Custom Sports Mouthguards in Parma, OH

Protect Your Athlete's Smile With a Custom Fit

Protection for Every Sport

Why a Custom Guard Beats a Store-Bought One

Boil-and-bite guards are often bulky and loose, so many athletes chew them or leave them on the bench, where they protect nothing.

A custom mouthguard is formed from impressions of your own teeth in thin, hardened plastic. It stays in place, lets you breathe and call plays, and helps shield teeth, lips, cheeks, and jaw from contact. We make custom guards at Ridge Road Family Dentistry for Parma athletes of every age, from youth soccer to varsity football.

Gearing up for the season? Let us fit you for a mouthguard.

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Play With Confidence

Benefits of Custom Sports Mouthguards

A mouthguard can feel like one more piece of gear to remember. One that actually fits gets worn, and that’s what protects teeth in practice and on game day.

Protects Teeth From Impact

A mouthguard absorbs and spreads the force of a hit, helping prevent chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth. It’s one of the simplest ways to avoid an emergency visit after a game.
Without a guard, teeth can cut the soft tissues inside the mouth during contact. A mouthguard acts as a cushion, helping prevent painful cuts to the lips, cheeks, and tongue.
Custom guards are made with thin plastic, so they don’t block airflow or muffle your voice. Players can call plays, talk to teammates, and breathe naturally during hard effort.
Store-bought guards are often loose and bulky, so athletes chew them or take them out. A custom guard fits snugly, which means players are more likely to keep it in.
A properly fitted guard helps reduce structural damage to the teeth and jaw from impact, keeping your bite healthy and lowering the chance of injuries that need costly repair.
Dental injuries can mean emergency visits, root canals, or implants down the road. A custom mouthguard is a small step that helps protect your child’s smile every time they play.

Gear Up With the Right Fit

Who Needs a Mouthguard

Is a Custom Sports Mouthguard Right for You?

Mouthguards aren’t only for football players. Any sport with contact, falls, or flying equipment carries a risk to the teeth. If you play, a custom guard belongs in your gear bag.

Contact Sport Athletes

Football, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, and basketball all involve collisions that can injure the teeth and jaw. A custom guard should be worn at every practice and game.

Ball and Bat Sports

Baseball, softball, and soccer bring the risk of a stray ball, bat, or elbow. Wearing a guard protects your smile when the unexpected happens on the field.

Athletes With Crowns or Bridges

Crowns, bridges, and other dental work can be damaged by a hit. A custom mouthguard helps protect both your natural teeth and the restorations you have already invested in.

Sound Familiar?

Many parents ask about a custom guard after a close call on the field or a boil-and-bite guard that never seems to stay in. If any of these sound like your athlete, it may be time for a better fit.

Protect Every Play

A custom sports mouthguard fits your teeth closely, so protection stays in place through every practice and game.

Smile Gallery

See the Difference for Yourself

Every smile in our gallery belongs to a real patient treated in our office, from cosmetic touch-ups to complete smile restorations. Compare each before and after to see what’s possible.
  • Before
    After
  • Dental Implants

Getting Your Guard

How Your Custom Sports Mouthguard Is Made

Getting a custom mouthguard is quick, comfortable, and easy to fit around a busy sports schedule, so plan ahead before the season starts.
1

Quick Check and Impressions

We look at your teeth and bite to make sure there are no problems that should be treated first. Then we take impressions of your teeth. These capture the exact shape of your smile, so the finished guard fits your mouth and no one else’s.
2

Crafting Your Mouthguard

Using your impressions, your mouthguard is formed from thin plastic that is hardened to protect your teeth. Because it’s shaped to your mouth, it stays in place without biting down to hold it, which leaves you free to breathe and talk during play.
3

Fitting and Care Tips

When your guard is ready, we check the fit and make any adjustments for comfort. You’ll learn how to rinse, clean, and store it in a ventilated case. Bring it to checkups so we can see how it’s holding up over time.

Financing Options

Flexible Payments That Fit Your Budget

Cost should not decide whether you get treatment. Monthly payment plans are available, and for major work we map out the full payment schedule before treatment starts, so nothing about the cost surprises you later.
Cherry lets you split the cost of treatment into smaller monthly payments, so you can start care now instead of waiting.

No credit score impact until you select a plan.

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card accepted for dental treatment, with plans that spread the cost across monthly payments.

No credit score impact until you select a plan.

Proceed Finance offers extended dental financing for up to 144 months, which can lower the monthly payment on larger treatment.

No credit score impact until you select a plan.

Ask About Payment Plans Before Treatment Begins

Frequently Asked Questions

Sports Mouthguard FAQs

Choosing the right mouthguard raises plenty of questions for athletes and parents. These are the ones we hear most, and our team is glad to help with any specific sport or situation.

Why choose a custom guard over a store-bought one?

Store-bought guards are usually bulky, ill-fitting, and uncomfortable, so athletes often chew them or take them out. A custom guard is made from impressions of your teeth, fits snugly, and is thin enough to breathe and talk through comfortably.
Any sport where contact is possible. That includes football, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer. Activities with falls or flying equipment, like skateboarding or martial arts, are also good reasons to wear one for protection.
Children should wear a mouthguard as soon as they start playing contact sports. Because children’s mouths change as they grow and adult teeth come in, a younger athlete may need a new custom guard as their smile develops.
Yes. Custom guards are made with thin plastic, which allows easy breathing and clear communication. That matters for quarterbacks calling signals, catchers talking to pitchers, and any player who needs to talk to teammates during the game.
It depends on how often it’s worn and how hard the sport is on it. Adults may get several seasons from one guard, while growing children may need a new one sooner. Replace any guard that is torn or loose.
Rinse it with cool water after each use and brush it gently with a toothbrush. Store it in a ventilated case so it dries completely. Keep it away from hot water, car dashboards, and direct sun, which can warp the plastic.
Yes, and it’s especially important, since brackets can cut the lips and cheeks during contact. Because teeth move during orthodontic treatment, a guard designed to allow movement is often recommended. Ask us which option will work best for you.
A properly fitted mouthguard helps protect against structural damage to the teeth and jaw by cushioning impact. It also helps prevent cuts to the cheeks, tongue, and lips. No guard prevents every injury, but the right fit improves protection.
Making a custom mouthguard usually takes a short visit for impressions and a second visit to check the fit. We give you a time estimate when you schedule, so you can plan ahead of the season or a big tournament.
Coverage for sports mouthguards varies from plan to plan, and many plans don’t include them. We accept most PPO plans, check your benefits before your visit, and explain any costs clearly so there are no surprises later.

Still Have Questions?

If you have questions specific to your situation, our team is ready to help. Reach out today and our team will answer any additional questions or concerns.

Meet the Doctors

Different Strengths, One Shared Approach

Each doctor brings a different area of focus, from prevention to complex restorations, but every visit works the same way. We explain what’s going on, walk you through your options, and let you decide what’s right for you.
  • DMD, Prosthodontist

    Dentists refer patients to Dr. Mouawia Ghiba for prosthodontic care, the specialty covering implants, dentures, and partials. He earned his DMD from Boston University in 1993, completed his prosthodontics specialty in 1996, and has held teaching appointments at Case Western University and UMDNJ.
  • Dr. Awadallah has treated patients at this address since 1982. An Ohio State University graduate, he focuses on prevention and diagnosis, catching problems in your teeth and gums while they are still small and simple to fix.
  • Dr. Ahmad Ghiba handles root canals, extractions, and restorations for patients of every age, along with esthetic and surgical care. A Detroit Mercy graduate, he plans each tooth for how it works and how it looks, and explains both before he starts.

Not Sure Which Doctor You Need? Ask Us

Mouthguard Technology

A Guard Shaped to Your Mouth

Your custom mouthguard is formed from impressions of your teeth in thin plastic hardened for protection. It fits closely and lets you breathe and talk during play. We make them at our Parma office for athletes of every age.

What Patients Say

Why Patients Recommend Us

Choosing a dentist is about more than one appointment. Our patients stay with us because they know what to expect at every visit. They find a team that takes time to listen, explains things clearly, and is there for everything from routine cleanings to more complex care. Here’s what they value most.
  • Awesome! Must go. They actually care about their patients unlike most others in the area. Dr. Mouawia Ghiba is a maestro with his work. DeAnna his assistant also performs wonders. The office staff is also great at squeezing you in upon urgency. Thank you so much Ridge Road Family Dentistry!
    Maxine Kebeiks
    4 weeks ago
  • Dr. Ghiba does beautiful work and is a kind person.
    Elizabeth Slayton
    2 months ago
  • Great service from this dentist.Top notch staff and very friendly.I recommend this dentist to anyone looking for quality work.Full upper and lowers.Amazing!!!
    Darrell Perrymond
    5 months ago
  • I love this dentist. They have treated all my teeth issues and have always been awesome!!!Dr. Mouawia Ghiba is my main dentist and he always makes me laugh. His son is awesome as well. He filled my tooth today as an emergency.I always get in there soon when I’m having a problem and I never have to wait long.You always feel welcome here because everyone is so kind. All the hygienists, receptionists, and helpers are great as well. Everyone has treated me with the utmost respect.This place is the best. I definitely recommend it for everyone who needs great service by great people.Thank you for treating me so well and taking care of my teeth. I’m glad to be your client.See you guys next time. Keep up the great work.From Candice
    Candice Parker
    5 months ago
  • Hands down the best dental practice in northeast Ohio! I used to be terrified of going to the dentist until I found Ridge Road Family Dentist! Drs Ghiba and Dr Sami truly care about their patients! They always explain in detail what the patient needs and the procedures that are necessary. Their kindness is unlike any other dental practice that I have ever been to. They treat their patients like they are their friends. The assistants are both friendly and knowledgeable. The office staff goes above and beyond to make sure that your needs are met. They are always kind and professional! I truly cannot say enough about how great this practice is!! And if you’re someone that fears going to the dentist then choose them! I promise that your fears will be eliminated before you leave their office!
    Michele Duncan
    5 months ago
  • Getting my smile back and the staff and dentist been super I mean that. Thank you. Looking for a great family dentist stop by.
    lester williams
    6 months ago

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Your Neighborhood Dental Practice in Parma

We’re located on Ridge Road near the corner of Snow Road, just minutes from Big Creek Reservation. Families from Parma, Parma Heights, Seven Hills, and Brooklyn find us an easy drive for everything from routine checkups to more complex care.

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Protect the smile behind the jersey

Play Every Game Protected With a Custom Sports Mouthguard

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