The Benefits of Custom Mouthguards for Sports in Santa Fe

If you or your child plays sports in Santa Fe, you’ve probably heard about wearing a mouthguard, but not all mouthguards are created equal. At Vida Dental Studio, we offer custom mouthguards designed to fit your smile perfectly, offering comfort, durability, and protection you won’t get from store-bought options.

Whether it’s football, soccer, wrestling, or roller derby, protecting your teeth and your brain, should be part of your game plan.

Why Every Athlete Needs a Mouthguard

Contact sports can be rough. A split-second collision, fall, or flying elbow is all it takes to crack a tooth, cut your lip, or worse. Mouthguards are designed to absorb the impact of hits, protecting your teeth, gums, tongue, jaw, and even reducing the risk of concussions.

Yet many athletes skip them because they’re uncomfortable, hard to breathe in, or just don’t fit well. That’s where custom mouthguards make all the difference.

What’s the Difference Between Mouthguard Types?

You’ve probably seen a few types on the market:

• Stock mouthguards: Pre-formed and inexpensive, but they often don’t fit well and can be bulky and uncomfortable.
• Boil-and-bite mouthguards: A step up, they mold somewhat to your teeth but still lack the precision of a custom fit.
• Custom mouthguards: Professionally made using a mold of your teeth. These provide the best fit, the best comfort, and the best protection.
  

Think of it like shoes: sure, you can buy one-size-fits-most, but wouldn’t you rather have something made just for you?

Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard?

• Comfort and Fit: A custom mouthguard feels natural in your mouth and stays put. That means no chewing, slipping, or struggling to talk.
• Maximum Protection: Custom guards are thick where they need to be, thinner where they don’t, and molded to your exact bite, giving you the best defense against dental injuries and soft-tissue trauma.
• Breathe Easier, Play Harder: Poorly fitting guards can make it hard to breathe during high-intensity games. A custom fit allows for better airflow so you can focus on your game, not your gag reflex.
• Built to Last: These mouthguards are made from durable materials that can withstand a season (or more) of use, unlike boil-and-bite options that break down quickly.
• Concussion Protection: While research is still ongoing, some studies suggest that properly fitted mouthguards can help reduce the risk or severity of concussions by cushioning jaw impact.

Who Should Be Wearing One?

If you’re playing:

• High-contact sports like football, hockey, rugby, wrestling, or boxing
• Mid-impact sports such as basketball, soccer, baseball, and skateboarding
• Or have braces, implants, crowns, or dental bridges that need extra protection…

…a custom mouthguard is a smart move. It’s especially important for teens and younger athletes still developing their permanent teeth.

How We Make Custom Mouthguards at Vida Dental Studio in Santa Fe

The process is quick and straightforward:

1. We take an impression of your teeth to create a precise mold.
2. You choose from a variety of materials and colors (yes, you can rep your team colors!).
3. Once it’s ready, we’ll do a final fitting and make any small adjustments for a perfect feel.
   

From start to finish, we make sure your mouthguard is made just for you.

Are Custom Mouthguards Worth the Cost?

While they do cost more upfront than store-bought options, the long-term value is clear. A single dental injury could cost hundreds or even thousands, in emergency care, crowns, or implants. Custom guards last longer, fit better, and protect far more effectively.

We’re happy to discuss payment plans and insurance options during your visit.

Caring for Your Mouthguard

With just a little care, your mouthguard can last a full season or longer:

• Rinse it after every use and brush it gently with a toothbrush
• Store it in a ventilated case
• Keep it out of hot cars and away from pets (trust us)
• Replace it if it gets worn, warped, or doesn’t fit anymore, especially if your bite changes
  

Ready to Protect Your Smile?

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or raising the next high school MVP, Vida Dental Studio in Santa Fe is here to help keep your smile safe. Our custom mouthguards are comfortable, long-lasting, and tailored to your needs.

Schedule your fitting today and give your teeth the protection they deserve, so you can play hard, and smile wide, all while protecting your smile.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

VIDA Dental Studio
2 Calle Medico Suite 3
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 992-1600
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bp1433K2sJfpaTY97