Still Using a Drugstore Mouthguard? Here’s What You’re Missing
Find out how professional, custom-fit guards offer real protection and why off-the-shelf options fall short.
When it comes to sports safety, most parents and athletes think of helmets, pads, or braces — but one of the most critical forms of protection is often overlooked: the mouthguard.
Whether your child is starting soccer, playing competitive hockey, or enjoying a weekly game of basketball, their smile is at risk. And while that boil-and-bite mouthguard from the drugstore may seem “good enough,” the truth is — custom-fit sports mouthguards are in a league of their own.
At Granada Dental in Sherwood Park, we offer dentist-designed sports mouthguards that protect teeth, jaws, and soft tissues more effectively than over-the-counter options — without compromising comfort or performance.
Why Mouthguards Matter And Who Needs One
A sports mouthguard isn’t just an accessory — it’s a critical piece of athletic safety gear. The Canadian Dental Association and major sports organizations recommend wearing a mouthguard for both contact and non-contact sports.
That includes:
Hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby
Martial arts, wrestling, boxing
Basketball, soccer, volleyball
Skateboarding, biking, gymnastics
Skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding
If there’s a risk of impact to the face or jaw — even if it’s accidental — a mouthguard can be the difference between a safe game and a dental emergency.
Why Custom Mouthguards Outperform Store-Bought Versions
1. Superior Fit and Comfort
Store-bought guards are one-size-fits-all. But everyone’s smile is different — and so is their bite pattern. Custom-fit guards are crafted using impressions or digital scans of your mouth. That means:
A snug, comfortable fit that stays in place
Easier breathing and clearer speech
Less irritation or gagging
Higher likelihood of actual use
2. Enhanced Protection
Custom guards offer greater shock absorption and tooth coverage. They’re designed to disperse impact forces, minimizing the risk of:
Chipped or broken teeth
Jaw fractures or dislocations
Lip and tongue injuries
Concussions linked to jaw impact
3. Durability That Lasts
Boil-and-bite guards tend to wear down quickly. Custom sports mouthguards, on the other hand, are made from high-grade dental materials that:
Last longer under stress
Withstand teeth grinding
Retain shape and protection over time
Who Benefits Most from a Custom Mouthguard?
➤ Parents of Young Athletes
Children and teens are in their prime development stage — and their mouths are still growing. A professionally made guard ensures both protection and comfort during crucial sports seasons.
➤ Competitive and Amateur Athletes
Whether you’re training for a tournament or just play weekly at the rec center, your performance should never be hindered by bulky, ill-fitting equipment.
➤ Orthodontic Patients
Braces and other appliances increase the risk of injury during sports. Custom guards can be specially designed to accommodate hardware — and protect it.
Common Concerns Addressed
“Isn’t a store-bought guard just as good?”
Unfortunately, no. Store-bought guards don’t offer the fit, coverage, or shock distribution needed for real protection. They also tend to get chewed through or fall out mid-game — which defeats the purpose entirely.
“How long does a custom guard last?”
A high-quality custom guard can last 1–2 sports seasons or longer with proper care. For growing children, we recommend reassessment each season to accommodate dental changes.
“Does insurance cover it?”
Many dental plans partially or fully cover custom mouthguards. Granada Dental offers direct billing, so we’ll help you navigate your plan and make the process easy.
“What’s the process like?”
At Granada Dental, the process is quick and straightforward:
Consultation & Impression
We take a mold or digital scan of your teeth in a brief appointment.Fabrication
Your mouthguard is custom-built at a professional lab with durable, flexible materials.Fitting & Adjustments
Once ready, you’ll return for a quick fitting and to ensure maximum comfort and function.
Why Athletes Avoid Wearing Mouthguards and How We Fix That
One of the biggest challenges isn’t just getting a mouthguard — it’s getting an athlete to wear it consistently. Most people skip it because it’s:
Too bulky
Makes breathing difficult
Hurts their gums
Affects how they talk or play
That’s where custom-fit design makes all the difference. When a mouthguard is properly made for your teeth and bite, it feels like it belongs there — and that’s exactly how we build them.
Educating Beyond Contact Sports
One of the most common myths is that mouthguards are only needed for football or hockey. In reality, nearly 40% of dental injuries in sports happen in non-contact activities.
If your child is into:
BMX or trail biking
Trampoline gymnastics
Rollerblading
Horseback riding
a custom mouthguard is a smart investment that provides peace of mind, even for “low contact” games.
Maintenance and Replacement Tips
Clean after each use with cold water and a toothbrush
Avoid hot water, which can warp the shape
Store in a ventilated case when not in use
Inspect regularly for wear and tear or biting damage
Replace annually or sooner for children with growing mouths
Why Granada Dental for Sports Mouthguards in Sherwood Park?
Granada Dental has been protecting Sherwood Park’s athletes and families for over 30 years. Here’s why we’re trusted:
Precision-Fit Protection
Every guard is tailored for safety, comfort, and longevity.
Family-Friendly Service
We work with kids, teens, and adults to ensure everyone plays safe — and stays protected.
Insurance-Savvy & Transparent
We’ll help you check your benefits and handle direct billing for stress-free coverage.
Community Commitment
As a Sherwood Park practice, we care about the health and wellness of local families and sports teams — and it shows in every patient experience.
