Whether your child is heading into a summer lacrosse season or you play in an adult recreational league, protecting your teeth during sports is one of the smartest dental decisions you can make. At Saddle Brook Dentist, Dr. Diane Yousef, DMD and our team provide custom-fitted sports mouthguards for patients of all ages throughout Saddle Brook, Bergen County, and the surrounding communities in northern New Jersey.
Why a Sports Mouthguard Matters
Dental injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries in the United States. A single collision, fall, or errant elbow can knock out a tooth, fracture a crown, or injure the jaw — any of which can require extensive and costly dental treatment to repair.
A properly fitted mouthguard absorbs and distributes the force of impact, significantly reducing the risk of:
- Knocked-out or chipped teeth
- Fractured dental restorations such as crowns or veneers
- Soft tissue lacerations to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
- Jaw fractures and joint injuries
- Concussions related to lower-jaw impacts
The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for more than 30 sports and recreational activities, including football, soccer, basketball, hockey, baseball, martial arts, wrestling, and even cycling.
Custom Mouthguards vs. Store-Bought Options
Many athletes reach for a boil-and-bite mouthguard from a sporting goods store because it seems like the easier, cheaper option. While these offer some basic protection, they come with real drawbacks.
Fit and Comfort
Boil-and-bite guards are made to fit a general mouth shape. They often feel bulky, make it difficult to breathe or speak, and athletes tend to remove them during play — which defeats the purpose entirely.
A custom mouthguard from Saddle Brook Dentist is fabricated directly from an impression of your teeth. The result is a slim, precise fit that stays securely in place without restricting breathing or communication on the field.
Level of Protection
Custom guards are made from professional-grade dental materials that provide superior shock absorption compared to generic alternatives. For patients who wear braces or have dental implants, bridges, or other restorations, a properly fitted custom guard is especially important — it accounts for the unique contours of your mouth and protects existing dental work.
Durability
A custom guard lasts significantly longer than a store-bought version and maintains its protective properties over time. With proper care and annual check-ins, many patients use their custom guard for multiple seasons.
Who Should Wear a Sports Mouthguard?
The short answer: anyone who participates in a contact or collision sport, or any activity with a risk of falls or flying objects.
At Saddle Brook Dentist, we fit patients across all age groups:
- Children and teens playing youth sports leagues in Saddle Brook, Lodi, Garfield, Hasbrouck Heights, Paramus, and surrounding Bergen County towns
- Adults in recreational leagues, CrossFit, martial arts, or cycling clubs
- Patients with braces who need a guard specifically designed to protect both teeth and orthodontic hardware
- Patients with dental implants or crowns who want to safeguard their investment
If your child plays a contact sport at any of the schools in the Saddle Brook area, scheduling a mouthguard fitting at the start of the season is a simple step that can prevent a painful and expensive dental emergency down the road.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Getting a custom sports mouthguard at Saddle Brook Dentist is a quick, straightforward process. During your appointment, we take a precise impression of your upper teeth. That impression goes to a dental lab where your guard is custom-fabricated to your exact bite.
Most patients pick up their finished mouthguard within one to two weeks. At the delivery appointment, Dr. Yousef checks the fit and makes any adjustments needed to ensure comfort and proper coverage.
We offer guards in a range of colors and styles, so younger patients can choose a look they actually want to wear.
Protect Your Smile This Season
A dental injury can happen in an instant, but the right protection makes all the difference. Custom sports mouthguards are one of the most affordable preventive investments available — and far less expensive than treating a broken tooth after the fact.
If you or your child participates in sports or recreational activities in Bergen County, NJ, Saddle Brook Dentist is here to help you stay protected all season long.
Call us today at (201) 845-9334 or visit us at 505 Saddle River Road, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 to schedule a mouthguard fitting. You can also reach out through our website at saddlebrookdentist.com to request an appointment at a time that works for your schedule.
Our office serves patients from Saddle Brook, Lodi, Garfield, Hasbrouck Heights, Rochelle Park, Paramus, and throughout Bergen County, NJ.