Orthodontics
Sports guard
A sports guard is a mouth protector designed to absorb impact during sports so teeth, lips, and jaws are less likely to be hurt.
Sports guards have extra cushioning that a night guard does not. The ADA says a mouthguard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of your standard equipment from an early age. Collision and contact sports carry higher risk, but any athlete can have a dental injury, including in gymnastics and skating. A custom-made guard from a dentist usually fits and stays in place better than a store-bought one. The ADA prefers a guard custom made for your mouth by a dentist, and says a stock or boil-and-bite guard is still worth wearing. A growing child may need a new guard as teeth and jaws change. See mouth guard, dental trauma, and our sports guard page.