A mouthguard only protects teeth that are wearing it, which is why fit matters more than thickness. Custom guards get worn because they stay in place and let you talk; boil-and-bite guards frequently end up in the bag.
Why people book this visit
Preventive appointments are the ones most easily postponed and the ones that keep small problems small. You do not need a symptom to justify booking.
- Contact and collision sports at any age
- Hockey, lacrosse, football, basketball, skateboarding and skiing
- Protecting front teeth that have been repaired before
- Protecting orthodontic appliances
- Replacing a guard a child has outgrown
What the visit usually covers
A preventive appointment is largely assessment: what is healthy, what is changing, and what is worth watching. The findings determine what, if anything, follows.
- Custom-made guard from an impression or scan
- Different thicknesses depending on the sport
- Guards designed to fit over braces
- Replacement schedule for growing children
- Boil-and-bite as a short-term stopgap only
What to expect at the appointment
Expect a review of your history and medications, an examination of teeth, gums and soft tissues, and X-rays only where your own risk and history justify them. If it has been years since your last visit, say so when you book so enough time is allowed.
You will be told what was found and what the sensible order of work is. Ask what is urgent, what can wait, and what happens if you choose to wait — those are reasonable questions and a good practice answers them plainly.
Book the preventive visit
Choose the closest category when you request an appointment. We follow up to confirm what you need and arrange the visit with a Vermont dental practice, which handles clinical intake through its own process.
Common questions
What people ask before scheduling
Is a custom guard really better than a boil-and-bite?
The main advantage is that it fits, stays in place and lets you talk and breathe — which means it actually gets worn. A guard in the kit bag protects nothing.
How often does a child need a new one?
Growing mouths outgrow guards, so children typically need replacements more often than adults. Have the fit checked at routine appointments.
Can you wear one with braces?
Yes, and guards can be made specifically to fit over fixed appliances. It is more important with braces, not less.
Which sports need one?
Any sport with contact or a risk of falls — hockey, football, lacrosse, basketball, skateboarding and skiing among them. Dental injuries are expensive and often lifelong.
Can this website tell me whether I need treatment?
No. A website can help you choose the right appointment type. Whether anything needs treating is established by an examination, and where appropriate X-rays.
How often should I actually be seen?
The familiar six-month interval is a starting point, not a rule. Your gum health, decay risk, medical history and habits change the right interval — see what happens at a dental cleaning.
What does a preventive visit cost?
The practice can explain its examination and hygiene fees before you attend. Anything found during the visit is quoted separately — see dental insurance and financing.
Patient education sources
Sources were checked on August 19, 2026. Personal recommendations require a dental examination.