Sports Mouth Guards

If you or your child plays sports, your teeth are at risk every time you step onto the field or court. A properly fitted mouth guard is one of the simplest ways to avoid a dental emergency — and Dr. Jafari can make one that actually stays in place and feels comfortable to wear.

Sports Mouth Guards in Sterling, VA

Generic mouth guards from a drugstore technically work, but they rarely fit well enough for athletes to wear them consistently. A custom-made guard is molded to your exact bite, so it stays secure, doesn’t interfere with breathing or speaking, and offers far better protection against chips, fractures, and knocked-out teeth.

Dr. Jafari recommends mouth guards for a wide range of activities — not just contact sports. Football, hockey, wrestling, and martial arts are obvious candidates, but basketball, soccer, and baseball carry real dental risk too. Even recreational activities like skateboarding or mountain biking are worth protecting for.

Beyond your teeth, a well-fitted sports guard also cushions your tongue, lips, cheeks, and gums from lacerations if you take a hit. Some research suggests a proper guard may also help absorb jaw impact that could contribute to concussions, though its primary job is protecting your smile.

What the process looks like

Getting a custom mouth guard at Inova Dental Clinic takes two short visits. At the first appointment, Dr. Jafari takes impressions of your teeth. We send those to the lab, and when your guard comes back we check the fit and make any adjustments needed. That’s it — no complicated procedures.

Signs it’s time to replace your guard

• Visible cracks, tears, or thinning in the material
• It no longer fits snugly or shifts when you bite down
• It’s more than a year old and you use it regularly
• A child has grown significantly since it was made

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a custom mouth guard and a boil-and-bite guard?

Boil-and-bite guards soften in hot water and mold roughly to your teeth — they’re better than nothing, but the fit is approximate. A custom guard is made from precise impressions, so it distributes force more evenly, stays in place during play, and is easier to wear for extended periods.

Do mouth guards work for both upper and lower teeth?

Most sports guards cover the upper teeth only, since they protrude slightly and take the most impact. In some cases — particularly for contact sports with a high risk of jaw blows — Dr. Jafari may recommend a dual-arch guard. She’ll advise you based on your sport and bite.

Can mouth guards help prevent concussions?

A mouth guard’s primary job is protecting your teeth, jaw, and oral soft tissue. There is some evidence that proper jaw support may help dampen the force transmitted to the skull, but a mouth guard should not be relied on as your main concussion protection — a proper helmet and safe technique matter most.

How long does a custom mouth guard last?

For adults, a well-cared-for guard typically lasts one to three years. Children and teens need replacements more often as their teeth and jaws are still developing. Rinse your guard with cold water after each use, store it in its case, and bring it to your regular checkup so Dr. Jafari can inspect the fit.

Is a sports mouth guard covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan. Inova Dental Clinic accepts Medicaid and most major insurance, and our front desk can verify your benefits before your appointment so there are no surprises. Call us at (703) 433-1400 and we’ll check for you.

My child plays multiple sports — do they need more than one guard?

One well-fitted custom guard is usually sufficient across sports. The key is that it fits properly and your child actually wears it. If the guard becomes damaged or no longer fits due to growth, we’ll make a new one.

Ready to protect your smile? Call us at (703) 433-1400 or schedule a visit — we see patients Monday through Friday 8am–5pm and Saturday mornings by appointment.