All About Sports Guards
Sports guards provide more than just protection for your teeth. They also safeguard braces and fixed dental appliances, such as bridges and dental implants, as well as protecting the inside of your cheeks and lips from injuries caused by braces during accidents. Investing in a sports guard is a smart choice for anyone involved in sports or activities that carry a risk of falls, body contact, or flying equipment. While any sports guard is better than none, nothing compares to a guard custom-made by your dental team, tailored to fit your unique mouth and teeth for optimal protection and comfort.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These pre-formed, ready-to-wear guards are available at sporting goods stores. While convenient, they often do not provide a good fit, feeling bulky in the mouth and making it difficult to breathe or speak. Athletes may become distracted, leading them to remove or adjust the guard during games.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
This option comes in a kit with instructions. You boil the guard and then bite into it to mold it to your teeth. These guards typically offer a better fit than stock guards, but they may still feel uncomfortable or cumbersome. If breathing or speaking becomes difficult, a custom-made guard is a better choice.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
The best choice for comfort and protection. A custom mouthguard made by your dental team will provide optimal fit, protection, and comfort. If you find it’s not fitting perfectly, we’ll work with you to make adjustments. Custom guards are tailored specifically for your needs, making them the most effective and comfortable option available.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Waterloo
The cost of a custom sports guard can vary depending on a few key factors. Typically, with insurance coverage, a custom mouth guard will cost between $100 to $300+. Without insurance, the cost usually ranges from $150 to $350 or more.
Why does the cost vary?
- Material: The type of material used for your sports guard can influence the price.
- Orthodontic Considerations: If you are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, the guard may need to be customized accordingly.
It’s important to note that providing an accurate cost estimate over the phone is difficult. Your needs are unique, and a consultation and oral exam are essential to determine the best treatment plan and final cost. If you have dental insurance, we can provide you with a quote that you can submit to your insurance provider 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, mouthguards and nightguards serve different purposes. While both are custom-fitted to your teeth, a sports guard is designed to protect your mouth from impact during physical activities, while a night guard is focused on managing your bite and preventing grinding or jaw clenching while you sleep.
These terms often refer to the same thing: a device worn over your teeth to protect them from injury. However, they are sometimes used interchangeably, depending on the context, with “sports guard” being more common for physical activity and “mouthguard” or “mouth protector” used more generally.
Sports guards should ideally be replaced at the start of each sports season, especially if you’re using them frequently. They wear down over time, particularly if you tend to chew on them. Additionally, as teeth shift—especially in adolescents—a sports guard that once fit well may not continue to do so. Many athletes get a new guard during their routine check-ups every 6 months.
A well-fitting sports guard should feel comfortable and should not make it difficult to breathe or speak. If you find yourself constantly adjusting it, or if it feels uncomfortable during activities, it may not be the correct fit.
Any sport or activity that carries a risk of impact, such as falling, colliding with other players, or being hit by equipment, warrants the use of a sports guard. Consider one if you participate in:
- Football
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Baseball
- Soccer
- Water Polo
- Skateboarding
- Boxing
- Wrestling
- And other high-risk sports.
Yes, it’s actually highly recommended. A sports guard will not only protect your teeth but also shield your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from injury in case of impact during physical activities.
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