All About Sports Guards
Sports guards go beyond just protecting your teeth. They also shield braces and fixed dental appliances, such as bridges and dental implants, while providing extra protection for the inside of your cheeks and lips from potential injury caused by braces in case of an accident. If you’re involved in activities or sports that include falls, body contact, or flying equipment, investing in a sports guard is a smart choice. While any sports guard offers some protection, a custom-made guard from your dental team ensures the best fit and highest level of protection for your unique mouth and teeth.
So, What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These come pre-formed and ready to wear and are available where sporting goods are sold. They often don’t fit very well, can feel bulky in your mouth and make breathing or talking difficult. Athletes often find themselves distracted by this appliance, and take it out or play with it while the game is on.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
These come in a kit with instructions. You boil the blank guard in water and then bite into the plastic to form the guard to your teeth. These are also available where sporting goods are sold and offer a better fit than stock guards, but this method isn’t for everyone. If your boil & bite guard is uncomfortable, bulky or makes it difficult to breathe or talk, consider a custom guard.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
It’s no surprise this is our top pick! A custom-made sports guard, tailored specifically for your mouth, offers the best protection and comfort. Created by your dental team, these guards are individually fitted, ensuring maximum safety. If it’s not comfortable? No worries—we’re here to make adjustments, and you can count on us for accountability.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Barrie
The cost of a custom sports guard can vary significantly depending on several factors. With typical insurance coverage, the price generally ranges from $100 to $300 or more. Without insurance, you can expect the cost to be between $150 and $350 or higher.
So, why does the price of a custom mouthguard fluctuate? Two key factors come into play:
- The material used: Higher-quality materials often provide better durability and protection, influencing the cost.
- Ongoing orthodontic treatment: If you’re undergoing orthodontic care, adjustments to your mouthguard may be needed, impacting the price.
It’s important to note that no dental practice can give an accurate quote over the phone, as your needs are unique. A consultation with your dentist and a thorough oral exam are necessary to explore your treatment options and receive an accurate estimate. If you have dental insurance, we’d be happy to provide a quote for you to submit to your provider, so you can determine your out-of-pocket expenses 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 mouthguards and nightguards fit snugly over your teeth, they serve different purposes. Sports guards protect your mouth from impact, while nightguards focus on your bite and the alignment of your teeth and jaw during sleep.
These are all different names for the same thing—a protective device worn over your teeth to prevent or minimize injury.
It’s best to replace sports guards after each season. They can wear down over time, especially if you have a habit of chewing on them. Additionally, adolescents’ teeth can shift, making the guard less effective. Many athletes opt for a new guard at their regular 6-month dental checkup.
A custom-fit sports guard should feel comfortable and allow you to breathe and talk easily. If you find yourself fidgeting with it or removing it during a game, it likely isn’t fitting correctly.
Any activity where falls, player contact, or flying equipment is a risk. Sports guards are recommended for football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, boxing, and any other contact or high-risk sport.
Absolutely! In fact, it’s even more important for those with braces. A sports guard protects not only your teeth but also your braces, along with the inside of your lips and cheeks, in case of impact to your face.
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