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Osborne Dental

Preventive

Athletic Mouthguards in South Jordan, UT

If you or your child plays contact sports, a custom athletic mouthguard is one of the simplest, cheapest forms of insurance you can buy. A well-fitted guard protects teeth, jaw, lips, and tongue from the kinds of injuries that end careers, cost thousands to repair, and sometimes leave lasting damage. The difference between a custom guard from Osborne Dental and a drugstore boil-and-bite is night and day, in both protection and comfort.

Athletic Mouthguards at Osborne Dental South Jordan

Why custom guards are worth it

Store-bought mouthguards are better than nothing, but they tend to be bulky, uncomfortable, and easy to dislodge. Most athletes end up taking them out between plays or chewing through them, which largely defeats the purpose. Worse, a poorly fitting guard can actually increase the risk of concussion by allowing the lower jaw to slam into the upper.

A custom mouthguard is made from a precise impression or digital scan of your teeth, so it fits exactly to your bite. It stays in place during play without clenching, doesn't interfere with breathing or speech, and is thin enough in the right places that athletes actually keep it in. Properly cared for, a custom guard lasts most of a season or longer.

Sports we fit guards for

Anything involving contact, a ball, a puck, or significant impact risk: football, basketball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, martial arts, boxing, rugby, field hockey, and more. The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for about 30 different activities, and we've fitted guards for nearly all of them.

It's also worth noting that kids are particularly vulnerable. Children's permanent front teeth are still developing, and a serious blow can damage not just the tooth but the surrounding bone and gum tissue for life. A custom guard costs a fraction of what fixing a knocked-out tooth does.

The fitting process

Getting a custom guard takes two short visits. At the first, we take an impression or a digital scan of your teeth. The guard is fabricated at a dental lab and is typically ready within a week. At the second visit, we check the fit, trim any areas that need adjustment, and confirm it feels comfortable and secure.

We'll also walk you through how to clean and care for it. A quick rinse with cool water after each use, occasional brushing with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, and storing it in its ventilated case keep it in good shape all season.

For parents: kids and mouthguards

If you've got a kid in youth football, soccer, basketball, hockey, or any other contact sport, a custom mouthguard is one of the best investments you can make. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry estimates that athletes who don't wear a mouthguard are 60 times more likely to sustain dental injuries. Knocked-out permanent teeth often happen in young athletes, and the cost of treating those injuries (both financial and emotional) far exceeds the cost of prevention.

Kids also tend to comply with custom guards more than store-bought ones because they simply feel better. Many parents who've tried boil-and-bite versions for their kids report constant battles about wearing them. A custom guard often eliminates that struggle entirely. We've fitted guards for local teams throughout South Jordan and the surrounding areas, and we're happy to coordinate with coaches or team parents if your group wants to arrange a day for multiple fittings.

Common questions

How long does a custom mouthguard last?

For adults, a well-cared-for guard typically lasts one to two seasons. For kids and teens, guards need to be replaced more often because their teeth and jaws are still growing. We recommend a new fitting every season for young athletes.

Will it affect my breathing or ability to talk?

No. Because it's custom fit to your mouth, a properly made guard doesn't restrict breathing and you can still communicate with teammates. Boil-and-bite guards tend to cause these problems; custom guards don't.

Does insurance cover athletic mouthguards?

Most dental insurance plans don't cover athletic mouthguards as a preventive service, but the cost is modest relative to the injury prevention. Custom guards typically run $150 to $300 depending on complexity, which is a fraction of what a single knocked-out tooth costs to treat (often $3,000 to $5,000 or more for full replacement).

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Let's give you a reason to smile.

Whether you're new to South Jordan or looking for a dentist who'll actually listen, we'd love to meet you. Schedule your visit today.