| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | OA-0333 |
| Type | protective |
| Category | protective |
| Fixed/removable | removable |
| Primary function | dental/jaw impact protection during sports |
| Malocclusion target | trauma prevention |
| Inventor | various (custom mouthguards since 1950s) |
| First year | 1950s |
| Period | historical / current |
| Status | current |
| Material | EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) — single or dual-laminate |
| Recommended occlusal thickness | 3–5 mm |
| Uses TADs | no |
A custom sports guard is a laboratory-fabricated mouthguard thermoformed from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) thermoplastic over a stone cast of the patient's arch. Custom guards are significantly superior to stock or boil-and-bite guards in fit, retention, comfort, and protection — the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the ADA recommend custom-fabricated mouthguards for all contact sports. For orthodontic patients in braces, a modified custom guard is fabricated over the brackets, providing protection while accommodating the fixed appliance. Dual-laminate construction (soft inner + hard outer) provides the best balance of comfort and impact absorption.
The EVA mouthguard distributes impact forces from dental trauma across the entire arch, absorbing and dissipating energy that would otherwise be concentrated at individual tooth or bone contact points. The 3–5 mm occlusal thickness provides a cushion that prevents tooth-to-tooth contact during impact and reduces transmitted force to the alveolar bone, TMJ, and mandible. A well-fitted custom guard stays in place during contact, whereas stock guards dislodge, negating protection.
All contact sports (football, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, boxing, wrestling, soccer); non-contact sports with risk of falls or equipment contact (baseball, gymnastics); orthodontic patients in fixed appliances who play sports; patients with prior dental trauma or tooth restoration (crowns, implants, veneers) requiring extra protection. Custom guards recommended by AAPD and ADA over stock alternatives.
Standard mouthguards are not designed as night guards — separate fabrication for bruxism protection is needed. For orthodontic patients, the guard must be remade periodically as teeth move. Guards must be cleaned and stored properly; EVA degrades with heat and improper storage.
+ 3 mm = 4 mm total)
harder outer EVA or copolymer layer (protection + rigidity)
thermoforming; undercuts relieved
Dual-laminate fabrication requires two separate thermoforming steps: inner soft layer first, then outer layer over the inner. Consistent material thickness is critical — thin areas (especially at incisal edges and first molar region) provide insufficient protection. Trimline must allow comfortable lip closure without irritation. For braces patients, wax relief over brackets prevents the guard from locking in — the guard should protect but still be removable. CFL offers Custom Sport Guard and Sport Guard — the premium variant likely includes dual-laminate or custom color/personalization.
bruxism, not sports; different material and design.
Group](https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/custom-sports-mouthguard-modified-for-orthodontic-patients-and-children-in-the-transitional-dentitio/)
Glidewell](https://glidewelldental.com/solutions/occlusal-appliances/sports-mouthguards/playsafe-sports-mouthguards)
Statement](https://www.prosthodontics.org/assets/1/7/MouthguardUseinSportsPosition_Statment.pdf)
modifications, business notes.