Custom Sports Guards in South Gate, CA
Playing sports in South Gate means staying active but one bad hit can chip, crack, or knock out a tooth. At Summer Smile Dental, we provide custom-fitted sports guards for kids, teens, and adults in South Gate, CA, designed to absorb impact and protect your smile every time you step onto the field, court, or mat.
Why South Gate Athletes Need a Custom Sports Guard
Whether your child plays football at South Gate High, you’re in a weekend soccer league, or you train in martial arts, your teeth are at risk during any contact sport. The American Dental Association estimates that mouthguards prevent more than 200,000 dental injuries every year yet most athletes still skip them.
A store-bought guard can offer some protection, but it doesn’t come close to what a dentist-made guard can do. Custom sports guards in South Gate are:
- Molded precisely to your teeth for a secure, comfortable fit
- Less bulky, so they don’t interfere with breathing or speaking
- More durable and longer-lasting than over-the-counter options
- Designed to protect the teeth, jaw, and surrounding soft tissue
If you or your child wears braces, a custom guard is especially important a stock guard won’t account for brackets and wires, and the wrong fit can cause more harm than no guard at all.
Sports Guards vs. Night Guards — What's the Difference?
We offer both sports guards and night guards at our South Gate office, and patients often ask about the difference.
A sports guard (also called a mouthguard) is worn during athletic activity. It’s designed to absorb and distribute the force of a physical impact a fall, a collision, or contact with a ball or equipment.
A night guard is worn during sleep to prevent damage from teeth grinding (bruxism). While both are protective appliances made from dental-grade materials, they serve very different functions and are not interchangeable.
If you grind your teeth and play sports, Dr. Dona Torbati or Dr. Shaila Torbati can help you determine whether you need one or both.
What Our Patients Are Saying
The Three Types of Sports Guards
Stock (Ready-Made) Guards
Pre-formed and available at most sporting goods stores. They're inexpensive but bulky, uncomfortable, and offer limited protection because they can't be adjusted to fit your mouth.
Boil-and-Bite Guards
Also available over the counter. You soften them in hot water and bite down to create a rough impression. Better than stock guards, but still generic — they tend to loosen over time and may not cover all teeth properly.
Custom-Fitted Guards from Your Dentist
The most effective option. At Summer Smile Dental in South Gate, we take precise impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab that fabricates a guard built exactly for your mouth. The result is a thinner, more comfortable, and significantly more protective guard than anything you can buy at a store.
For serious athletes, kids in competitive sports, and anyone with dental work like braces or implants, a custom guard is the right choice.
What to Expect at Your Sports Guard Appointment in South Gate
Getting a custom sports guard at Summer Smile Dental is a quick, straightforward process:
- Exam & Consultation — We review your oral health and discuss your sport and protection needs.
- Impressions — We take precise molds of your upper and lower teeth. This takes just a few minutes and is completely comfortable.
- Lab Fabrication — Your guard is custom-made at a dental lab from high-quality, durable material.
- Fitting & Adjustments — You come back to try it on. We check the fit and make any adjustments needed so it’s comfortable from the first wear.
Most patients are in and out of the office quickly, and the guard is ready in just a short turnaround. We’re open 7 days a week, so you can schedule around your game schedule, not the other way around.
The cost of a custom sports guard in South Gate
The out-of-pocket cost for a custom sports guard can vary widely from patient to patient. With a typical insurance plan, a mouth guard usually averages out to about $100 to $300+. Without insurance, a custom mouth guard costs between $150 to $350 and up.
So why does the cost of a custom mouthguard vary? There are two major factors:
- The type of material your guard is made of.
- Consideration for ongoing orthodontic treatment.
Remember, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Ultimately, your needs are as unique as your smile. It’s important to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to find out all your treatment options and to receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we would be happy to supply you with a quote to submit to them so you can find out your out-of-pocket costs before you make a decision.
Sports Guards for Kids in South Gate
Youth sports are a big part of life in South Gate, and protecting young athletes’ developing teeth is especially important. A hit that chips or knocks out an adult tooth in a child can have lifelong consequences adult teeth don’t grow back.
At Summer Smile Dental, we fit sports guards for kids and teens of all ages. We also understand that kids can be resistant to wearing them if they’re uncomfortable, which is exactly why a custom-fitted guard makes such a difference. When it fits well, they’ll actually wear it.
If your child has braces or other orthodontic work, let us know we’ll make sure their guard accommodates their current treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care, a custom guard typically lasts 3–5 years for adults. For children and teens, guards may need to be replaced more frequently as their mouths are still developing.
Rinse it with cold water before and after each use. Brush it gently with a toothbrush (no toothpaste it can be abrasive). Let it air dry completely before storing it in its case.
Coverage varies by plan. Our team at Summer Smile Dental will help you check your benefits and find out what’s included before your appointment.
Yes, and it’s especially important if you do. We’ll fit a guard that works with your braces so the metal doesn’t cut your cheeks or gums during impact.
Come back in we’ll adjust it at no charge. A guard that doesn’t fit right won’t protect you the way it should.
Get Your Custom Sports Guard Today
Summer Smile Dental is conveniently located in South Gate, CA and is open 7 days a week. We accept most insurance plans with direct billing, and our team speaks with patients in a way that’s clear, comfortable, and pressure-free.
Whether you need a guard for yourself, your teen, or your child we’ll make sure you’re protected before the next game.
Call us or book your appointment online. Same-day and weekend appointments available.
Summer smile Dental
Location
8116 California ave, South Gate, CA 90280
Mon-Fri 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Sat-Sun 9:00AM – 6:00PM