Sports Mouth Guards in Herscher, IL
A custom guard protects your athlete's teeth without the bulk — so they can breathe, talk, and play their game.
Made for the Way Your Athlete Plays
Whether it's Friday night under the lights, a travel soccer tournament, or pickup basketball at the park — one bad hit can mean a chipped, cracked, or knocked-out tooth. A custom athletic mouth guard is the simplest way to keep young smiles safe.
You've probably seen the guards from the sporting-goods aisle: boil-and-bite plastic you shape at home. They work in a pinch, but they're bulky, slip around, make it hard to talk and breathe, and many kids end up chewing on them instead of wearing them. A custom mouth guard is made from a precise mold of your athlete's own teeth, so it's thinner, fits snugly, and stays put through the whole game — no constant adjusting, no gagging, no excuse to leave it in the bag.
We make custom guards for kids, teens, and adults in just about any contact sport — football, basketball, soccer, hockey, wrestling, baseball and softball, martial arts, and more. Because it's custom, it cushions blows to the teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw far better than a stock guard, and it holds up longer too.
Custom vs. store-bought
- Fits your athlete's teeth exactly — stays in place
- Thinner profile, so breathing and talking are easier
- Better shock absorption on impact
- Comfortable enough that kids actually wear it
- Can be made to work with braces
- More durable than boil-and-bite guards
What to Expect
Getting a custom guard is quick and painless — most of it is just one short visit.
A quick impression
We take an impression or scan of your athlete's teeth — it takes just a few minutes and is completely comfortable.
Custom fabrication
The guard is made to your athlete's exact bite, in the right thickness for their sport. Typical turnaround is about one to two weeks.
Fitting check
When it arrives, we try it in, check the fit, and make any small adjustments so it feels just right.
Care and replacement
Rinse it after each use, store it in its case, and bring it to checkups. Growing kids may need a new one as their teeth change — we'll keep an eye on the fit.
Who Should Wear a Mouth Guard
If there's contact — or even a flying ball or elbow — a guard is worth it.
- Kids and teens in football, wrestling, hockey, soccer, or basketball
- Baseball and softball players facing fast pitches and line drives
- Adults in recreational leagues, martial arts, or pickup games
- Athletes with braces who need extra lip and cheek protection
- Anyone who's had dental work they want to protect on the field
Plan ahead of the season. Custom guards take about one to two weeks to fabricate, so come in before practices start — not after the first game.
Mouth Guard FAQs
How is a custom guard better than a store-bought one?
Fit is everything. Store-bought guards are generic, so they slip, feel bulky, and interfere with breathing and talking — which is why kids stop wearing them. A custom guard matches your athlete's teeth exactly, so it's thinner, stays in place, absorbs impacts better, and is comfortable enough to actually wear.
How long does it take to get one?
Plan on about one to two weeks from the impression visit to the fitting. If the season is starting soon, give us a call and we'll help you get the timing right.
Can my child wear one with braces?
Yes. We can make a guard designed to fit over braces, protecting the lips and cheeks from brackets during play. Kids with braces should get a new guard checked regularly as teeth move.
How do we clean and store it?
Rinse it with cool water after every game or practice, brush it gently with a toothbrush, and let it air-dry in its ventilated case — not in a hot car or gym bag. Bring it to regular dental checkups so we can check the fit.
Gear up for a safe season — call us
Call Herscher Dentistry today to schedule your visit — new patients are always welcome.