Custom Sports Guards from Your Arlington Heights Dentist
Whether your child plays travel soccer or you're a weekend recreational athlete, protecting your teeth during sports is one of the smartest preventive steps you can take. As your sports mouth guard dentist Arlington Heights families and adults rely on, Dr. Debbie Rhie, DMD, fits custom athletic mouthguards right here at Arlington Comfort Dental — the same trusted doctor you already see for family dentistry and routine care. We accept major insurance plans including Delta Dental and Blue Cross Blue Shield, and our Monday and Wednesday evening hours make it easy for busy parents and young athletes to schedule without missing school or work.
Why a Custom Sports Guard Is Worth It
A store-bought boil-and-bite guard might seem like the easier option, but a custom-fitted guard from your dentist offers meaningfully better protection — and it's far more comfortable to wear, which means athletes are more likely to actually keep it in.
Custom-Fitted vs. Store-Bought: What's the Difference
Store-bought guards are made to fit a general mouth shape, which means they often feel loose, bulky, or uncomfortable. Many athletes — especially kids — end up pulling them out mid-game because they interfere with breathing or speaking. A custom sports guard is made from an impression of your actual teeth, so it fits snugly, stays in place, and allows normal breathing and communication on the field. The materials used in a professional-grade guard are also more durable and designed to absorb and distribute impact more effectively than a generic alternative.
Sports Guards vs. Occlusal/Night Guards — Which Do You Need?
These two types of guards are built for very different jobs. A sports guard is designed to protect your teeth, lips, and jaw from the sudden impact of a collision, fall, or blow during athletic activity. An occlusal guard (sometimes called a night guard) is worn during sleep to protect against the grinding and clenching forces associated with bruxism or TMJ issues.
If you're not sure which type is right for you, Dr. Rhie can help you figure it out. Patients dealing with jaw pain, worn teeth, or nighttime grinding may benefit from a dedicated occlusal appliance — learn more on our TMJ Therapy & Bruxism Treatment page. The two appliances serve different purposes and are not designed to be swapped for each other.
Who Should Wear an Athletic Mouthguard
The short answer: anyone who plays a sport where contact, collision, or a moving object is involved. That includes football, basketball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, softball, volleyball, martial arts, and even cycling or skateboarding — any activity where a fall or impact is possible.
Custom athletic mouthguards are appropriate for kids, teens, and adults alike. As part of our preventive and family care approach, Dr. Rhie welcomes patients of all ages and can fit a guard for every member of your athletic household in one convenient place.
What to Expect When Getting Your Sports Guard at Arlington Comfort Dental
Getting a custom sports guard is a quick, comfortable visit — nothing to worry about. Dr. Rhie will take an impression of your teeth (or a digital scan), which is used to create a guard made precisely for your mouth. Once the guard is ready, you'll come back for a brief fitting appointment to make sure everything feels right. Most patients are in and out without any fuss. We can often coordinate your guard fitting around your regular dental exam and cleaning to keep things as convenient as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Guards
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Does my child need a sports guard for every sport?
Any sport that involves contact, collision, or a moving object — such as football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, and martial arts — puts teeth and jaws at real risk. Even non-contact sports like gymnastics or skateboarding can involve falls. When in doubt, a custom sports guard is a simple, affordable way to protect your child's smile during any athletic activity.
Can I use my sports guard as a night guard?
Sports guards and night guards are designed for very different purposes, so they are not interchangeable. A sports guard is built to absorb and distribute the impact of a blow, while a night guard is designed to cushion the teeth and jaw from the grinding forces that occur during sleep. Using a sports guard at night may not provide the right protection and can feel bulky and uncomfortable. If you grind your teeth, Dr. Rhie can discuss a dedicated occlusal guard through our TMJ Therapy & Bruxism Treatment services.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
With proper care, a custom mouthguard typically lasts one to three years for adults. For children and teens whose mouths are still growing, it's a good idea to have the fit checked annually — often at a routine dental exam and cleaning — to make sure the guard still fits properly and provides adequate protection.
Is a sports mouth guard covered by dental insurance?
Coverage for custom sports guards varies by plan. Many plans that include preventive benefits — such as Delta Dental and Blue Cross Blue Shield — may cover a portion of the cost, particularly for younger patients. Our team will review your benefits before your appointment so you know what to expect. Visit our Insurance & Financing page for more details on the plans we accept.
Book Your Appointment
Protecting your smile on the field starts with a guard that actually fits. As your sports mouth guard dentist Arlington Heights athletes trust, Dr. Rhie makes the whole process simple and comfortable for the entire family. Evening appointments are available on Mondays and Wednesdays — call us today to schedule your fitting.
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