Custom Fit Sports Guards…Just in Time For Barrie’s Fast Approaching Hockey Season

With the hockey season fast approaching, we need to make sure our athletes are properly protected.

I offer custom fit sports guards from $40-$45 depending on colour and brand. You can have your team or group fitted at your home or sports facility, or you can book an appointment at my office.

Sports guards typically cover the upper teeth, and are designed to protect against broken teeth, cut lips and other damage to your mouth. A properly fitted sports guard may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A sports guard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, limiting the risk of soft tissue injuries.

Some people are at higher risk of injury to their teeth. These risk factors include:

protrusive (‘buck’) front teeth
inadequate lip coverage over the front teeth
current orthodontic treatment, such as wearing braces
participation in sports or leisure activities that carry a high risk of collision or falls

Some tips for caring for your sports guard:

rinse before and after each use or brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste
occasionally clean the sports guard in cool, soapy water and rinse thoroughly
transport the sports guard in a sturdy container that has vents
never leave the sports guard in the sun or in hot water as extreme heat can alter the sports guard material and decrease its effectiveness
check for wear and tear to see if it needs replacing
replace your sports guard every 1-2 years or if it becomes torn, split or worn or no longer fits. Replacement is especially important for adolescents because their mouths continue to grow and teeth continue to develop into adulthood.

A protective sports guard should: