All About Sports Guards
Sports guards protect more than just your teeth. They provide protection for braces, dental appliances, and the inside of your mouth from injury during physical activities. A sports guard is a smart investment for anyone participating in sports or activities that involve falls, body contact, or flying equipment. While any sports guard is better than none, a guard made by your dental team and tailored to your mouth and teeth is far superior.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These come pre formed and ready to wear. Available at sporting goods stores, they often do not fit well, feel bulky, and make breathing or talking difficult. Athletes tend to be distracted by this kind of guard and often remove it or fiddle with it while playing.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
This type comes with a kit and instructions. You boil the guard in water, then bite into it to mold it to your teeth. These are also sold in sporting goods stores and offer a better fit than stock guards, but this method does not suit everyone. If a boil and bite guard feels uncomfortable, bulky, or makes it hard to breathe or talk, consider a custom made guard.
Custom Made Mouth Guards
This is our favourite option, and for good reason! There is no substitute for a guard that is custom made for you. A mouthguard made by your dental team provides the best protection and the greatest comfort. And in the rare case that it’s not comfortable, we are here to adjust it to ensure the best fit.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Brampton
The cost of a custom sports guard can vary significantly from patient to patient. With typical insurance, a custom mouth guard generally costs between $100 and $300+. Without insurance, the cost typically ranges from $150 to $350 or more.
- The price can depend on two major factors:
- The type of material your guard is made from.
- Consideration for ongoing orthodontic treatment.
Why Does the Cost of a Custom Mouthguard Vary?
Keep in mind that no dental practice can provide an exact quote over the phone. Your needs are as unique as your smile. It’s best to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to explore your options and receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we will be happy to provide you with a quote to submit to them and find out your out of pocket costs before you make 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 mouthguards and nightguards fit snugly over your teeth, they serve different purposes. Sports guards protect your mouth from impact, while night guards focus on your bite and the position of your teeth and jaw.
These are all terms for the same device: an appliance worn over the teeth to protect them from injury or reduce the severity of an injury.
Ideally, sports guards should be replaced at the end of each sports season. Over time, mouth guards can wear down, especially if the wearer chews on or otherwise abuses the appliance. Teeth also shift in adolescents, meaning their guard may no longer fit as well. Many athletes who play multiple sports get a new sports guard during their routine 6 month checkup.
A well fitting, custom made sports guard should be comfortable in your mouth. It should be easy to breathe and talk with it in. If you find yourself fidgeting with the guard or taking it out during the game, it may not fit properly.
Any activity where you may fall, come into contact with others, or be hit by a ball or other equipment requires a sports guard. Consider using one if you or your child play football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, boxing, or any other high risk or contact sport.
Yes, you are encouraged to wear a sports guard! It protects not only your teeth but also your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from injury if struck in the face.
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