Game-Day Protection for Norwood Athletes
A stray elbow in basketball, a fall on the ice, a ball that takes a bad hop. Dental injuries in sports happen fast, and a broken front tooth can take several visits to repair.
A mouth guard absorbs and spreads out the force of a hit. It helps protect the teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue. At our Norwood office, Dr. Monika Kaceli makes custom guards for kids, teens and adults who play contact or high-impact sports.
Custom Guards vs. Store-Bought Guards
Drugstore guards come in two basic types: stock guards that come ready to wear, and boil-and-bite guards you soften and press around your teeth. Both are better than nothing. Both also tend to fit loosely, feel bulky and make it hard to talk or breathe during play.
A custom guard is made from impressions of your teeth. Because it matches your mouth, it fits snugly, stays in place when you are hit, and is usually more comfortable to wear for a whole game. Athletes who like their guard are more likely to actually keep it in.
- Closer fit that is less likely to shift on contact
- Easier to talk and breathe while wearing it
- Even coverage over the teeth
- Special designs available for players wearing braces
Mouth Guards for Players With Braces
Braces add brackets and wires that can cut the lips and cheeks during a hit, and a blow to the mouth can damage the hardware itself. Players with braces still need protection, but a standard guard may not fit over the brackets.
We offer guard designs made with braces in mind. If you or your child is in active orthodontic treatment, let us know at your visit so Dr. Kaceli can recommend the right style.
How We Make Your Mouth Guard
- Quick checkDr. Kaceli looks at your teeth and asks about your sport and position, since that affects how much protection you need.
- ImpressionsWe take impressions of your teeth. These are used to build a guard that matches your bite.
- FabricationYour guard is made to the shape of your impressions.
- FittingAt pickup we check the fit and comfort and make any small adjustments.
Planning ahead for a season? Call a few weeks before the first practice so the guard is ready when your athlete needs it.
Caring for Your Mouth Guard
- Rinse it in cool water before and after each use
- Brush it gently with mild soap
- Store it in a vented case so it can dry
- Keep it away from hot water, hot cars and direct sun, which can warp it
Bring your guard to your regular exam in Norwood so we can check it for wear. Children usually need new guards more often than adults, since their mouths keep growing and changing.
Why Choose Kaceli Dental Studio in Norwood?
Getting a custom guard is quick, and our third-Saturday hours make it easier to work around school and practice schedules.
If an injury does happen, call us. We can see you for crowns, bonding and other repairs right here in Norwood, and the team can estimate costs with most insurance plans.
