All About Sports Guards
Sports guards do more than just protect your teeth—they also protect braces and fixed dental appliances such as bridges and dental implants. In the event of an accident, they shield the inside of your cheeks and lips from damage caused by braces. A sports guard is a smart investment for anyone involved in activities or sports that involve falls, body contact, or flying equipment. While any sports guard is better than none, nothing beats a custom-made guard created by your dental team, designed specifically for your mouth and teeth for optimal protection.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
Stock sports guards come pre-formed and ready to wear, and they are readily available at sporting goods stores. However, they often don’t fit well, can feel bulky in your mouth, and may make breathing or talking difficult. Athletes frequently find themselves distracted by these guards, taking them out or playing with them during games.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Boil & bite sports guards come with a kit and instructions. You boil the blank guard in water and then bite into the plastic to mould it to your teeth. These guards offer a better fit than stock ones, but the process isn’t for everyone. If your boil & bite guard is uncomfortable, bulky, or makes breathing or talking difficult, you may want to consider a custom guard.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
No surprise here—custom-made mouthguards are our favourite choice! There’s simply no substitute for a personalized, custom-made sports guard. A guard crafted by your dental team will provide the best protection and offer maximum comfort. And in the unlikely event that it’s not comfortable, we’re right here to make adjustments and ensure you’re fully satisfied with the fit and protection.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Kanata
The cost of a custom sports guard can vary based on individual needs. For patients with insurance, the cost typically ranges from $100 to $300+. If you don’t have insurance, the price usually falls between $150 and $350 or more, depending on the specific requirements.
- The material used to create the guard.
- Consideration for ongoing orthodontic treatment.
So, why does the cost of a custom mouthguard fluctuate?There are two key factors:
It’s important to remember that dental practices cannot give accurate quotes over the phone. Since each patient’s needs are unique, it’s essential to schedule an appointment for a proper oral exam. This will help determine all your treatment options and provide a precise estimate. If you have dental insurance, we can provide a quote for you to submit to your insurer, allowing you to determine your out-of-pocket expenses before proceeding with treatment.
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 mouthguards and nightguards both fit snugly over your teeth, they are designed to serve different functions. Sports guards are made to protect your teeth from impact during physical activity, whereas night guards focus on protecting your bite and the alignment of your teeth and jaw while you sleep.
While often used interchangeably, there are small distinctions:
- Sports Guard: Specifically designed for physical activities and contact sports to protect teeth, gums, and jaw from impact and injury.
- Mouth Guard: A general term that includes devices for protecting teeth during sports, preventing teeth grinding (bruxism), or protecting braces.
- Mouth Protector: Another term for a mouth guard, often used in the context of sports, but less specific than “sports guard.”
In short, a “sports guard” is the most specific term for athletic use, while “mouth guard” and “mouth protector” are broader terms.
Ideally, sports guards should be replaced after each sports season. Over time, they can wear down, especially if the wearer tends to chew on or misuse the appliance. For adolescents, teeth can shift, making the guard less effective. Many athletes who play multiple sports get a new sports guard made during their routine 6-month dental checkup.
A well-fitted custom sports guard should feel comfortable in your mouth. It should allow you to breathe and talk with ease. If you find yourself constantly adjusting it or removing it during your game, it might not fit properly.
Any sport or activity where there is a risk of falling, contact with other players, or potential injury from a ball or other equipment. Consider wearing a sports guard if you or your child play sports such as 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.
Absolutely! In fact, it’s even more important to wear a sports guard if you have braces. Not only does it protect your teeth, but it also safeguards your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from injury in the event of a blow to the face.
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