If your child plays football, basketball, hockey, soccer, or wrestles this fall, a custom sports mouthguard is one of the simplest and smartest ways to protect their smile. At My Smiles USA in Milwaukee, we fit young athletes with mouthguards made just for their teeth — because a guard that actually fits is a guard they will wear, and a guard they wear is one that can prevent a chipped, broken, or knocked-out tooth on game day.
Whether you are near our Capitol Drive office, over in Wauwatosa, or coming from West Allis, here is what every Milwaukee sports parent should know about custom mouthguards, how they compare to the store-bought kind, and how to get one before the season heats up.
Why a Sports Mouthguard Matters for Young Athletes
Dental injuries are among the most common — and most preventable — injuries in youth sports. A single fall, elbow, or stray ball can crack a front tooth or knock one out entirely, leading to years of restorative work. The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for a long list of activities, including contact sports like football and hockey as well as non-contact ones like gymnastics and skateboarding, where falls are common.
A well-fitting mouthguard cushions the teeth, lips, and jaw and helps absorb the force of an impact. For growing kids and teens whose adult teeth are still settling in, that protection is especially valuable. Losing a permanent tooth early can affect bite, spacing, and confidence for a lifetime.
Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards: What’s the Difference?
Walk into any sporting-goods store and you will find two main types of mouthguards. Understanding how they compare to a custom guard helps explain why so many Milwaukee families make the upgrade.
Stock Mouthguards
These come pre-formed and ready to wear. They are inexpensive, but because they are not shaped to your child’s mouth, they tend to be bulky, can make breathing and talking harder, and often get spit out or left in the gym bag — which means no protection at all.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
A step up, these are softened in hot water and then bitten into for a rough custom shape. They fit better than stock guards, but the fit still depends on how carefully they were molded at home, and they can lose their shape over time.
Custom Sports Mouthguards
A custom guard is made from a precise impression or digital scan of your child’s teeth, then fabricated in a dental lab. The result fits snugly, stays put, allows easier breathing and speaking, and generally offers the best comfort and protection. Because it is comfortable, kids are far more likely to keep it in for the whole game — and that consistency is what really protects their teeth.
How We Fit Custom Mouthguards at My Smiles USA
Getting your young athlete fitted is quick and comfortable. During a short visit at our Milwaukee office, we take an impression or digital scan of the teeth. Your child’s custom guard is then crafted to their exact bite. When it is ready, we check the fit, make any adjustments, and show your family how to clean and store it so it lasts the whole season.
Because kids and teens are still growing, we also recommend checking the fit each season — and any time your child gets braces or has new teeth come in. A great time to do this is during a routine family dental checkup, so protection and preventive care happen in one convenient trip.
Caring for a Sports Mouthguard
A little care keeps a mouthguard fresh and effective all season long:
- Rinse it before and after each use, and brush it gently with a toothbrush.
- Store it in a sturdy, ventilated case — not loose in a bag or pocket.
- Keep it away from hot water, direct sun, and hot car interiors, which can warp it.
- Bring it to dental visits so we can check the fit and condition.
- Replace it if it becomes torn, loose, or your child’s bite has changed.
What If a Tooth Is Injured During a Game?
Even with the best precautions, accidents happen. If a tooth is knocked out, chipped, or loosened during a game, act quickly — time matters. Keep any pieces or the tooth moist, and call us right away. Our team offers emergency dental care and same-week availability to get your young athlete seen fast. A mouthguard greatly lowers the odds of this happening, which is exactly why we recommend one for every season.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child start wearing a sports mouthguard?
As soon as they begin playing organized or contact sports — often around ages 6 to 7 — a mouthguard is a good idea. Because young mouths change quickly, the fit should be re-checked each season.
Can kids with braces wear a custom mouthguard?
Yes. In fact, protecting the teeth and lips is even more important with braces. We make guards designed to fit comfortably over orthodontic hardware — just let us know your child has braces so we can plan the right fit.
How long does a custom sports mouthguard last?
With good care, a custom guard can last a full season or longer. For growing children, though, a new one is often needed each year as their teeth and jaw develop. We check the fit at dental visits and let you know when it is time to replace it.
Is a custom mouthguard worth it over a store-bought one?
For most families, yes. A custom guard fits better, feels more comfortable, and is more likely to be worn consistently — which is what actually prevents injuries. Ask our team about the best option for your child’s sport and age.
Protect Your Young Athlete’s Smile This Season
Don’t wait for an injury to think about mouth protection. A custom sports mouthguard from My Smiles USA is a small, affordable step that can save your child’s smile — and a lot of future dental work. New patients can also take advantage of our $99 new-patient special, which includes an exam, x-rays, and cleaning, and we offer same-week appointments so you can get fitted before the next big game.
Ready to book? Visit our Milwaukee office at 6719 W Capitol Dr or our Racine office at 4915 Washington Ave, Suite B. Call us or request an appointment online today, and let’s keep your young athlete’s smile safe all season long.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Please consult our team about your child’s individual needs.