Sports Guards for Teens in Lake Nona

Every tackle, collision, and hard landing carries a risk that most parents don’t think about until it’s too late: a knocked-out tooth, a fractured jaw, or a soft tissue injury that could have been prevented. Teen athletes are among the most vulnerable to sports-related dental injuries, and the right protective gear makes all the difference. A custom-fitted sports guard is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your teen’s smile during every game, practice, and competition.

At Esteem Dental in Lake Nona, FL, we understand how much is at stake on the field. Our multi-specialty practice is designed to serve your whole family under one roof, including making sure your teen athlete has the protection they need. Whether your child plays football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, or any contact sport, our team is here to provide custom sports guards that fit perfectly and offer real protection.

Teen athletes face a heightened risk of dental injuries because their mouths are still developing. Permanent teeth are fully erupted, but the surrounding bone and soft tissue can be more vulnerable during these formative years. A blow to the face without protection can result in chipped or cracked teeth, root damage, or injuries to the lips, tongue, and cheeks.

According to the American Dental Association, athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are twice as likely to experience dental injuries as those who do. Sports guards are recommended for any activity that involves physical contact, moving equipment, or the possibility of a fall.

Many parents associate mouthguards only with football, but dental injuries can happen across a wide range of sports. Any activity with contact, speed, or the risk of impact can harm your teen’s teeth.

Sports where mouthguards are especially important include:

• Football and rugby: Full contact means high impact to the face and jaw is common
• Basketball and soccer: Elbows, heads, and balls move fast and unpredictably
• Lacrosse and field hockey: Sticks and balls can cause serious facial injuries
• Baseball and softball: Batted balls and collisions at the base can affect the mouth and jaw
• Martial arts and boxing: Direct contact sports where oral protection is essential

If your teen participates in any of these sports, a properly fitted sports guard in Lake Nona is one of the most important pieces of equipment they can have.

Comprehensive Dental Care for Every Member of Your Family

From preventive checkups to complete smile makeovers, our experienced team provides personalized care in a welcoming environment.

Are Custom Sports Guards Better Than Store-Bought Options?

Over-the-counter and boil-and-bite mouthguards are inexpensive and widely available, but they come with real drawbacks. These guards are designed to fit a general mouth shape, not your teen’s specific dental structure. Poor fit leads to discomfort, which means teens often remove them or don’t wear them consistently. A loose guard also provides uneven protection, leaving certain teeth exposed to impact.

What Makes a Custom Sports Guard Different?

A custom sports guard is created from an impression of your teen’s actual teeth. This means the guard fits snugly, stays in place during activity, and evenly distributes the impact force. Custom guards are more comfortable to wear, easier to breathe and speak in, and significantly more effective at absorbing the shock of a blow.

At Esteem Dental, our pediatric and general dentistry team takes a precise impression and creates a sports guard that is built specifically for your teen’s mouth. The process is quick, painless, and produces a result that store-bought options simply can’t match.

How Are Sports Guards Made at Esteem Dental in Lake Nona?

Getting a custom sports guard at our Lake Nona office is a simple two-appointment process. During the first visit, we take an impression of your teen’s teeth. That mold is used to create a guard that fits their exact bite and arch.

At the second appointment, your teen tries on the finished guard, and we make any necessary adjustments to ensure it fits comfortably and securely. The entire process is straightforward, and teens are typically comfortable wearing their new guard right away.

If your teen is also currently in orthodontic treatment, we can create a sports guard that accommodates braces. Protecting brackets and wires during sports is especially important to avoid treatment setbacks.

How Often Should a Teen’s Sports Guard Be Replaced?

Because teen mouths are still developing, sports guards may need to be replaced more frequently than those worn by adults. A guard that fit well six months ago may no longer provide the same level of protection if your teen’s teeth have shifted or if they’ve had dental work done.

We recommend having your teen’s sports guard evaluated at each dental check-up and cleaning to ensure it still fits correctly. A guard that is worn down, ill-fitting, or damaged should be replaced promptly. As a general guideline, most teen athletes benefit from a new guard every one to two years.

Schedule Your Teen’s Sports Guard Appointment at Esteem Dental in Lake Nona

Related Services