All About Sports Guards
A sports guard is more than just a protective layer for your teeth. It shields your braces, dental implants, and bridges, and guards the inside of your lips and cheeks from the impact of braces. If you’re involved in sports that include falls, body contact, or flying equipment, a sports guard is a wise investment. While any guard is better than none, nothing beats a custom-made sports guard created specifically for your mouth.
So, What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
Stock guards are pre-formed and ready to wear. You can easily find them at sporting goods stores. However, these often don’t fit well, feel bulky, and can make it difficult to breathe or speak during activity. They may distract athletes, who end up removing or fiddling with the guard during play.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
These guards are sold in kits and require you to boil the guard to soften it, then bite into it to form a mold of your teeth. While this provides a better fit than stock guards, they may still be uncomfortable or difficult to wear during longer activities. If you find them awkward or uncomfortable, consider a custom-made mouthguard.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
This is our favorite option for good reason! A custom-made sports guard, created by your dentist in North York, ON, offers the best protection and the most comfortable fit. It will mold to the unique shape of your teeth and mouth, providing superior protection and comfort. Plus, if it’s not perfect right away, we’re always here to make any adjustments.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in North York
The cost of a custom sports guard can vary based on several factors:
- Material choice: Different materials offer different levels of protection and comfort.
- Ongoing orthodontic treatment: If you’re undergoing orthodontics or have braces, your sports guard may need additional customization.
Typically, the cost of a custom sports guard ranges from $150 to $350+. With insurance, the out-of-pocket cost could be between $100 to $300 depending on your plan. Please note that it’s always a good idea to speak directly with your dentist in North York, ON for an accurate estimate after an exam. We’re happy to provide a quote that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement details.
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 functions. Sports guards are designed to protect your teeth from physical impact, whereas nightguards are meant to help with teeth grinding and align your bite.
These terms all refer to the same device: a protective covering worn over your teeth to reduce the risk of injury or minimize the severity of an injury during sports activities.
Sports guards should ideally be replaced after each sports season, especially if the athlete has developed a habit of chewing or using the guard improperly. Additionally, as children’s teeth and mouths grow, their guard may no longer fit well, so it’s a good idea to have a new guard made during their routine check-ups every six months.
A properly fitted sports guard should feel comfortable in your mouth. You should be able to breathe and talk easily without distraction. If the guard is uncomfortable or causes you to fidget or remove it during play, it might not fit well, and you should consider a custom sports guard instead.
Any sport or activity where you might fall, collide with others, or get hit by a ball or equipment requires protection for your teeth and mouth. Consider a sports guard for activities such as:
- Football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, and rugby
- Water polo, skateboarding, gymnastics, boxing, wrestling
- Biking, cricket, mountain biking, and more
Absolutely! In fact, if you wear braces, a sports guard is even more essential. Not only does it protect your teeth, but it also safeguards your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from potential injury caused by braces during impact.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
