All About Sports Guards
Sports guards offer more than just teeth protection; they also safeguard braces, fixed dental appliances (such as bridges and dental implants), and shield the inside of cheeks and lips from potential harm due to braces during accidents. Investing in a sports guard is wise for individuals engaging in activities or sports involving falls, body contact, or flying equipment. While any sports guard provides some level of protection, a custom-made guard from your dental team tailored to fit your mouth and teeth offers unparalleled protection and comfort.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These pre-formed sports guards are readily available at sporting goods stores, already shaped and ready for use. However, they frequently lack a snug fit, feeling bulky in the mouth and impeding breathing or speech. Athletes often become distracted by these ill-fitting guards, leading them to remove or fiddle with them during the game.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
These kits include instructions for use. You heat the blank guard in water and then mold it to your teeth by biting into the plastic. They are also sold at sporting goods stores and provide a better fit compared to stock guards, although this method may not suit everyone. If your boil & bite guard feels uncomfortable, bulky, or hinders breathing or speech, it’s worth considering a custom guard.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Are you amazed that this is our top pick? Well, it’s for good reason! Nothing beats an individually crafted, custom-made mouthguard. A sports guard created by us ensures superior protection and maximum comfort. And if, by chance, it doesn’t feel quite right? Don’t worry, we’re here to make any necessary adjustments, and you can count on us to deliver.
The cost of a custom sports guard inThornhill
The out-of-pocket cost for a custom sports guard can vary widely from patient to patient. With a typical insurance plan, a mouth guard usually averages out to about $100 to $300+. Without insurance, a custom mouth guard costs between $150 to $350 and up.
- The type of material your guard is made of.
- Consideration for ongoing orthodontic treatment.
So why does the cost of a custom mouthguard vary? There are two major factors:
Remember, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Ultimately, your needs are as unique as your smile. It’s important to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to find out all your treatment options and to receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we would be happy to supply you with a quote to submit to them so you can 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 night guards are custom-fitted to your teeth, they serve distinct purposes for your dental health. Mouthguards primarily aim to shield your mouth from impact during sports activities, whereas night guards focus on aligning your bite and maintaining the position of your teeth and jaw during sleep.
These are all interchangeable terms referring to a single device worn over your teeth, designed to protect them from injury or lessen the impact of an injury.
Ideally, guards should be replaced after each sports season. Mouthguards can deteriorate with use, particularly if the wearer has a tendency to chew on or misuse the guard. Additionally, teeth may shift during adolescence, causing the guard to no longer fit properly. Many athletes who participate in multiple sports opt to have a new sports guard made during their routine six-month checkup.
A properly fitted custom sports guard should feel comfortable in your mouth, allowing for easy breathing and speech. If you catch yourself fidgeting with it or removing it during crucial moments in the game, it’s possible that the fit isn’t quite right.
Any sport or activity involving the potential for falls, contact with other players, or impact from equipment warrants consideration for a sports guard. Whether you or your child participate in football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, boxing, or any other contact or high-risk sport, a sports guard can provide essential protection.
You’re strongly encouraged to wear a sports guard! Not only does it safeguard your teeth, but it also shields your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks in the event of facial impact.
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