Athletic Dentistry in Tuscaloosa, AL
Whether you're a weekend warrior, a student-athlete, or a parent of a child in youth sports, protecting your smile during physical activity is crucial. At Rhodes & Rhodes Family Dentistry, we offer custom sports mouthguards in Tuscaloosa designed for safety, comfort, and performance—so you can play hard without risking your teeth.
What Is Athletic Dentistry?
Athletic dentistry focuses on preventing dental injuries caused by physical contact, falls, and sports-related accidents. The primary tool of prevention is a custom-made sports mouthguard, which cushions and protects the teeth, gums, and jaw during impact.
We recommend athletic mouthguards for:
- Football
- Basketball
- Baseball & softball
- Soccer
- Hockey
- Wrestling
- Martial arts & boxing
- Gymnastics & cheerleading
- Skateboarding, biking & more
If your sport involves contact or the risk of falls, a custom mouthguard can help prevent broken teeth, lip injuries, and even concussions.
Why Choose a Custom Sports Mouthguard?
Unlike store-bought boil-and-bite options, a custom mouthguard from our office is:
- Professionally fitted using digital impressions
- Comfortable and secure—stays in place during play
- More protective thanks to precision design and thickness
- Durable for long seasons and tough games
- Easy to speak and breathe with
- Made for both kids and adults
Custom guards offer better protection against dental trauma, including chipped or knocked-out teeth, jaw fractures, and soft tissue injuries.
Who Needs a Sports Mouthguard?
We recommend custom guards for:
- Children and teens involved in school or recreational sports
- College athletes
- Adults participating in competitive or contact sports
- Patients with orthodontics or restorative dental work like veneers or crowns
We can even create guards for athletes with night guards, bite issues, or other special dental needs.
Our Custom Mouthguard Process
- Consultation & Evaluation
We assess the sport, age, and risk level to determine the best design and material. - Digital Impressions
Quick, no-mess scans of your teeth are taken to ensure a perfect fit. - Fabrication
Your guard is custom-made in a trusted lab with high-performance materials. - Delivery & Fit Check
We ensure the guard fits securely and comfortably—so it doesn’t interfere with breathing or speaking.
Dental Injury Prevention for Athletes
A properly fitted mouthguard helps prevent:
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Lip, cheek, and tongue injuries
- Jaw fractures
- Damage to orthodontic appliances
- Long-term dental costs from trauma
It's a small investment with big protective benefits, especially for young athletes still developing their smiles.
Serving Tuscaloosa & the Surrounding Area
We provide custom mouthguards for athletes of all ages across:
- Tuscaloosa
- Northport
- Cottondale
- Brookwood
- Vance
- Holt
- Moundville
- Coker
Looking for custom sports mouthguards near me? We're proud to protect the smiles of athletes throughout West Alabama.
Play Hard. Stay Safe.
Athletic injuries happen in seconds—but the damage can last a lifetime. Let us help you (or your child) stay protected on the field, court, mat, or track with a custom sports mouthguard made for performance and protection.
FAQs
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Why not just use a store-bought mouthguard?
Over-the-counter guards are bulky, poorly fitted, and often uncomfortable. Custom guards provide better protection, comfort, and compliance—especially for children.
How long does a custom sports mouthguard last?
Most last one sports season, depending on the age and wear habits of the athlete. Kids may need a new guard each year as they grow.
Can you make guards for kids with braces?
Yes! We can create custom guards that fit comfortably over orthodontic appliances, helping protect both the teeth and the braces themselves.
What happens if my child doesn’t wear a mouthguard?
Without protection, they risk serious injuries like chipped or knocked-out teeth, soft tissue damage, and jaw fractures—often requiring expensive, long-term care.
Is a sports mouthguard covered by insurance?
Some dental plans may offer partial coverage. If not, we offer affordable pricing and flexible financing through CareCredit and Cherry.
Protect the Smile That Wins Games
Athletes train hard to stay at the top of their game—make sure their smile is just as ready. With a custom mouthguard from Rhodes & Rhodes Family Dentistry, you’re choosing safety, performance, and peace of mind.