Retainers and Mouthguards
Retainers and Custom Sports Mouthguards (Okotoks, Seton & Beaumont)
At Smile Buddy, we provide custom retainers and sports mouthguards across all three of our convenient Alberta clinics in Okotoks, Seton (Calgary South), and Beaumont (Edmonton South). Whether your child needs to protect their newly aligned smile after orthodontic treatment or safeguard their teeth during athletics, our team offers tailored solutions for maximum safety and comfort.
How do I know if my child needs a retainer or a mouthguard, and what are my options?
Retainers are essential post-orthodontic treatment to maintain tooth alignment, with your dentist guiding the specific type and wear. Mouthguards are crucial for any child in sports, protecting against dental injuries. We offer custom-fitted mouthguards for superior protection and comfort compared to store-bought options at our Okotoks, Calgary, and Edmonton area locations, and can advise on the best solution for your child's needs.
Custom Retainers
After certain dental or orthodontic treatments, your child may be provided with a retainer to maintain their smile's results. There are several different styles of retainers, but each serves the vital purpose of preventing teeth from shifting. Whatever type of retainer your child receives, following proper care instructions ensures their smile stays healthy and aligned for years to come.
How To Care For Your Retainer
Since most retainers are taken in and out of patients' mouths regularly, proper care is essential. Always remove the retainer to eat and clean it, and store it directly in its protective case. Most lost or broken retainers occur when placed on napkins or left out while at school or restaurants. When a retainer is not in your mouth, it should always be in its case.
To clean the retainer, brush it thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste using warm (never hot) water. Brushing removes plaque, eliminates odors, and maintains hygiene. Soaking products such as Retainer Brite® or Efferdent® can be used occasionally, but do not replace daily brushing.
Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care and never attempt to adjust a retainer on your own. Call our Okotoks, Seton, or Beaumont office right away if you have concerns, or if a retainer gets lost or broken. Always bring the retainer to scheduled checkups! Keep retainers away from hot water, car dashboards, pockets, washing machines, napkins, and pets.
Pediatric Sports Mouthguards
When To Use a Mouthguard
When participating in sports, a mouthguard is a critical piece of safety equipment designed to minimize the risk of broken teeth, concussions, and oral or facial injuries. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends mouthguards for children participating in basketball, boxing, hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, soccer, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, and wrestling.
Types of Mouthguards
Choosing the right mouthguard is essential. A great mouthguard should be tear-resistant, comfortable, well-fitted, easy to keep clean, and never obstruct normal breathing. There are three primary types of mouthguards:
Pre-Made Mouthguards
These are over-the-counter mouthguards that come pre-formed and ready to wear. Pre-made mouthguards are typically one-size-fits-all and inexpensive, but offer minimal custom protection.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Softened in hot water and molded around the teeth using fingers and tongue, these fit better than pre-made options but still lack a precise, individual fit.
Custom-Made Dental Mouthguards
Custom-made sports mouthguards are specially crafted by our dental team at Smile Buddy using a precise mold of your child's teeth. These provide optimal protection, exceptional comfort, and stay securely in place during active sports without hindering speech or breathing.
Book a Consultation in Okotoks, Calgary, or Edmonton
Contact our team at Smile Buddy today to order a replacement retainer or fit your child for a custom athletic mouthguard at our Okotoks, Seton (Calgary South), or Beaumont (Edmonton South) locations.