Care at Crystal Dental
Sports Mouthguards
Custom sports mouthguards to help protect teeth during sport and active play, with a fit matched to your needs.
Protect your smile while you play
What is a sports mouthguard?
A sports mouthguard is a removable protective cover, usually worn over the upper teeth, that cushions blows during play. It helps reduce the chance of broken teeth and injuries to the lips, cheeks and tongue when you fall or collide with something. It can be useful in contact sports and activities such as skating or gymnastics, where accidental impacts can also happen.
A custom mouthguard is made by a dental laboratory using a record of your teeth, allowing its shape and fit to be tailored to your mouth. Your dentist checks that it stays in place and accommodates braces or growing teeth, with the fit reviewed as your mouth changes. A sports guard reduces injury risk but cannot prevent every injury, and its design serves a different purpose from a guard worn for grinding.
Who benefits from a mouthguard?
When would I need a sports mouthguard?
A mouthguard reduces risk but cannot prevent every injury. Continue using the helmet, face protection and other safety equipment appropriate for your sport.
- You or your child plays a sport with a risk of mouth injuries.
- Your current guard feels loose, bulky, damaged or difficult to wear.
- Growing teeth, braces or dental changes have affected the fit.
A closer look
Understanding mouthguard choices
Custom sports mouthguards
Made around the shape of your teeth, a custom guard allows your dentist to assess its fit and comfort. Discuss this option if an off-the-shelf guard is hard to keep in position.
Store-bought alternatives
Stock guards come preformed; boil-and-bite versions are shaped after softening according to the manufacturer’s directions. Their fit varies. Ask your dentist to check a guard if you are unsure it is suitable.
Room for braces and growth
A guard must accommodate braces and a changing mouth. Review the fit with your dentist or orthodontist, particularly when teeth move or new teeth arrive. A child may need replacements more often.
What to expect
What to expect, step by step.
01
Discuss your activity
Tell us which sports you play, how often you participate and what you find uncomfortable about any existing guard. We assess your teeth and discuss braces or other dental work.
02
Plan a custom fit
If a custom guard is appropriate, a record of your teeth is taken. A dental laboratory uses this record to design and make a guard specifically for your mouth.
03
Fit and care for it
At the fitting, we check how the guard sits and discuss wearing, cleaning and storing it. Growth, dental changes and wear can affect when it should be replaced. If you are unsure about the fit or have questions, bring your sports mouthguard to your next dental appointment and ask us.
The Crystal Dental approach
Why choose Crystal Dental for sports mouthguards?
A local family practice
Crystal Dental is family-owned, with care for children and adults in Burnaby and Langley. Bring your questions about sports protection to your dental team.
An informed choice
We discuss how different guards fit into your activity and explain what a guard can and cannot do.
Care around your needs
Your teeth, sport and comfort guide the conversation. Let us know if your current mouthguard gets in the way of wearing it consistently.
Your care team
Four doctors. One family approach.
Dr. Bogdan Stanisavljevic
B.Sc., DMD
Dr. Goran Stanisavljevic
DMD, M.Sc., PhD · Co-founder
Dr. Dragana Stanisavljevic
DMD · Co-founder
Dr. Nicole Stanisavljevic
B.Sc. (Honours), DMD
FAQs
Sports Mouthguards: your questions.
Have another question? Contact our team and we will be happy to help.
Do I need one for non-contact sports?
Possibly. Falls and accidental impacts also occur in activities such as skating and gymnastics. Discuss the risks of your particular activity with your dentist.
Can I wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes, but it needs an appropriate fit and room for dental movement. Ask your dentist or orthodontist for advice rather than assuming your previous guard still fits.
How do I clean and store it?
Follow the care instructions supplied with your guard. Rinse after use, keep it clean and store it in a ventilated protective case. Avoid hot water and direct heat, which can change its shape.
When should I replace it?
Arrange a check if the guard is worn, torn, loose or no longer comfortable. Growth and dental changes can affect fit even when the material still looks sound.
Can I use a night guard for sport?
No. Night guards and sports mouthguards have different purposes and designs. Use an appliance intended for your activity rather than substituting one for the other.
Will a mouthguard prevent a concussion?
Do not rely on it for concussion prevention. Its role is to help protect the mouth and teeth. Follow your sport’s head-injury guidance and use all required protective equipment.
How do I book, and can I ask about costs first?
Choose Burnaby or Langley on our Contact page and call, email, or text the office to arrange a visit. Our reception team will confirm your appointment. Ask about estimates and bring your current benefit information; see our insurance and payment page for more details.
Further reading: ADA MouthHealthy: Mouthguards · Canadian Dental Association: Dental Safety · Canadian Dental Association: Prevention of traumatic oral and maxillofacial injuries · ADA MouthHealthy: Teeth grinding and jaw pain
Your next visit
Let’s make time for your smile.
Choose the office that works for you. Our reception team will help arrange your appointment.