Sports Guard Eugene, OR Teeth take a lot of abuse during contact sports, and a single collision at the wrong angle can crack, chip, or knock out a tooth entirely. At Harmony Dental, our dentists work with patients throughout Eugene to prevent exactly that. A custom sports guard is one of the simplest, most effective pieces of protective equipment an athlete can use, whether you're on a soccer field, a basketball court, or a wrestling mat.What Is a Sports Guard and Why Do You Need One?A sports guard, sometimes called an athletic mouthguard, is a protective appliance that fits over your upper teeth to cushion impact and reduce the risk of dental injury during physical activity. Unlike the generic options sold in sporting goods stores, a custom-made guard is designed specifically for your mouth, which means better protection, a more secure fit, and far greater comfort during play. Stock mouthguards and boil-and-bite versions offer limited coverage. They tend to shift during activity, interfere with breathing and speech, and often go unworn because athletes find them uncomfortable. A professionally made guard eliminates those issues. The risks of playing without one extend beyond tooth loss. Impact to the mouth can fracture teeth below the gumline, injure soft tissue, and in some cases cause jaw fractures. Studies also suggest that properly fitted mouthguards may help reduce the likelihood of concussion by absorbing and distributing impact forces. Sports with an elevated risk of oral injury include:
Any sport that involves contact, a projectile, or a fall puts teeth at risk. Even recreational leagues and youth sports are worth protecting against, because dental injuries don't scale down with the level of competition. How Do I Get Fitted for a Custom Sports Guard in Eugene?Getting a custom mouthguard from our Eugene dentists is a straightforward process that typically takes two appointments. At the first visit, one of our dentists will examine your teeth and take an impression of your upper arch. That impression is sent to a dental lab, where a guard is fabricated to match the exact contours of your bite. When the guard is ready, you return for a fitting. Your dentist will check the fit, make any adjustments needed, and make sure the guard fits comfortably and stays in place during normal movement. You should be able to speak and breathe normally while wearing it. Custom guards are made from durable, high-quality materials that hold up through seasons of use with proper care. Rinse the guard after each use, store it in a ventilated case, and bring it to your regular checkups at Harmony Dental so our team can inspect it for wear. If your bite changes or the guard no longer fits securely, we can take a new impression and have a replacement made. A well-fitted mouthguard is one of the most cost-effective investments in dental health available. Repairing a knocked-out or fractured tooth involves far more time, discomfort, and treatment than the guard itself. Contact our office at (541) 246-3250 to schedule an appointment and ask about getting fitted for a custom sports guard before your next season begins. |
