Sport Guards

Why a Sport Guard Matters

According to the dental literature, athletes without a properly fitted mouthguard are up to 60 times more likely to suffer a dental injury during sport. The injuries aren’t just dramatic ones — they include cracked enamel, chipped teeth, fractured roots, soft tissue lacerations and, in heavier-impact sports, fractured jaws.

A properly designed custom sport guard:
Cushions blows that would otherwise fracture teeth
Prevents lacerations of the lips, tongue and cheeks against the teeth
Distributes impact forces and reduces concussion risk in heavy-contact sports
Protects existing dental work — implants, crowns, veneers and bridges
Protects orthodontic appliances and the soft tissue around braces
Helps prevent jaw fractures from clenching at the moment of impact

Sports That Need a Mouthguard

High-impact / contact sports (mouthguard strongly recommended):
Football & American football
Rugby
Boxing, MMA, kickboxing, karate, taekwondo
Hockey & field hockey
Lacrosse
Wrestling
Water polo
Non-contact but high-risk sports (mouthguard strongly recommended):
Basketball (elbows to the face are very common)
Cycling & mountain biking
Skateboarding, BMX, in-line skating
Gymnastics
Equestrian sports
Climbing
Skiing & snowboarding
Lower-risk but still beneficial:
Squash, racquetball (where a ball or racquet can strike the face)
Volleyball
Recreational sports played intensely
Simple rule: if there's any realistic chance of a blow to the face, a sport guard is worth wearing.

How a Custom Sport Guard Is Made

Sport & dental assessment:

We discuss the sport you play, your level, any existing dental work (implants, crowns, veneers, braces) and your bite. This determines the type and thickness of guard you need.

Digital scan or impression:

A quick, comfortable digital scan (or traditional impression) of your upper teeth — sometimes both arches for high-impact athletes

Laboratory fabrication:

Your custom guard is pressure-laminated in a specialised dental laboratory. Turnaround: typically 7– 10 days.

Fitting appointment:

We fit your guard, check that it stays in place when you clench, talk and breathe heavily, and make any small adjustments. You should be able to wear it comfortably without holding it in place by biting

Care guidance:

Cool-water rinse after each use, gentle soft-brush cleaning, dry storage in a ventilated case. Bring it to every check-up — we'll inspect it for wear and adjust if needed.

Caring for Your Sport Guard

Rinse with cool water after every use
Brush gently with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste — it can scratch the surface)
Soak weekly in a denture cleaner or guard-specific solution
Store dry, in its ventilated protective case
Never leave it in a hot car or in direct sunlight (it can distort)
Keep it away from pets — dogs in particular love to chew them
Bring it to every dental check-up — we'll inspect and adjust as needed

Custom Sport Guard Types We Offer

Why a Custom-Made Guard Matters

Over-the-counter "boil-and-bite" guards:
Generic fit, often loose or bulky
Can actually worsen TMJ symptoms in some patients
Wear out quickly (often 3–6 months)
Made from a single, lower-quality material
No bite assessment — may distort your bite over time
Custom guards at Dentistar:
Made from precise digital impressions of YOUR teeth
Adjusted to YOUR specific bite during fitting
Comfortable enough to wear all night, every night
Made from high-quality, lab-fabricated materials
Designed by your dentist for your specific problem (bruxism, TMD, retention, snoring)
Long-lasting — typically 3–7 years

Sport Guards for Children & Teens

Children and teenagers benefit MORE from sport guards than adults — not less. Younger athletes are more likely to fall, take an elbow to the face, or absorb a stray ball or racquet strike. Replacing a knocked-out permanent front tooth at age 10 is the start of a lifetime of dental work; preventing that injury with a single custom guard is one of the highest-value preventive decisions a parent can make.

Important notes for paediatric sport guards:
Replace every 12–18 months — children's mouths are growing
Replace immediately if a permanent tooth has just erupted
Replace if the child gets fixed braces — the original won't fit anymore
Let the child choose a fun colour — they're far more likely to actually wear it
Make wearing it non-negotiable from the first day — habits start young

When to Replace Your Sport Guard

After any significant impact — even if it looks intact
When you notice tears, deep bite marks or thinning areas
If the fit has loosened
After dental work that changes the shape of your teeth (new crown, veneers, braces)
Children & teens: every 12–18 months
Adults: every 2–4 years with regular use

Sport Guards & Other Dental Treatments

If you have any of the following, we'll customise your sport guard accordingly:
Fixed braces — orthodontic sport guard with bracket clearance
Clear aligners — keep the aligner case in your sports bag and wear the sport guard during play
Veneers or crowns on front teeth — extra-protective front zone
Dental implants — guard designed to protect both implants and natural teeth
TMJ symptoms — we can design a guard that also reduces clenching during high-stress play

Everything You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does my child really need a sport guard for non-contact sports like basketball or cycling?

Yes. Statistically, basketball is one of the most common sports for dental injuries — elbows to the face are frequent. Cycling and skating injuries are often facial. Custom sport guards prevent the majority of dental injuries that would otherwise require lifelong dental work.

Can I just buy a sports mouthguard at the pharmacy?

You can, but you shouldn’t if your dental health matters to you. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards are bulky, loose, fall out under impact, interfere with breathing and provide minimal real protection. A custom guard fits precisely, stays in place, and provides several times more shock absorption — at a cost that’s far lower than even one fractured tooth.

I wear braces — can I still play sports?

Yes — but you need a special orthodontic sport guard. Generic mouthguards don’t fit over braces properly and can damage the brackets or lacerate the inside of your lips against them. A custom orthodontic sport guard is made with extra space to accommodate the brackets and allow for tooth movement during treatment.

How long does a custom sport guard last?

For adults with regular use, 2–4 years. For children and teens, 12–18 months (their mouths grow).Replace it immediately after any significant impact, when the fit has loosened, or after dental work that changes tooth shape.

Can a sport guard help prevent concussions?

Mouthguards are not concussion-proof — but research suggests properly fitted custom guards may reduce the severity and frequency of mild concussions by absorbing some of the impact transmitted through the jaw to the skull. They are part of a wider protection strategy that includes helmets and proper technique, not a replacement for them.

Can I drink water or talk normally with a custom sport guard in?

Yes. One of the biggest differences between custom and over-the-counter guards is comfort. A custom guard fits so precisely that you can talk, breathe heavily, drink water and call out to teammates without removing it. This means you actually keep it in the whole match — which is when injuries happen.

How much does a custom sport guard cost in Cyprus?

Cost depends on the type (single-layer, dual-laminate, pro-form, orthodontic, paediatric) and any added features (custom colours, names, team logo). We provide a clear quote at the consultation. Many parents tell us it’s the best dental investment they’ve made — significantly cheaper than the cost of a single dental trauma repair.

Are sport guards covered by insurance?

Some insurance providers cover sport guards as preventive care, particularly for children playing organised sport. We provide detailed receipts and any documentation needed for your reimbursement claim.