5 Reasons to Get a Custom Athletic Mouthguard from Your Dentist

Why your young athlete deserves professional protection that goes beyond “boil and bite”

As parents in San Antonio, we want the best protection for our young athletes. With youth sports participation continuing to grow, so does the risk of dental injuries. At Monte Vista Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we see firsthand how a properly fitted custom mouthguard can make the difference between a minor collision and a dental emergency that costs thousands of dollars.

While it might be tempting to grab a $10 “boil and bite” mouthguard from the sporting goods store, the statistics tell a compelling story about why custom-fitted mouthguards from your pediatric dentist are worth the investment. Let’s explore the five key reasons why your child’s smile deserves professional protection.

The Shocking Statistics Every Parent Should Know

Before diving into our top five reasons, consider these eye-opening facts about sports-related dental injuries:

• 13-39% of all dental injuries in children are sports-related
• Basketball leads all sports in dental injuries (not football, as many assume)
• Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer dental harm without a mouthguard
• 80% of traumatic dental injuries occur to the front teeth
• 600,000 emergency room visits occur annually due to sports-related dental injuries
• The lifetime cost of replacing one knocked-out front tooth ranges from $5,000-$20,000
• Only 4 high school sports mandate mouthguards, yet injuries occur across dozens of activities

Perhaps most striking: 50% of kids participating in sports could sustain a dental injury by the time they graduate high school. These aren’t just statistics – they represent real children and families facing painful, expensive dental emergencies that could have been prevented.

Reason #1: Superior Protection That Actually Works

The Research Speaks Volumes

A groundbreaking 2014 study published in General Dentistry followed 412 high school football players across six teams. The results were remarkable:

• 8.3% of athletes wearing store-bought mouthguards suffered concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries
• Only 3.6% of athletes wearing custom-fitted mouthguards suffered similar injuries
• Athletes with store-bought guards were more than twice as likely to suffer brain injuries

Why Custom Guards Outperform Store-Bought Options

Store-bought “boil and bite” mouthguards:

• Made from thin, flexible plastic that wears down quickly
• Provide a loose, imprecise fit
• Often shift during play, reducing protection
• Must be held in place by clenching teeth
• Can actually pose a choking hazard

Custom mouthguards from Monte Vista Pediatric Dentistry:

• Created from precise dental impressions of your child’s mouth
• Made from durable thermoplastic material 3-4 times thicker
• Fit securely without requiring jaw clenching
• Stay in position during intense activity
• Provide complete coverage and protection

The British Journal of Sports Medicine rated different mouthguard types on a protection scale of 0-6:

• No mouthguard: Grade 0 (no protection)
• Store-bought stock guards: Grade 1 (described as “dangerous” with false security)
• Boil-and-bite guards: Grade 2 (inadequate fitting process)
• Custom-made guards: Grade 6 (optimal protection against trauma and concussion)

Reason #2: Unmatched Comfort That Encourages Consistent Use

The Comfort Factor Makes All the Difference

The best mouthguard in the world provides zero protection if your child won’t wear it. This is where custom guards truly shine.

Why kids hate store-bought mouthguards:

• Bulky, one-size-fits-all design
• Interferes with breathing and speaking
• Causes gagging or discomfort
• Requires constant jaw clenching to stay in place
• Often gets removed during games due to discomfort

Why kids actually wear custom mouthguards:

• Perfect fit eliminates bulk and discomfort
• Allows normal breathing and clear communication
• Stays securely in place without effort
• Feels natural in the mouth
• Doesn’t interfere with performance

At Monte Vista Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’ve seen countless young athletes who struggled with store-bought guards embrace their custom-fitted protection. When comfort isn’t an issue, compliance increases dramatically.

Real Parent Testimonial

• “My 12-year-old son refused to wear his store-bought mouthguard during basketball games. He said it made him gag and he couldn’t breathe properly. After getting a custom guard from Monte Vista, he actually asks me to make sure it’s in his sports bag before every game!” – Maria S., San Antonio parent

Reason #3: Perfect for Kids with Braces and Orthodontic Work

Protecting Your Orthodontic Investment

If your child has braces, retainers, or other orthodontic appliances, a custom mouthguard isn’t just recommended – it’s essential. Consider this scenario: your family has invested $5,000-$7,000 in orthodontic treatment, and a single sports injury could damage brackets, wires, and teeth, requiring costly repairs and extended treatment time.

Why store-bought guards fail with braces:

• Cannot accommodate individual bracket placement
• May not fit properly over orthodontic appliances
• Provide inadequate protection for both teeth and braces
• Can actually damage braces if they shift during impact

How custom guards protect orthodontic patients:

• Precisely molded to fit around each bracket and wire
• Protect both teeth and orthodontic hardware
• Prevent soft tissue injuries from damaged braces
• Accommodate changes as orthodontic treatment progresses
• Can be adjusted or remade as teeth move

The Hidden Costs of Orthodontic Injuries

A sports injury to a child with braces can result in:

• Emergency orthodontic visits ($200-$500 per visit)
• Replacement of damaged brackets and wires ($100-$300 per repair)
• Extended treatment time (additional months in braces)
• Soft tissue injuries requiring medical attention
• Potential tooth damage requiring additional dental work

Reason #4: Long-Term Cost Savings That Add Up

The True Cost Analysis

While a custom mouthguard from Monte Vista Pediatric Dentistry costs more upfront than a store-bought option ($100-$300 vs. $10-$30), the long-term economics strongly favor the custom option.

Store-bought mouthguard costs over time:

• Initial cost: $10-$30
• Replacement every 90 days or 40 uses: $40-$120 per year
• Frequent replacements due to poor durability
• Total annual cost: $40-$120+

Custom mouthguard costs over time:

• Initial cost: $100-$300
• Lasts 2-3 years with proper care
• Professional adjustments as needed
• Annual cost: $33-$150

The Real Savings: Preventing Dental Injuries

The most significant savings come from injury prevention:

Cost of common sports dental injuries:

• Chipped tooth repair: $300-$1,500
• Root canal treatment: $1,000-$2,000
• Crown replacement: $1,000-$3,000
• Tooth replacement (implant): $3,000-$5,000
• Lifetime cost of one avulsed (knocked-out) front tooth: $5,000-$20,000

When you consider that $500 million is spent annually in the United States replacing teeth lost in sports injuries, the investment in a custom mouthguard becomes a no-brainer financial decision.

Insurance Coverage

Many dental insurance plans cover part or all of the cost of custom mouthguards. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds can also be used. Check with Monte Vista Pediatric Dentistry about your coverage options and payment plans.

Reason #5: Enhanced Performance and Confidence

The Performance Advantage

A properly fitted custom mouthguard can actually enhance athletic performance rather than hinder it.

How custom guards improve performance:

• Clear communication: Athletes can speak clearly to teammates and coaches
• Optimal breathing: No obstruction to airflow during intense activity
• Natural jaw positioning: Reduces muscle tension and fatigue
• Confidence boost: Athletes play more aggressively knowing they’re protected
• No distractions: Guard stays in place without conscious effort

The Psychological Benefits

• Peace of mind for parents: Knowing your child has professional-grade protection allows you to enjoy watching their games rather than worrying about potential injuries.
• Confidence for athletes: Young athletes who aren’t worried about dental injuries can focus entirely on their performance, often leading to improved play.
• Team benefits: When communication isn’t impaired by bulky mouthguards, team coordination and strategy execution improve.

Sports Where Custom Mouthguards Make a Difference

While many people think mouthguards are only for football and hockey, dental injuries occur across a wide range of activities:

High-risk sports:

• Basketball (highest injury rate)
• Football
• Soccer
• Baseball/Softball
• Wrestling
• Martial arts
• Field hockey
• Lacrosse

Moderate-risk activities:

• Gymnastics
• Skateboarding
• Cycling
• Volleyball
• Tennis

The Monte Vista Pediatric Dentistry Difference

Our Custom Mouthguard Process

At Monte Vista Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we make getting a custom mouthguard easy and stress-free:

1. Comprehensive consultation: We evaluate your child’s specific needs, sport requirements, and any orthodontic considerations
2. Precise impressions: Using comfortable dental putty or digital scanning, we capture exact measurements of your child’s teeth and bite
3. Professional fabrication: Our lab technicians create the mouthguard using high-quality thermoplastic materials
4. Perfect fit guarantee: We ensure proper fit and make any necessary adjustments
5. Care instructions: We provide detailed guidance on cleaning, storage, and maintenance
6. Follow-up care: Regular check-ups ensure the guard continues to fit properly as your child grows

Why Choose Pediatric Dental Specialists

As pediatric dental specialists in San Antonio, we understand the unique needs of growing children:

• Child-focused approach: We make the process comfortable and non-intimidating
• Growth considerations: We account for changing teeth and jaw development
• Orthodontic expertise: Seamless integration with any ongoing orthodontic treatment
• Emergency care: Available for urgent dental issues related to sports injuries
• Family education: We teach both parents and children about proper mouthguard care

Making the Right Choice for Your Young Athlete

Questions to Ask Yourself

• Is your child’s current mouthguard comfortable enough that they wear it consistently?
• Does your child play multiple sports or participate year-round?
• Are you concerned about the quality and durability of store-bought options?
• Does your child have braces or other orthodontic work?
• Would you rather invest in prevention or risk expensive emergency dental treatment?

The Investment in Your Child’s Future

A custom mouthguard from Monte Vista Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics represents more than just dental protection – it’s an investment in your child’s:

• Long-term oral health
• Athletic confidence and performance
• Ability to continue playing the sports they love
• Future smile and self-esteem

Taking Action: Protecting Your Young Athlete

Don’t Wait for an Injury

Sports dental injuries happen in an instant but can affect a child for a lifetime. The time to protect your young athlete is before they step onto the field, court, or rink.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

At Monte Vista Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing San Antonio families with the highest quality pediatric dental care. Our custom mouthguards represent the gold standard in athletic protection, combining superior materials, precise fit, and expert craftsmanship.

Our team understands that every child is unique, and we take pride in creating mouthguards that are perfectly tailored to your young athlete’s needs. Whether your child is just starting their first sport or is a seasoned competitor, we’re here to ensure their smile stays protected.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to protecting your child’s teeth during sports, the choice between a $15 store-bought guard and a custom-fitted mouthguard from Monte Vista Pediatric Dentistry isn’t really about cost – it’s about value.

The statistics are clear: custom mouthguards provide superior protection, better comfort, enhanced performance, and significant long-term savings. More importantly, they give you and your child the confidence to fully embrace the joy and benefits of youth sports without the constant worry about dental injuries.

Your child’s smile is irreplaceable. Isn’t it worth protecting with the best possible care?

Ready to give your young athlete the protection they deserve? Contact Monte Vista Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to schedule a custom mouthguard consultation. Because when it comes to your child’s safety and smile, there’s no substitute for professional care.