Dental injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries, and most of them are preventable. A properly fitted mouthguard absorbs and redistributes the impact forces that would otherwise fracture teeth, dislocate the jaw, or lacerate the lips and soft tissue. It is one of the most cost-effective pieces of protective equipment available, and a custom-made guard is far more effective and comfortable than anything available at a sporting goods store.
At Alber Dental Studio, we provide custom-fabricated athletic mouthguards for patients of all ages throughout Boulder and the surrounding communities. Whether you are protecting a child in youth football, a teenager in lacrosse, or an adult in a recreational league, a mouthguard fitted from precise impressions of your teeth offers a level of protection and retention that no boil-and-bite alternative can match. As part of our broader preventive dentistry philosophy, we believe protecting your teeth from injury is just as important as protecting them from decay.
The Risk of Dental Injuries in Contact Sports
Orofacial injuries, which include tooth fractures, avulsions, jaw injuries, and soft tissue lacerations, are among the most frequently occurring sports injuries. They can happen in traditional contact sports like football, hockey, and basketball, but also in activities many athletes do not associate with dental risk, including soccer, volleyball, skateboarding, and recreational cycling. The American Dental Association has recommended mouthguard use for all athletes participating in contact and collision sports, and studies consistently show that properly fitted mouthguards significantly reduce the rate and severity of oral injuries.
When a tooth is fractured or knocked out, the consequences go well beyond the immediate pain and cost of emergency dental care. Depending on the severity, the affected tooth may require a root canal, crown, implant, or bridge. A single knocked-out tooth that is not recovered and re-implanted within the right timeframe typically requires an implant to replace, which is a substantially greater investment of time and money than a custom mouthguard. For parents of young athletes in particular, a custom guard is a straightforward, affordable way to protect teeth that may take years or decades to fully develop.
Store-bought boil-and-bite guards are made from generic shapes that are softened in hot water and loosely formed around the teeth. They bulk up the mouth significantly, interfere with breathing and communication during play, and tend to dislodge during impacts precisely when protection is most needed. Because they are uncomfortable, athletes, especially young athletes, frequently choose not to wear them at all. A custom guard from our office is fabricated from precise impressions of your actual teeth, producing a slim, secure fit that stays in place, allows normal breathing and communication, and provides substantially greater impact absorption.
Getting a Custom Mouthguard at Alber Dental Studio
Getting a custom mouthguard at Alber Dental Studio is a simple two-appointment process. At the first visit we take precise impressions or a digital scan of your upper and lower teeth. These are used to fabricate your guard at a dental lab to exacting specifications. At the second appointment Dr. Alber checks the fit, makes any minor adjustments, and confirms the guard is comfortable and secure before you leave.
We fabricate guards for athletes across all age groups and sports. For children whose teeth are still developing, we check the fit at regular exams and replace the guard as needed to account for growth. For patients who also grind their teeth at night, we can discuss whether a single appliance serves both purposes or whether separate devices are the better solution. Our night guards page covers the bruxism side of appliance therapy in more detail.
Custom mouthguards are also an important consideration for patients who have had recent dental work. Crowns, veneers, bridges, and implants are not as resilient as natural enamel and can be damaged or dislodged by the same forces that injure natural teeth. Protecting existing restorative work with a properly fitted guard is far less expensive than repairing or replacing it. If you are an active patient who has completed significant restorative dental treatment, ask Dr. Alber whether a custom guard is appropriate for your situation.
Protecting Your Smile on the Field
Boulder is an active community, and we serve athletes across every sport and age group. Getting a custom mouthguard before the season starts is the kind of straightforward preventive step that can spare a young athlete, or an adult in a recreational league, from a painful, expensive dental injury that sidelines them far longer than any game. The investment is minimal. The protection is real.
Our team will walk you through your financing options if needed, including CareCredit, Cherry, Altheon, HSA, and FSA. Custom mouthguards are typically an out-of-pocket cost, but they are straightforward in price and rarely require financing for most patients. You can learn more about Dr. Alber and our practice by visiting his provider profile. When you are ready to order a guard for yourself or your athlete, contact our Boulder office to schedule an appointment.
- Have healthy teeth and gums with no untreated decay or gum disease
- Want to address stains, chips, gaps, or irregular tooth shape
- Maintain good daily oral hygiene habits
- Do not grind excessively, or are willing to wear a night guard
- Have sufficient enamel to support bonding
- Are looking for a long-term cosmetic investment
Dr. Alber will explain all your options clearly and recommend only what your situation actually calls for.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Bite Assessment & Impressions
Dr. Alber reviews your health history, takes X-rays where indicated, and performs a thorough clinical exam. Any changes since your last visit are noted and factored into your care plan. New patients receive a comprehensive baseline evaluation before any treatment is discussed.
Lab Fabrication & Fitting
Based on the clinical findings, Dr. Alber presents a clear assessment of what he sees and what it means. Every recommendation comes with a clinical rationale. Treatment options are explained in plain language so you can make an informed decision without pressure.
Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguard
When treatment is indicated, it is performed with precision and care. When nothing active is needed, you leave with a clean baseline and a clear plan for your next visit. Either way, you know exactly where you stand.
Care Instructions & Follow-Up
Before you leave, we schedule your next appointment based on your recommended interval — six months for most patients, more frequently if your periodontal status warrants it. Consistency is what preventive care is built on.
Order Your Guard Before the Season Starts
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Alber and get an honest assessment of your options. No pressure — just clear answers.
Questions About Your Care
Honest Answers at Every Visit
At Alber Dental Studio, every recommendation is explained clearly. If you have a question about what Dr. Alber found, why he is recommending something, or what happens if you wait, ask. We would rather spend time answering questions than have a patient leave uncertain.
| Custom Mouthguard | Store-Bought Guard | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Fabricated from impressions of your exact bite and arch | Generic sizing — loose fit that shifts on impact |
| Protection | Clinical-grade material absorbs and distributes force evenly | Minimal — may not stay in place when it matters most |
| Breathing & speaking | Precisely trimmed — does not restrict airway or communication | Bulky — difficult to breathe or call plays during activity |
| Durability | Lasts multiple seasons with proper care | Degrades quickly — replaced each season at minimum |
| Best for | Any athlete who wants real protection and maximum comfort | Low-risk situations where fit and protection are less critical |
Your Next Step
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you are due for a routine visit or establishing care for the first time, scheduling is straightforward. New patients are welcome. Call or request an appointment online and our team will get you set up.
We see patients of all ages across the full health spectrum. If you are new to Alber Dental Studio, your first visit establishes a complete baseline so we have something meaningful to compare against at every future appointment.
Dr. Alber and the team take the time to understand your goals, your health history, and your concerns before making any recommendations. The care you receive reflects your specific situation — not a template.
We accept HSA and FSA funds and offer 0% financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Altheon. For patients without insurance, our in-house membership plan covers routine visits at a predictable annual cost.
Routine visits are covered in whole or in part by most dental insurance plans. We are a fee-for-service practice and provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement. Visit our financing page for full details.
Custom Mouthguards With Flexible Payment Options
Custom mouthguards are typically an out-of-pocket expense not covered by dental insurance. They are straightforward in cost and represent a small fraction of what dental injury treatment would run. For patients who want to use financing, we accept CareCredit, Cherry, and Altheon, as well as HSA and FSA funds. Visit our financing page for details.
Also at Alber Dental Studio
Also at Alber Dental Studio
Dr. Alber offers a full range of dental services cosmetic dentistry offering at Alber Dental Studio.
Comprehensive care plans designed around your oral health goals and individual risk profile.
Same-visit solutions for common dental concerns — no lengthy process required.
Evidence-based preventive care that keeps problems from developing in the first place.
Read What Our Customers Are Saying
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports require a mouthguard?
How is a custom mouthguard different from a store-bought one?
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
How long does it take to get a custom mouthguard?
How do I care for my mouthguard?
Does insurance cover a custom mouthguard?
Alber Dental Studio: Custom Mouthguards in Boulder, CO
Dr. Marc Alber and the team at Alber Dental Studio have served Boulder athletes and families for over 26 years. As a fee-for-service practice, every recommendation we make is based on your genuine needs, not on what an insurance plan will cover. Protecting your teeth is always worth it. Learn more about Dr. Alber by visiting his provider profile, and when you are ready to get a guard for yourself or your athlete, contact our Boulder office.