Pediatric dentistry
Sports Guards for Kids in Lakewood, CO
A fit so comfortable the guard actually makes it out of the gym bag and into the mouth.
Game day brings enough drama without a chipped front tooth in the second quarter. A custom sports guard from Shining Stars Kids Dentistry gives your young Lakewood, CO athlete real protection with a fit so comfortable the guard actually makes it out of the gym bag and into the mouth, which is where all protection happens.
Store-bought versus custom: the honest difference
Boil-and-bite guards from the sporting goods aisle are better than nothing. They are also bulky, vaguely fitted, and famous for being chewed on resentfully during timeouts before being abandoned altogether. A custom guard starts from an impression of your child’s own teeth, so it locks in snugly, allows easier breathing and speech, and stays put through contact.
Getting fitted
How We Make Your Child’s Guard
One quick visit to get impressions, one to pick up the finished guard.
Quick Impressions
We take a fast mold of your child’s teeth — nothing uncomfortable and nothing swallowed.
Custom Crafting
The guard is formed to their exact bite and contours for a snug, breathable fit.
Fitting Pickup
We check the fit together, show your kid the care routine, and send them off season-ready.
Growth Check-Ins
At regular visits we confirm the fit still holds as new teeth arrive.
Why custom
What Makes a Custom Guard Worth It
Custom Fit = Actually Worn
Made from your child’s own impression, so it stays in during play instead of sitting in the gym bag.
Easy Breathing & Speech
Slim profile allows natural breathing and clear talking — no muffled complaints from the field.
Works Over Braces
We size guards to fit comfortably over orthodontics, protecting both brackets and lips.
Protection is part of prevention
Just like sealants guard the grooves and night guards guard against grinding, a sports guard is one more small layer keeping a big injury from ever happening. Prevention is the house specialty around here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Guards
Which sports need a mouthguard?
Any sport with contact or a risk of falls: football, hockey, basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, skating, scootering, and playground-heavy activities all qualify. If your child’s activity involves velocity or gravity, a guard deserves a spot in the bag.
Why not just buy one at the store?
Boil-and-bite guards are better than nothing, but they are bulky, loose, and famous for sitting in the bottom of a gym bag instead of the mouth. A custom guard fits precisely, breathes easier, and actually gets worn, which is where all protection happens.
Can my child wear a guard over braces?
Yes, and we recommend it. Brackets can cut lips on impact, raising the stakes during contact. We size guards to fit comfortably over orthodontics, and adjustments stay coordinated as treatment progresses.
How long does a custom guard last?
A growing mouth means periodic refitting. We check the guard at regular visits, and when it stops fitting snugly we let you know it is time for a new one. Think of it as seasonal gear that grows with your athlete.
What does the fitting involve?
A quick impression of your child’s teeth, nothing dramatic. The guard is fabricated from that mold, and at a short follow-up visit we confirm fit and comfort before game day.
Suit Up Before the Season Starts
One quick visit now beats an emergency visit later. Get your athlete fitted before the first whistle.