All About Sports Guards
Sports guards offer more than just protection for your teeth—they also safeguard braces, fixed dental appliances (like bridges and dental implants), and prevent injuries to your cheeks and lips from your braces during an accident. They are a smart investment for anyone involved in activities or sports that include falls, body contact, or flying equipment. While any sports guard is better than none, a custom-made guard from your dental team provides the best fit and protection for your mouth and teeth.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
Pre-formed and ready to wear, stock sports guards are easily found in sporting goods stores. However, they often don’t fit well, can feel bulky, and may make breathing or talking difficult. Many athletes find them uncomfortable or distracting, which can lead to them being removed or adjusted during play.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Boil & bite sports guards offer a better fit than stock versions. These come with instructions to heat the blank guard in water and then bite down to mould it to your teeth. While they provide a more customized fit, they can still be uncomfortable for some users. If it feels bulky or interferes with breathing or talking, you may want to consider a custom guard.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Our top recommendation! A custom-made mouthguard is designed specifically for your mouth, providing superior protection and comfort. Created by your dental team, these guards offer the best fit and can be adjusted as needed to ensure maximum comfort and safety. Plus, if it’s ever uncomfortable, we’re here to make it right!
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Markham
The out-of-pocket cost for a custom sports guard can vary from patient to patient. With typical insurance coverage, the cost usually ranges from $100 to $300+. Without insurance, custom mouthguards typically cost between $150 and $350 or more.
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So, why does the cost vary? Two key factors influence the price:
- The material used for the mouthguard
- Considerations for ongoing orthodontic treatment
Since every patient’s needs are unique, it’s important to visit your dentist for an oral exam to explore your options and receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we’re happy to provide a quote that you can submit to find out your exact out-of-pocket costs 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.
Winner Of The Three Best Rated Award
Dr. Alwash is the winner of the 3 Best Rated award for Best Dentists in Markham.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, mouthguards and nightguards serve different purposes. A sports guard protects your mouth from impact during physical activities, while a nightguard is designed to address issues related to your bite and jaw position during sleep.
These terms refer to the same thing: a protective device worn over your teeth to prevent or minimize injury during physical activities.
Sports guards should ideally be replaced after each sports season. Over time, they can wear down, especially if chewed on. In growing adolescents, teeth can shift, affecting the fit. Many athletes get a new sports guard during their regular 6-month dental checkup.
A properly fitted sports guard should feel comfortable, allowing you to breathe and talk easily. If you find yourself constantly adjusting or removing it, it may not be fitting properly.
Any sport involving contact, falls, or flying equipment warrants a sports guard. Consider one for football, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, boxing, wrestling, mountain biking, skateboarding, gymnastics, and many other high-risk sports.
Absolutely! In fact, it’s even more important for individuals with braces. A sports guard not only protects your teeth but also shields your braces and prevents injury to the inside of your lips and cheeks in the event of an impact.
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