Where Families in Green Lake Come to Smile
Sport Guards in Seattle, WA
A stray elbow during pickup basketball, a wild pitch during softball practice, or a surprise collision during a soccer match can all lead to cracked teeth, knocked-out molars, or jaw injuries that require extensive dental work. However, sports guards provide a simple solution. These custom-fitted protective devices cushion your teeth and jaw during physical activity, reducing your risk of injury and helping you keep playing the sports you love.
At Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Cherryl Ellison creates sport guards tailored to your unique bite and activity level. Whether you’re an adult recreational athlete, a weekend warrior, or a parent looking to protect your child’s smile, we’ll design a guard that fits comfortably and stays securely in place when you need it most.
Why Custom Sport Guards
Beat Store-Bought Options
Store-bought guards from sporting goods stores might seem convenient, but they rarely provide adequate protection. These one-size-fits-all options typically require you to boil them and bite down to create a mold, resulting in a bulky, uncomfortable fit that makes breathing difficult and often falls out during intense activity. Many athletes simply stop wearing them because they interfere with performance and communication.
Custom sport guards from your dentist offer several advantages, including:
- Precise fit: Your sports guards are created from exact impressions of your teeth for a snug, secure fit that doesn’t shift during activity.
- Better breathing: The thin, contoured design allows for normal breathing and oxygen flow during intense exercise.
- Clear communication: They allow you to speak clearly to teammates and coaches without removing your guard.
- Superior protection: High-quality materials absorb impact more effectively than drugstore versions.
- Durability: Professional-grade materials last longer and maintain their protective properties over time.
The difference in protection is substantial. According to research from the American Dental Association, athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to sustain dental injuries than those who do. Custom guards provide superior shock absorption and coverage, protecting not just your teeth but also your lips, tongue, and jaw from injury.
What to Expect During Your Sport Guard Appointment
First Visit: Impressions and Examination
During your first appointment, we'll examine your mouth to identify any dental issues that need attention before we make your guard. We'll then take detailed impressions of your upper and lower teeth using our digital scanner, which is quick and comfortable.
Lab Fabrication
These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where technicians fabricate your guard from durable, medical-grade materials. The lab creates a guard that matches your bite precisely and extends far enough to protect your back molars while remaining comfortable during extended wear.
Second Visit: Fitting and Instructions
At your second visit, you'll try on your completed guard so we can check the fit and make any necessary adjustments. We'll show you how to properly insert and remove it, and provide instructions for cleaning and storage. The entire process typically takes about two weeks from your initial visit to receiving your finished guard.
Caring for Your Sport Guard
Proper maintenance keeps your guard effective and hygienic throughout its lifespan. Follow these simple steps after each use:
- Rinse with cool water immediately after each use
- Brush gently with a toothbrush and mild soap
- Never use hot water, which can warp the material and ruin the custom fit
- Allow to air dry before storing
These quick maintenance steps take just a minute but dramatically extend the life of your guard.
Storage and Replacement
Store your guard in a ventilated case that allows air circulation. This prevents bacterial growth and protects the guard from damage when it’s in your gym bag or equipment locker. Bring your guard to your regular dental checkups so we can inspect it for wear and tear.
Most sports guards last several years with proper care, though you may need replacements sooner if you’re still growing or if you grind your teeth at night while playing sports. Watch for signs that your guard needs replacement, such as visible cracks, a loose fit, or worn-through spots in the material.
Which Sports Benefit Most from Guards
Different activities carry varying levels of risk, but many more sports require protection than you might think. The following activities involve frequent physical contact that makes guards essential equipment:
- Football
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Boxing and martial arts
- Rugby
- Wrestling
Many athletes underestimate their risk during activities that seem less dangerous. Basketball, baseball, and soccer all involve fast-moving balls or players, creating opportunities for facial injuries even when physical contact isn’t the primary focus of the game.
Individual Sports
Individual sports carry risks, too. Skateboarding, mountain biking, and gymnastics all involve potential falls that could impact your mouth. If your activity involves any danger of falling, colliding with equipment or other participants, or getting hit by projectiles, a mouthguard provides valuable protection for your smile.
Protecting Growing Smiles
Young athletes need extra consideration when it comes to dental protection during sports. Children and teenagers face unique dental risks when participating in sports. Growing teeth are more vulnerable to damage, and dental injuries during these years can affect permanent teeth that haven’t fully erupted yet. Many parents invest in orthodontic treatment for their children, making protection even more critical since braces increase the risk of mouth injuries during impacts.
Guards for Braces
Custom guards accommodate braces and other orthodontic appliances better than store-bought versions. We can create a guard that protects both the teeth and orthodontic hardware, preventing brackets from cutting into lips and cheeks during contact. As your child’s mouth changes during treatment, we can adjust or remake their guard to maintain proper fit and protection.
Schedule Your Sport Guard Consultation at Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry
At Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re committed to helping Seattle athletes of all ages protect their smiles during sports and physical activities. Dr. Ellison combines modern dental technology with personalized care to create custom sport guards that offer superior protection without compromising comfort or performance. Our convenient North Seattle location makes it easy for families throughout Green Lake, Wallingford, Phinney Ridge, and surrounding neighborhoods to get the dental protection they need.
We understand that your time is valuable, which is why we offer flexible scheduling options and same-day appointments when available. Whether you need a guard for yourself, your child, or your entire family, we’ll work with your schedule to make the process as convenient as possible. Contact us today to schedule your sports guard consultation and take the first step toward protecting your smile during every game, practice, and competition.
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