Custom Mouthguards in Calgary – Protect Your Smile with Comfort
Safeguarding Calgary Smiles Starts Here
Imagine stepping onto the ice, hitting the field, or resting your head at night knowing your teeth are completely protected. At Southcentre Dental in Calgary, we provide custom mouthguards designed to keep every smile protected – from energetic kids to active adults and even those who grind their teeth while they sleep. Mouthguards in Calgary are more than just protective gear – they’re an investment in comfort, confidence, and long-term health. With a proper fit and personalized design, you can breathe easily, focus on the game or your rest, and enjoy the peace of mind that your smile is shielded!
Why Mouthguards Matter
Mouthguards may look simple, but their impact on oral health has been shown to be quite significant.
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) highly recommends that individuals who play contact sports use appropriate face and head protection to minimize the risk of injury to the face, head, and neck. Sports organizations have a responsibility to reduce injury risk by developing sport-specific safety protocols. Injury prevention is critical because individuals who experience an oral or maxillofacial injury must cope with the short- and medium-term challenges of treatment and recovery, in addition to potential significant long-term consequences on their health and quality of life.
Using a properly fitted mouthguard, preferably one custom-fitted by a dentist, decreases the risk of orofacial injuries because it’s more comfortable and therefore more likely to be in the correct position at the time of impact. Other face and head protection is essential because mouthguards have a very limited role in preventing concussions.
In short, mouthguards aren’t just about sports defense – they’re about protecting smiles in everyday life.
What to Expect at Southcentre Dental
At Southcentre Dental, getting a custom mouthguard is simple, comfortable, and personalized to your needs. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Consultation and Evaluation
We start by discussing why you need a mouthguard and how it can help protect your smile. This helps us design the right type of protection for you. - Impressions or Digital Scans
We take accurate molds or digital scans of your teeth to ensure your guard fits seamlessly. A custom sports mouthguard is made by our dentist using exact molds of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Once your mouthguard is made, you try it on with our dentist to ensure it fits properly. As a result, custom sports mouthguards offer added comfort and protection. This option may cost more, but when it comes to protection, you get what you pay for. - Fabrication in the Lab
Your mouthguard is crafted using strong, medical-grade materials that are durable but comfortable. The thickness and design depend on your needs – sportsguards are different from nightguards. - Fitting Appointment
Once your mouthguard is ready, we check the fit and make any small adjustments. You’ll be able to talk, breathe, and even sip water with ease. - Care Instructions
We’ll show you how to clean and store your guard, and schedule checkups to make sure it continues to fit well.
After our office brings you in for a 3D scan of your mouth, we will then send it to the lab. We’ll have you come in to pick up your mouthguard one week after your scans.
Link Between Oral & Overall Health
Protecting your mouth with a guard isn’t just about preventing broken teeth – it’s about safeguarding your health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about seven out of ten emergency department visits for sports- and recreation-related Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and concussions are among children aged 17 and under.
Contact sports, including football, basketball, and soccer, are associated with 45% of all emergency department visits for sports- and recreation-related TBIs and concussions among children aged 17 and under. Bicycling and playground activities are also associated with high numbers of emergency department visits for TBIs and concussions among children.
The CDC warns that untreated oral injuries and chronic dental stress can contribute to infections, which may affect the rest of the body.
By protecting your mouth, you protect your overall quality of life.
How Often / Who Needs Mouthguards
Mouthguards are recommended for many people – not just professional athletes.
- Children and Teens: If your child plays hockey, basketball, football, or even rides a bike, they need a sports guard. Calgary is a sports-loving city, and protecting growing smiles is key.
- Adults: Weekend hockey leagues, martial arts, or even pick-up basketball can lead to accidents. Adults benefit just as much from custom guards.
Anyone who participates in sports such as football, hockey, basketball, ski racing, baseball, soccer, wrestling, lacrosse, rugby, gymnastics, and martial arts should wear a mouthguard when practicing or competing.
How often to replace
On average, a custom sports mouthguard will last about five years, depending on how often it’s used and how well it’s cared for.
At-Home Tips Between Visits
Your custom mouthguard will last longer with proper care.
Do’s
- Rinse your mouthguard with cold water or mouthwash before and after each use. To properly clean it, use a toothbrush and toothpaste or clean it in cool, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
- Store and transport your mouthguard in a firm, perforated container to prevent damage and allow for air circulation.
- Remove retainers and other removable dental appliances, such as orthodontic retainers, removable bridges, or dentures (complete or partial), before inserting your mouthguard.
- Replace your mouthguard every two to five years under normal use. Earlier replacement is recommended if it becomes cracked, torn, or split, or if the fit deteriorates, significant wear appears, or there is unsatisfactory retention. If your mouthguard absorbs a strong blow, it may need to be replaced immediately.
- Bring your mouthguard to each dental hygiene visit to have it evaluated.
Don’ts
- Don’t chew on your mouthguard, use hot water to clean it, leave it in direct sunlight, or alter the mouthguard in any way. This will affect the fit and may damage it or decrease its effectiveness.
- Don’t share your mouthguard with others.
- Don’t close the mouthguard container until your freshly washed mouthguard is dry.
Parents can encourage children to make guard use part of their sports routine by linking it with putting on helmets and pads. Adults can keep their mouthguard by their sports gear to make sure it’s easily accessible.
Signs You May Need a Mouthguard Now
- Worn, cracked, or chipped teeth.
- Jaw pain or frequent headaches in the morning.
- Grinding noises at night noticed by a partner.
- Frequent sports activity without protection.
- You actively play combat sports.
- Cuts on lips, cheeks, or tongue after play.
- Existing crowns, bridges, or implants you want to protect.
Why Choose Southcentre Dental for Mouthguards in Calgary
Southcentre Dental has long been a trusted provider of family-focused dental care in Calgary. Patients choose us for:
- Personalized fit: Every guard is made from precise impressions of your teeth.
- Comfort-first design: Easy to wear so you can focus on your game or get a good night’s rest.
- Durability: Quality materials built to withstand pressure and impact.
- Complete care: From checkups to restorative dentistry, we keep your whole mouth healthy.
- Friendly team: We explain everything clearly and treat your family with care.
Affordability & Insurance
The cost of a custom mouthguard is small compared to repairing broken teeth or crowns. Many dental insurance plans cover sports guards for children and adults. At Southcentre Dental, we provide detailed estimates, help with insurance claims, and offer payment options if needed.
Trusted Smile Protection While You Play
Your smile is worth protecting. At Southcentre Dental in Calgary, our custom mouthguards provide comfort, confidence, and security. Whether you’re stepping onto the ice or preparing for a big game, we are here to help.
Call us today or click to book your appointment – let’s protect your smile together!
Common Questions About Mouthguards
Are boil-and-bite mouthguards from the store good enough?
They provide some protection, but because they aren’t custom, they often feel bulky, shift during use, or make it harder to breathe. The fit of a boil-and-bite mouthguard is better than a standard, one-size-fits-all guard. However, because it’s made of thin plastic, it can be chewed through and worn down within a few months. A custom guard is more comfortable, which means you or your child will actually wear it.
My child has braces – can they still wear a mouthguard?
If you have braces or a fixed bridge, a custom sportsguard is even more important! Fixed orthodontic appliances, such as brackets and wires, can cause additional damage to your mouth. A custom mouthguard not only protects your braces from harm but also safeguards your gums, lips, cheeks, and other soft tissues. While mouthguards are traditionally worn only on the top teeth, certain factors may also necessitate a bottom mouthguard.
How do I know if I need a sportsguard or nightguard?
Sportsguards are thicker and designed to absorb external impacts. Nightguards are designed for comfort during sleep and to protect against internal grinding forces. During your visit, we’ll recommend the right one for you.
How much do custom mouthguards cost?
The price varies. Getting a sports mouthguard made specifically for your mouth and teeth is more ideal than buying one at a drugstore because it is uniquely shaped for your bite. Therefore, if you experience any trauma to the face, you are less likely to damage your teeth.
The cost of repairing damaged teeth will be much higher than the upfront cost of a custom-made sports mouthguard, depending on your insurance.
Call Southcentre Dental about Mouthguards today!
Quick Benefits of Mouthguards at Southcentre Dental
- Prevents painful and costly dental injuries.
- Helps with teeth grinding and jaw pain.
- Fits comfortably so you can talk and breathe with ease.
- Protects crowns, bridges, and dental implants from damage.
- Supports better long-term oral and overall health.