All About Sports Guards
Sports guards do more than protect your teeth—they safeguard braces, dental appliances like bridges or implants, and even the inside of your cheeks and lips during impacts. For the best protection, consider a custom-fit sports guard tailored by our dental professionals.
Whether you’re participating in contact sports, activities with a risk of falls, or where flying equipment is common, a custom sports guard offers unmatched comfort and defence. Protect your smile with a guard designed specifically for you by our experienced team.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
Readily available at sporting goods stores, stock sports guards are pre-formed and not designed to fit your mouth specifically. They often feel bulky and uncomfortable, making it hard to breathe or talk. Many athletes find them distracting, leading to frequent adjustments or even removal during games.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
These guards are slightly better than stock options. By boiling the blank guard and biting into it, you can mould it to fit your teeth. While they offer a more tailored fit, they can still feel uncomfortable, bulky, or restrictive for some individuals. If this happens, a custom-made guard may be the better choice.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
For the best in comfort and protection, custom-made sports guards are the ideal option. Tailored specifically to your teeth, they provide superior fit, comfort, and safety. Our practice ensures these guards meet your expectations and offers adjustments if necessary, making them the most reliable choice for athletes looking for optimal performance and protection.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Whitby
The cost of a custom sports guard varies based on individual needs. Typically, with standard insurance coverage, prices range from $100 to $300 or more. Without insurance, you can expect to pay between $150 and $350 or higher.
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Factors Affecting the Cost:
- Material: The quality and type of material used for the sports guard.
- Orthodontic Considerations: Adjustments needed for ongoing orthodontic treatment.
Accurate pricing requires an in-person consultation, as every case is unique. During your visit, a dentist will perform an oral exam, review your needs, and provide a detailed quote. If you have insurance, we can help you submit a claim to determine your out-of-pocket costs before proceeding.
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. Although both mouth guards and night guards are custom-fitted to your teeth, they serve different purposes. Sports guards protect your mouth from physical impacts, while night guards focus on your bite and jaw alignment to prevent issues like grinding or clenching.
These terms all refer to the same device: a dental appliance worn to protect teeth from injury or reduce damage during impacts.
Sports guards should be replaced regularly, ideally after each sports season. Wear and tear, chewing on the guard, or improper care can cause deterioration. For adolescents, shifting teeth can lead to a poor fit, making regular replacements even more important. Many athletes choose to replace their sports guard during their routine 6-month dental checkup.
A well-fitted custom sports guard should be comfortable, allowing you to breathe and speak easily. If you’re constantly adjusting or removing it during games, it’s likely not fitting correctly and may need adjustment or replacement.
Sports guards are essential for activities with a risk of falls, player contact, or flying equipment. These include football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, boxing, and other contact or high-risk sports.
Absolutely! In fact, wearing a sports guard is even more critical if you have braces. It protects not only your teeth but also your braces, lips, and cheeks from potential injuries caused by impacts.
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