Sports Mouth Guards in Calgary at a Glance
Quick answer: A custom sports mouth guard is made from impressions of your teeth, so it fits closely, stays in place and is usually easier to breathe and talk in than store-bought guards. It helps cushion blows to the teeth and lips. Inglewood Family Dental makes custom sports mouth guards in Calgary for children, teens and adults.
Book online or call 403-265-5888 to arrange a mouth guard fitting.
Hockey, football, basketball, martial arts and even recreational games carry a risk of chipped, broken or knocked-out teeth. If you have been searching for a sports mouth guard near you, a dentist-made guard is one of the simplest ways to lower that risk for every season.
Sports mouth guards are provided by Inglewood Family Dental, a family dental clinic in Calgary, Alberta, led by Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh, DDS. Our clinic is in the Inglewood community at 1420 9 Ave SE #24, Calgary, AB T2G 0T5, Canada, just east of downtown, and we welcome patients from every part of Calgary.
What Is a Sports Mouth Guard?
A sports mouth guard is a flexible cover worn over the upper teeth during physical activity. It acts as a cushion between your teeth and an impact, helping protect the teeth, gums, lips and cheeks. There are three main types:
- Stock guards – ready-made and sold in stores. They are inexpensive but often bulky and loose.
- Boil-and-bite guards – softened in hot water and shaped by biting down. They fit better than stock guards but can be uneven or thin in places.
- Custom-made guards – made in a dental laboratory from impressions of your teeth, so the thickness and fit are planned for your mouth and your sport.
Read more about the types of sports mouth guards.
How Does a Custom Mouth Guard Protect Your Teeth?
A well-fitted guard spreads the force of a hit across all of your teeth instead of letting it land on one or two. It also keeps your lips and cheeks off the edges of your teeth, which can reduce cuts and bruising.
Because a custom guard is shaped to your teeth, it is less likely to slip out of place when you run, breathe hard or call to teammates. That makes it more comfortable to keep in for a whole game, which matters, because a guard only protects you while it is in your mouth. Learn more about how a mouth guard can save your teeth from impact.
Who Should Wear a Sports Mouth Guard?
- Children and teens – growing teeth and jaws benefit from protection in school and club sports. See our children’s dentistry page.
- Recreational athletes – pick-up hockey, ball games and cycling can still lead to dental injuries.
- Competitive athletes – higher-speed play and more contact mean a well-fitted guard is especially worthwhile.
- People with braces, crowns or bridges – a guard can help protect dental work and the soft tissue around it. Ask us which design suits your treatment.
Custom vs Store-Bought Mouth Guards: What Is the Difference?
| Feature | Custom-made guard | Store-bought guard |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Shaped from impressions of your teeth for a close, secure fit | One size or shaped at home; may feel loose or bulky |
| Comfort | Thickness planned for your mouth and sport | Can feel bulky and may trigger gagging |
| Breathing and speech | Usually easier to breathe and talk while wearing it | Often harder, so players may take it out |
| Protection | Even coverage across the teeth | Coverage can be thin or uneven after shaping |
| How long it lasts | Often several seasons with good care, depending on use and growth | Usually needs replacing more often |
| Cost | Higher up-front cost; may be partly covered by some insurance plans | Lower up-front cost |
Why Choose Our Clinic for a Custom Sports Mouth Guard?
Fitted to Your Teeth
We take impressions of your teeth and have your guard made in a dental laboratory for a close, comfortable fit.
Planned for Your Sport
We ask about your sport, position and any dental work so the guard suits how you play.
Family-Friendly Care
We fit guards for children, teens and adults, and can check the fit at your regular check-ups.
How Is a Custom Sports Mouth Guard Made?
Consultation
We check your teeth and gums and talk about your sport and any dental work.
Impressions
We take impressions (moulds) of your teeth to create an accurate model.
Design
We plan the guard’s thickness and coverage; ask us about colour options.
Fabrication
A dental laboratory makes your guard from your model.
Fitting and Care
We check the fit and comfort, and show you how to clean and store your guard.
Book Your Sports Mouth Guard Fitting
Getting ready for a new season? Book online or call 403-265-5888 to arrange a custom sports mouth guard fitting for yourself or your child.
You can also ask about a sports guard at your next check-up and cleaning, and we can check the fit of an existing guard.
Benefits of a Custom Sports Mouth Guard
- Helps cushion hits to the teeth, gums and lips
- May lower the risk of chipped, broken or knocked-out teeth
- Stays in place during play
- Usually easier to breathe and talk in than store-bought guards
- Comfortable enough to wear for a whole game
- Can help protect braces and other dental work
Wondering whether it is worth it? Read our top reasons to invest in a custom sports mouth guard and our guide to whether mouthguards affect your speech.
How Do You Care for a Sports Mouth Guard?
- Rinse it with cool water before and after each use.
- Clean it regularly with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, then let it air-dry.
- Store it in a ventilated case, away from car dashboards, hot water and direct sun, which can warp it.
- Bring it to your check-ups so we can look at the fit and condition.
- Replace it if it is cracked, worn or loose, after new dental work, or as a child’s teeth grow.
Grinding your teeth at night is a different problem that needs a different appliance; see our night guards in Calgary page.
How Much Does a Custom Sports Mouth Guard Cost in Calgary?
The cost depends on the type of guard and how many you need, for example for several children on a team. Our fees are based on the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, and we will tell you the price before we start.
Some dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of a custom mouth guard. We offer direct billing, accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and offer financing options. If you are comparing options for a sports mouth guard near you, ask us for a quote at your visit.
Serving Patients Across Calgary
Looking for a custom sports mouth guard near you? Athletes and families visit us from across Calgary, not only from Inglewood. We are a few minutes east of downtown and an easy trip from Bridgeland-Riverside, Crescent Heights and Mayland Heights. Evening and weekend appointments make it easier to fit a fitting around practices and games. Book online or call 403-265-5888.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Mouth Guards
How long does a custom sports mouth guard last?
It depends on how often you wear it, how hard you play and how well you look after it. Many adult guards last several seasons, while children and teens often need a new one sooner as their teeth and jaws grow. Replace your guard if it is cracked, worn, loose or no longer comfortable, or after dental treatment that changes your teeth.
Which sports need a mouth guard?
Mouth guards are most important in contact and collision sports such as hockey, football, rugby, lacrosse, boxing and martial arts. They are also worth considering for basketball, soccer, baseball, skateboarding and cycling, where falls and stray balls or elbows can cause dental injuries.
Will a custom mouth guard affect my breathing or speech?
Custom guards are usually easier to breathe and talk in than store-bought guards because they are thinner where possible and fit closely. Most people adjust within a few wears. We check the fit and comfort at your fitting appointment.
Can I wear a sports mouth guard with braces?
Yes. Wearing a guard with braces can help protect your teeth, braces and lips. Because teeth move during orthodontic treatment, ask us or your orthodontist which type of guard is best and how often it should be checked.
How do I clean my mouth guard?
Rinse it with cool water after each use, clean it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, and let it dry before storing it in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water and keep it away from heat, which can change its shape.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out during a game?
For an adult (permanent) tooth, pick it up by the crown, not the root, rinse it gently if it is dirty, and try to place it back in the socket or keep it in milk. Do not put a baby tooth back in. Call 403-265-5888 or seek emergency dental care as soon as possible, ideally within an hour. Learn more about our emergency dentistry services.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh, DDS — Last reviewed: October 2026.