually within a week or two), you return to our office for a fitting. Dr. Barnes or a member of our team will check the fit, make any minor adjustments, and show you how to insert and remove the guard correctly. We also review cleaning and storage instructions. The entire process is non-invasive and painless, and most patients find the first appointment surprisingly easy.

Proper care keeps your mouth guard clean and extends its useful life. Rinse it with cool water before and after each use, and occasionally clean it with a mild soap or a dedicated denture/mouth guard cleaner. Avoid hot water, which can distort the shape, and store the guard in its vented container when not in use. Bring your guard to regular dental checkups so we can inspect it for wear, cracks, or signs that it no longer fits properly. While the lifespan of a guard varies depending on use, growth (for children), and grinding habits, a custom guard that becomes thin, torn, or loose should be replaced. Our team will let you know when a replacement is appropriate during your exam.

The cost of a custom sports mouth guard depends on the type of guard, the materials used, and whether it is for a single arch or both. Because each guard is individually made for your anatomy, fees differ from over-the-counter options. Dental insurance plans may offer a benefit for a professionally made mouth guard, especially when there is a documented medical or orthodontic need. We will provide a written estimate and answer any financial questions before you begin treatment.

Your safety is our priority. We adhere to strict infection control guidelines as recommended by the CDC and ADA. All instruments and surfaces are sterilized between patients. During your appointments, we use gentle techniques to capture impressions and make adjustments. If you have a strong gag reflex or dental anxiety, we can discuss ways to help you feel at ease. Many patients tell us they are surprised by how quick and comfortable the mouth guard process is. Once the guard is delivered, the snug, custom fit typically feels natural and unobtrusive, allowing you to breathe, talk, and hydrate easily during play.

If you or your child needs a mouth guard for an upcoming season or a new activity, call Alameda Dental at (303) 343-7072 to schedule a consultation. Our office is located at 14591 E Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO 80012, and we serve patients from Aurora and the surrounding communities. We strive to offer flexible appointment times, and we can often accommodate urgent requests before a sports season begins. During your visit, we will answer all your questions and help you decide if a custom guard is the right choice for your needs. Protect your smile—book your appointment today.