Who custom sports mouthguards are for
Anyone who plays a sport with a risk of contact or falls should wear a mouthguard, whether or not they have braces. The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for full-contact sports.
That includes football, basketball, soccer, wrestling, baseball and softball, as well as activities like skateboarding and mountain biking.
How it works, step by step
- We examine your teeth and talk about the sport you play.
- We take an impression of your teeth.
- Your mouthguard is made to fit your teeth exactly.
- We check the fit and show you how to wear and care for it.
What to expect at our Hanford office
There are three kinds of mouthguards: pre-made, boil-and-bite, and custom-made by a dentist. A good mouthguard is tear-resistant, comfortable, well fitted, easy to clean and does not get in the way of breathing or speaking. Custom guards do the best job on all of those counts because they are built on a model of your own teeth.
We can show you how to wear a mouthguard properly and help you choose the right type for your sport and your budget.
Benefits
- Cushions blows that could chip, break or knock out teeth
- Protects lips, cheeks and tongue from cuts
- Custom fit stays put and allows normal breathing
- Comfortable enough that athletes actually wear it
Aftercare
Rinse the mouthguard after each use, brush it with a toothbrush and store it in a ventilated case.
Keep it out of hot cars and direct sun, which can distort the shape. Bring it to checkups, and replace it when it shows wear or when a growing athlete’s teeth have changed.
Cost and insurance
Custom mouthguards cost more than store-bought ones and are generally not covered by dental insurance, but they cost far less than repairing a broken or lost tooth.
Growing children and teens may need a new guard each season as their teeth and jaws change.
You can pay your bill online, and our new patient page explains what to bring to your first visit.
Your dentist: Daniel W. Unzicker, DDS
Dr. Daniel Unzicker, DDS, provides custom sports mouthguards at our Hanford office. He is a general dentist who was born and raised in Hanford, graduated with high honors from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 2012 and completed a general practice residency at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center.
Page last updated November 10, 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. If you have significant facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma to the head or jaw, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
