All About Sports Guards
Sports guards protect not just your teeth, but also braces, fixed dental appliances (like bridges and implants), and the inside of your cheeks and lips from accidents. A custom-made sports guard from your dental team offers the best protection and is a smart investment for anyone involved in activities or sports with falls, body contact, or flying equipment. While any sports guard is better than none, a personalized guard provides the most effective protection.
So, What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These come pre-formed and ready to wear, available at most sporting goods stores. However, they often don’t fit well, can feel bulky, and may make breathing or talking difficult. Athletes frequently find themselves distracted by these guards, removing or adjusting them during the game.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
These guards come with instructions to boil in water, then bite into the plastic to form a mold to your teeth. They offer a better fit than stock guards but may still be uncomfortable or bulky for some. If breathing or talking is difficult, a custom guard may be a better option.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
This is our favourite option for good reason! A custom-made sports guard offers the best protection and comfort. We’ll create a mouthguard specifically for your mouth, and if it’s not comfortable, we’re here to make adjustments to ensure the perfect fit.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Stouffville
The cost of a custom sports guard can vary depending on the patient. With typical insurance, a mouthguard usually costs between $100 to $300+. Without insurance, the cost ranges from $150 to $350 and up.
- The type of material used for the guard
- Consideration for ongoing orthodontic treatment
Why Does the Cost of a Custom Mouthguard Vary? There are two major factors that influence the price:
Keep in mind, no dental practice can provide an exact quote over the phone. Your needs are unique, and an oral exam is required to determine the best treatment plan and provide an accurate cost. If you have dental insurance, we can provide a quote for you to submit to your insurance provider, helping you understand your out-of-pocket costs before making a decision.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are custom-fitted to your teeth, mouthguards and nightguards serve different purposes. Sports guards protect your teeth from impact, while nightguards are designed to protect your bite, teeth, and jaw position during sleep.
These terms all refer to the same thing: a protective device worn over the teeth to prevent injury or minimize damage. Here’s what each term means:
- Sports Guard: A type of mouthguard specifically designed for athletes to protect their teeth and gums from impacts during sports or physical activities.
- Mouth Guard: A general term for any device worn over the teeth to protect them from injury. It can be used for various purposes, including sports or teeth grinding at night.
- Mouth Protector: Another term for a mouthguard, typically used interchangeably, and refers to any device that shields the teeth, gums, and jaw from damage.
All these terms describe a similar protective appliance that helps prevent dental injuries.
Ideally, sports guards should be replaced after each season. They can wear down over time, especially if the wearer chews on them. Teeth shifting in adolescents may also affect the fit. Many athletes opt for a new guard during their routine 6-month checkup.
A well-fitting custom sports guard should be comfortable, easy to breathe with, and allow you to talk normally. If you’re constantly adjusting it or taking it out during the game, it may not fit properly.
Any sport or activity with a risk of falls, contact with other players, or being hit by equipment. Sports like football, hockey, soccer, basketball, and martial arts, as well as high-risk activities like skateboarding and mountain biking, all benefit from wearing a sports guard.
Yes, you’re actually encouraged to wear a sports guard! It not only protects your teeth but also shields your braces and the inside of your cheeks and lips from injury during contact sports.
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