Sports Mouthguards in Tysons, VA
Protect Your Smile with Custom Sports Mouthguards
An athletic mouthguard is a retainer-like restoration worn in your mouth to protect your teeth and gums against sports injuries. A sports guard cushions your teeth, gums, lips, and cheeks against knocks, blows and falls. A mouthguard protects your mouth from fractures, tooth loss, cuts, etc. A mouthguard also protects you from concussions by absorbing and dispersing the force of impacts to the jaw.
Sports injuries take a second to happen. You could have played numerous games, but it takes one incident to crack or knock out your tooth. Always wear a mouthguard because you never know when an injury will strike.
Who needs a mouthguard?
We recommend sports mouthguards to individuals participating in sports or recreational activities with a risk of dental injuries. Whether you are an amateur or professional player, wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports like hockey, football, rugby, etc. Besides, a sports guard is necessary for non-contact, high-risk activities like cycling, skiing, gymnastics, etc.
Can I consider store-bought mouthguards?
You can buy sports guards from the nearest sports goods store. Stock mouthguards are the cheapest and come in standard sizes—small, medium, and large. Although cheap and convenient, we don’t recommend stock mouthguards. They rarely fit well and can cause more harm than good. Boil and bite is another option available over the counter. While they offer better protection than generic mouthguards, they aren’t the best.
Our office only recommends customized sports guards. These mouthguards are created after taking impressions of your bite. They fit snugly over your mouth, providing ultimate comfort and protection on the field of play. Besides, we make our mouthguards with durable materials to ensure long-lasting outcomes.
How are customized mouthguards created?
It takes two easy dental visits to fabricate your bespoke sports guard. The first visit involves bringing digital scans of your teeth and gums. These digital images guide our dental lab in creating a mouthguard that matches the exact specifications of your dentition. Due to this careful approach, customized mouthguards fit securely and allow for natural breathing and speaking while wearing.
Once we receive your mouthguard, you’ll schedule another appointment to pick it up. Our team will give instructions on how to wear and maintain your mouthguard. Always wear your sportsguard when participating in any activity that may cause dental injuries.
How should I maintain my mouthguard?
You must clean your mouthguard after every use to enhance its durability and aesthetics. When you remove a mouthguard, you should:
- Rinse it with cold or lukewarm water to remove harmful substances
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap to clean your mouthguard
- Rinse it again and let it air to dry
- Store your mouthguard in a dry, ventilated case when not in use
Don’t use abrasive detergents to clean your mouthguard. Also, don’t use hot water because this can warp the plastic. Regular maintenance prevents bacterial growth, ensuring your oral device stays clean and healthy.
Serving Tysons & Surrounding Communities
Conveniently located in Tysons, Dr. Lopez proudly welcomes patients from across Northern Virginia and nearby Maryland and D.C. areas, making quality dental care easily accessible for families and individuals throughout the region.
We regularly serve patients from:
- Vienna, McLean, and Falls Church
- Arlington, Fairfax, and Annandale
- Reston, Herndon, Sterling, and Oakton
- Alexandria and surrounding areas
- Potomac, Rockville, and Chevy Chase
- Georgetown and Washington, D.C.
Her commitment to accessible, high-quality care makes Avanti Dentistry a trusted choice for patients throughout the greater Tysons region.
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Frequently Asked Questions Sports Mouthguards
Why should I choose a custom sports mouthguard instead of a store-bought one?
Custom sports mouthguards provide a level of comfort, protection, and performance that generic options simply cannot match. Because they are made specifically for your teeth and jaw structure, they fit securely without slipping or causing discomfort. A precise fit also allows you to breathe and speak more naturally while wearing the appliance. Most importantly, custom mouthguards offer superior shock absorption, helping reduce the risk of broken teeth, jaw injuries, and other sports-related dental trauma.
Can sports mouthguards help prevent concussions?
While no mouthguard can completely prevent a concussion, a properly fitted custom sports guard can help reduce the risk. The appliance absorbs and disperses impact forces that occur during contact or collisions, helping minimize stress on the jaw and head. This added protection can be especially beneficial for athletes participating in high-impact sports such as football, hockey, martial arts, and similar activities.
How long does a sports mouthguard last?
The lifespan of a sports mouthguard depends on factors such as frequency of use, maintenance habits, and the athlete’s age. Children and teenagers may need a new mouthguard each season as their teeth and jaws continue to develop. Adults can often use the same custom mouthguard for one to two years if it is properly cared for. Regular inspections for cracks, wear, or changes in fit can help determine when a replacement is needed.
Can I wear a mouthguard if I have braces, crowns, or bridges?
Yes. Custom mouthguards can be specially designed to fit comfortably over braces, crowns, bridges, and other dental restorations. These customized appliances help protect both your teeth and dental work during sports and recreational activities without interfering with orthodontic treatment or damaging existing restorations.
Are mouthguards only necessary for contact sports?
No. Although contact sports such as football, boxing, and hockey present obvious risks, athletes involved in non-contact activities can also benefit from wearing a mouthguard. Sports and activities such as mountain biking, gymnastics, skateboarding, baseball, and skiing can involve falls or accidental impacts that may result in dental injuries. Wearing a mouthguard is a simple and effective way to protect your smile during any activity with injury potential.
How do I know if my mouthguard fits properly?
A properly fitted mouthguard should feel secure and comfortable in your mouth. It should stay in place without requiring you to bite down or clench your teeth, and you should be able to speak and breathe normally while wearing it. If your mouthguard feels loose, bulky, or uncomfortable, it may not provide adequate protection. A custom-fabricated mouthguard is designed to contour precisely to your smile for optimal comfort and safety.
What should I do if my mouthguard becomes damaged or warped?
If your mouthguard develops cracks, becomes misshapen, or no longer fits correctly, it should be replaced as soon as possible. A damaged mouthguard may not provide the protection you need and could even cause irritation. Avoid exposing your mouthguard to excessive heat, such as leaving it in a hot vehicle, as this can alter its shape. If you are unsure whether it needs replacement, bring it to your dental appointment for evaluation.
Avanti Dentistry offers a unique model where all specialists are available in-house. This eliminates the need for referrals and allows for more efficient, coordinated care.
I need a sportsguard—what's next?
Do you need a sportsguard in Tysons, Virginia? Call (703) 625-6229 and schedule an appointment with Avanti Dentistry. Let's protect your smile while you play your favorite game.