Protect your smile on and off the field with custom sport guards from Dr. Keith in the heart of Hillcrest. Designed for comfort and durability, our professionally fitted mouthguards help reduce the risk of dental injuries during sports and high-impact activities, giving you confidence to play your best while keeping your teeth safe.
Sport Guards in San Diego, CA
Custom Smile Design
Same-Day Consults
Whether you’re competing on a field, shooting hoops in the gym, or hitting the waves off the coast, San Diego’s active lifestyle puts your smile in the game every single day. Sports-related dental injuries are among the most common and preventable oral health issues athletes face, and unfortunately, many players don’t think about protecting their teeth until it’s too late. A single collision, fall, or errant elbow can fracture, knock loose, or completely displace a tooth, turning a great game into an expensive and stressful dental emergency.
That’s where the team at Sunrise Dental Arts comes in. Our Hillcrest practice, led by Dr. Andy Keith, takes a personalized approach to every patient, including athletes of all ages who need reliable protection for their smile. As part of our comprehensive dental procedures, we offer custom-fitted sport guards that are designed to absorb impact, protect your teeth, and give you the confidence to compete and play on, all without worry.
Request Appointment
Why Custom Sport Guards Matter
Not all mouthguards are created equal, and that makes a big difference in how you protect your teeth during these activities. The store-bought options you find at a drugstore or sporting goods shop are certainly convenient, but they come with real tradeoffs. Pre-made stock guards are bulky, fit poorly, and can make it difficult to breathe or communicate with teammates. Boil-and-bite options offer a slightly better fit, but they still can’t match the precision of a guard that is made specifically for your mouth.
According to the American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy resource, mouthguards help cushion blows to the face and minimize the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face, and jaw, and the best option is always one custom-made by your dentist. A custom sport guard is fabricated from impressions of your actual teeth, which means it fits snugly, stays in place during activity, and provides superior protection compared to generic alternatives.
What a Custom Guard Protects Against
A properly fitted sport guard from Sunrise Dental Arts can help prevent a range of dental injuries, including chipped or fractured teeth, tooth loss, soft tissue lacerations to the lips and cheeks, and even jaw fractures. These injuries are not limited to contact sports like football or hockey either. Cyclists, skaters, surfers, martial artists, and basketball players are all at risk, and any athlete who participates in physical activity can benefit from wearing one.
Beyond physical protection, a custom guard also offers peace of mind. When you know your smile is protected, you can focus fully on your performance rather than worrying about a hard fall or an unexpected collision.
Who Should Wear a Sport Guard?
Anyone Who Plays Sports
Sport guards are recommended for athletes of all ages, from youth leagues to adult recreational teams. Children and teens are especially important candidates because their teeth are still developing, and a dental injury at a young age can have long-term consequences that affect speech, function, and appearance.
Adults Who Have Bruxism
Adults who grind their teeth or clench during sleep, known as bruxism, are sometimes surprised to learn that a sport guard can serve double purposes alongside a dedicated night guard, though each appliance is specifically engineered for its purpose. For sport, a guard needs to absorb impact and stay secure during vigorous movement. For nighttime use, a different level of protection and coverage is needed.
Athletes Who Wear Braces
If you wear braces or other orthodontic appliances, a sport guard is even more essential. A blow to the mouth can damage brackets and wires in addition to your teeth, leading to injuries to your gums and cheeks from the hardware itself.
The Fitting Process at Sunrise Dental Arts
Getting a custom sports guard at our office is a simple process. During your appointment, we take precise impressions of your teeth, which are used to create a guard that provides an exact fit for your bite. The result is a thin, comfortable appliance that doesn’t bulk up your mouth or make it hard to breathe. Many athletes are pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to wear and how much more secure it feels compared to over-the-counter options.
If you’ve been putting off getting a guard because you assumed it would be uncomfortable or time-consuming, we encourage you to schedule a visit. Our doctors take the time to understand your sport, your lifestyle, and your specific needs so that we can recommend the right level of protection for you.
Meet the Team
Each member of our team brings distinct expertise and dedication to providing outstanding dental care. Dr. Andy Keith’s philosophy centers on truly getting to know you – your concerns, preferences, and oral health goals. As your dedicated Mission Hills dentist and support staff, we work in sync to deliver comfortable, efficient visits from check-in to follow-up.
We’ve assembled dental care professionals who excel not only in clinical skills but also in creating genuine connections with patients. Through ongoing training in advanced dental techniques and patient care, our team stays current with the latest developments in dentistry.
Services
Our Sunrise Dental Arts Care Process
- Initial Consultation
- Customized Treatment Plan
- Implementation of Treatment
- Aftercare & Maintenance Tips
- Follow-Up
Initial Consultation
Your dental care begins with a thorough initial consultation where we discuss your concerns and goals. Dr. Mitchell performs a comprehensive examination, including digital X-rays and intraoral imaging, to assess your current oral health status. We take time to understand your medical history and previous dental experiences to ensure the most appropriate care approach.
Customized Treatment Plan
Based on your consultation findings, we develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Our team explains all treatment options, including our advanced clear aligners system, and helps you understand the benefits and considerations of each approach. For patients interested in clear aligners, we use detailed 3D imaging to map out your tooth movement and create a customized alignment plan. We provide detailed information about treatment timelines and expected outcomes to help you make informed decisions.
Implementation of Treatment
Once you’re comfortable with your treatment plan, we begin implementing the agreed-upon procedures with precision and care. Our modern facility is equipped with the latest dental technology to ensure efficient and comfortable treatment delivery. We maintain open communication throughout the process, ensuring you’re comfortable and informed at every step.
Aftercare & Maintenance Tips
We provide comprehensive aftercare instructions tailored to your specific treatment. This includes guidance on maintaining oral hygiene, dietary recommendations, and proper care of any dental work or appliances. Our team is always available to answer questions and provide support during your recovery period.
Follow-Up
Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure optimal results. During these visits, we assess your oral health, make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, and address any concerns you may have. We maintain detailed records of your progress to ensure consistent, high-quality care.
Testimonials
Caring for Your Sport Guard
A custom sport guard is an investment into your smile, and with proper care, it can last for years. After each use, rinse it thoroughly and brush it gently with a toothbrush. Store it in a ventilated case to prevent bacteria from building up. Keep it away from heat, including hot cars or sunny windowsills, which can warp the material and compromise the fit. Bring it to your routine dental visits so our team can inspect it for wear and ensure it still fits right.
If you play a sport where dental injuries are more common, such as rugby, lacrosse, or combat sports, we may recommend a thicker, more durable guard. If an impact ever chips or cracks a tooth despite wearing protection, our team can help with porcelain crowns and other restorative options to restore your smile quickly. In situations involving a tooth that cannot be saved, we can also discuss tooth extractions and replacement options to make sure you’re never left without a complete smile.
Protect Your Smile with Sunrise Dental Arts in San Diego
San Diego athletes deserve a dental team that understands the demands of an active life, and at Sunrise Dental Arts, that’s exactly what we offer. Dr. Keith combines clinical expertise with a genuine commitment to each patient’s long-term oral health, and our Hillcrest office has become a trusted destination for families, professionals, and athletes throughout the area. From your first appointment to every follow-up, we’re here to make sure your smile stays healthy and protected.
Ready to get a sport guard that actually fits? We’d love to help make that happen. Contact our office to schedule your appointment and start protecting your smile on and off the field.
Request Appointment
