A sport guard is a custom-fitted mouthguard worn during athletic activity to protect the teeth, lips, jaw, and surrounding soft tissue from impact injuries. Whether the sport involves direct contact or collision risk, a properly fitted guard significantly reduces the likelihood of chipped or knocked-out teeth, lacerations to the lips and cheeks, and jaw fractures.
At Alber Dental Studio, we fabricate custom sport guards from impressions of the patient’s teeth. The result is a guard that fits precisely, stays in place during activity, and allows normal breathing and communication — something over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards cannot reliably deliver. Custom guards are part of our preventive dentistry program and are available for patients of all ages.
Custom vs. Store-Bought Sport Guards
Over-the-counter sport guards use generic sizing or a rough self-molding process that produces an imprecise fit. Guards that do not fit well are uncomfortable, interfere with breathing and speech, and are frequently removed during play — eliminating their protective value entirely. A custom guard fabricated from a precise impression fits the patient’s exact dental anatomy, stays seated without clenching, and allows normal function while still providing meaningful impact protection.
The American Dental Association recommends custom-fitted mouthguards for all contact and collision sports. Sports where guards are particularly important include football, hockey, basketball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, boxing, martial arts, and cycling. Even non-contact sports with fall risk — skiing, skateboarding, gymnastics — benefit from guard use. Our custom mouthguards page covers additional protective appliance options.
For patients currently in orthodontic treatment with braces, we fabricate guards designed to fit over the brackets without damaging them while still providing protection. Visit our orthodontics page for more on treatment options.
Who Should Wear a Sport Guard?
Any patient who participates in organized or recreational sports with impact or collision risk should wear a sport guard. This includes children in youth leagues, teens in high school athletics, and adults in recreational leagues. A single knocked-out or fractured tooth can require significant restorative treatment — the cost of a custom guard is a fraction of that investment. Contact our Boulder office to schedule a fitting.
Rinse the guard with cool water before and after each use, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush, and store it in the ventilated case provided. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or hot environments. Bring the guard to your regular exams so Dr. Alber can check its fit and condition. See our comprehensive exam page for what we cover at routine visits.
The Sport Guard Fitting Process
At the fitting appointment, we take an impression of the upper teeth. The guard is fabricated and typically ready within one to two weeks. At delivery, it is tried in and adjusted for proper fit and comfort. Guards should be replaced every one to two years for adults, and more frequently for children and teens whose dentition is still changing. Contact our Boulder office to schedule.
- 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
Contact our Boulder office to schedule a sport guard fitting for yourself or your child.
The Sport Guard Fitting Process
Step 1: Impression
We take a precise impression of your upper teeth at the fitting appointment. This ensures the guard fits your exact dental anatomy — no generic sizing.
Step 2: Fabrication
The guard is fabricated from your impression and is typically ready within one to two weeks. It is made from durable, impact-absorbing material calibrated for athletic use.
Step 3: Delivery and Fit Check
At the delivery appointment, the guard is tried in and any minor adjustments are made to ensure proper fit, bite comfort, and coverage. You leave with a guard ready to use.
Step 4: Ongoing Care
Guards are checked at routine exams and replaced every one to two years for adults, or more frequently for growing patients. Rinse before and after use, store in the ventilated case, and keep away from heat.
Get Your Custom Sport Guard in Boulder
Two appointments. A precise custom fit. Protection that actually stays in place during play. Schedule a fitting today.
Also at Alber Dental Studio
Custom vs. Store-Bought: At a Glance
Custom and store-bought guards differ significantly in fit, protection, and longevity. Custom guards fit precisely, stay in place, allow normal breathing and speech, and last longer. Store-bought guards are loose, uncomfortable, and frequently removed during play — eliminating their protective value entirely.
| Porcelain Veneers | Composite Bonding | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Custom-fabricated porcelain — lab made | Tooth-colored composite resin — chair-side applied |
| Longevity | 10–20 years with proper care | 5–10 years; may chip or stain sooner |
| Stain resistance | Highly stain-resistant | More susceptible to staining over time |
| Tooth reduction | Minimal — thin enamel layer removed | Often none — additive process |
| Best for | Comprehensive smile transformations, permanent results | Minor corrections, budget-conscious patients, younger patients |
Caring for Your Veneers
Caring for Your Sport Guard
Keep your guard in good condition with these simple habits:
Rinse with cool water before and after each use to remove saliva and debris. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush — do not use toothpaste, which can scratch the surface.
Always store the guard in the ventilated case provided. Avoid leaving it in a hot car or direct sunlight, which can warp the material and compromise the fit.
Replace adult guards every one to two years. Children and teens whose teeth are still changing may need more frequent replacements. We check the fit and condition of your guard at routine exam appointments.
Bring your guard to regular dental exams so Dr. Alber can assess its fit and condition. A guard that no longer fits properly should be replaced promptly — a poor-fitting guard provides reduced protection.
Sport Guards With Flexible Payment Options
Sport guards are covered in part by some dental insurance plans, particularly for pediatric patients. Our team verifies benefits before fabrication. We accept HSA and FSA funds and offer 0% financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Altheon. Visit our financing page for details.
Also at Alber Dental Studio
Explore Our Other Preventive Services
Sport guard fitting is one part of our complete preventive dentistry program at Alber Dental Studio.
Protect your teeth day and night with a precision-fitted night guard or sport guard.
Foundation of preventive care — remove plaque and calculus every six months.
Included at every comprehensive exam to detect early signs of oral cancer.
Professional-strength fluoride varnish to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
Read What Our Customers Are Saying
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sport guard?
Why is a custom sport guard better than a store-bought one?
What sports require a sport guard?
Can I wear a sport guard with braces?
How often should a sport guard be replaced?
Does insurance cover sport guards?
Alber Dental Studio: Sport Guards in Boulder, CO
Dr. Marc Alber and the team at Alber Dental Studio provide custom sport guards as part of a complete preventive care program for patients of all ages. If you or your child participates in sports without a guard, contact our Boulder office to schedule a fitting. Learn more about Dr. Alber on his provider profile.