Even Coverage
Even, reliable cushioning across all teeth
Sports Mouthguards in Uptown
Athletic mishaps happen in an instant. A stray elbow during a pickup basketball game, a fall off a bike, a collision at home plate — any of these can chip a tooth, split a lip, or knock a tooth out entirely. For athletes of all ages in Chicago, a well-made mouth guard is one of the simplest ways to prevent a sports injury from turning into a dental emergency.
Why Over-the-Counter Mouth Guards Aren’t Enough
Drugstore mouth guards are inexpensive and easy to find, but that convenience comes with tradeoffs. Stock guards come in only a few generic sizes, so they rarely fit the contours of an individual’s mouth.
Boil-and-bite versions are an improvement, but they still rely on the wearer to shape them correctly at home, and the fit often loosens or distorts with repeated use. A poor-fitting guard can shift during play, making it difficult to breathe or speak, and many athletes end up taking it out altogether — which defeats the purpose entirely.
Thin or unevenly molded plastic also offers inconsistent protection, leaving certain teeth more exposed to impact than others.
Benefits of a Custom-Fitted Sports Mouth Guard
A custom sports mouth guard is built from an exact impression of the patient’s teeth, so it fits snugly without slipping, gapping, or needing constant adjustment. That precise fit translates into real advantages on the field or court:
Secure Fit
Stays securely in place during high-impact movement
Clear Speech
Allows for clearer speech and easier breathing
Jaw Protection
Reduces the risk of jaw and soft tissue injuries
Built to Last
Built from durable materials designed to last a full season
Who Needs a Sports Guard?
Mouth guards aren’t limited to football or hockey. Any sport with a risk of falls, collisions, or flying equipment calls for protection, including basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, wrestling, gymnastics, skateboarding, and even recreational cycling. Adults who play in weekend leagues benefit just as much as student athletes competing for their school teams.
Patients with existing dental work — crowns, bridges, or Dr. Yang’s implant patients — have an added incentive to wear a guard, since these restorations may need to be repaired if damaged during play.
Custom Sports Guards for Kids and Teens in Chicago
Young athletes are especially prone to dental injuries, partly because their coordination and reaction times are still developing and partly because baby teeth and erupting permanent teeth can be more vulnerable to trauma. A custom guard protects developing smiles while supporting normal jaw growth.
As children grow, their guards may need to be remade periodically to account for new teeth coming in or changes in jaw size. Routine checkups are a good opportunity to confirm the fit is still accurate and make adjustments as needed.
How a Custom Sports Guard Is Made
The process for a custom sports guard in our Chicago office typically involves just two visits.
First, Dr. Yang takes a precise impression of the patient’s upper teeth, which serves as the foundation for the guard’s design.
That impression is sent to a dental lab, where the guard is custom-fabricated from durable, athlete-grade material in a thickness appropriate for the patient’s sport and risk level.
Once the guard returns from the lab, the patient comes back for a fitting appointment to confirm comfort, coverage, and bite alignment. Minor adjustments can be made on the spot to make sure the guard feels secure and natural.
Can You Wear a Sports Guard with Braces?
Yes — and it’s particularly important to do so. Braces brackets and wires can cause significant soft tissue damage if an athlete is hit in the mouth without protection.
Custom guards for orthodontic patients are designed with extra room to accommodate brackets and anticipated tooth movement over the course of treatment, so the guard continues to fit reasonably well as the smile shifts.
Patients with braces should still have their guard checked periodically, since significant tooth movement can change how it fits.
Protect Your Smile — Get Fitted for a Sports Guard in Uptown Chicago
A few minutes in the chair for a custom sports mouth guard in Uptown Chicago can save patients from a painful dental injury down the road. Whether it’s a young athlete just starting a new sport or an adult returning to a weekend league, Dens Dental Studio can create a guard that fits comfortably and holds up to real game-time demands.
Contact Dens Dental Studio at 224-350-5469 to schedule a fitting before the next season begins.
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