All About Sports Guards
Sports guards don’t just protect your teeth. They also protect braces and fixed dental appliances (like bridges and dental implants) and shield the inside of your cheeks and lips from your braces if you suffer an accident. A sports guard is a smart investment for anyone participating in activities and sports that involve falls, body contact, or flying equipment. While any sports guard is better than no sports guard, a guard made by your dental team and personalized for your mouth and teeth provides the best protection.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These come pre formed and ready to wear, available at most sporting goods stores. They often don’t fit well, can feel bulky in your mouth, and make it difficult to breathe or talk. Athletes often find themselves distracted by these guards, taking them out or fiddling with them during play.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
These come with instructions and require you to boil the blank guard in water and then bite into it to form the guard to your teeth. While this option offers a better fit than stock guards, it may not be suitable for everyone. If your boil & bite guard is uncomfortable or bulky, consider a custom guard.
Custom Made Mouth Guards
This is our favourite, and for good reason! Nothing beats an individualized, custom made mouth guard. A sports guard made by us will offer the best protection and the most comfort. And if it’s not comfortable? We are here to make adjustments and ensure it fits perfectly.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in North York
The out of pocket cost for a custom sports guard can vary depending on the patient. With a typical insurance plan, a mouth guard usually averages between $100 and $300. Without insurance, a custom mouth guard typically costs between $150 and $350 or more.
- The type of material used for the guard.
- Consideration for ongoing orthodontic treatment.
So Why Does the Cost of a Custom Mouth Guard Vary?
There are two major factors that influence the cost:
Remember, no Dentist in North York, ON can provide an exact quote over the phone. The best way to get an accurate price is to schedule an appointment for a consultation. After an oral exam, we can offer a personalized quote that suits your needs. If you have dental insurance, we can provide a quote for submission to your insurance to help you determine your 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both mouthguards and nightguards are fitted snugly to your teeth, they are designed for different purposes. Sports guards are focused on protecting your mouth from impact, while night guards help with your bite and jaw position.
These are all different names for the same thing: a device worn over your teeth to protect them from injury or reduce the severity of an injury.
Ideally, sports guards should be replaced after each sports season. They can wear down over time, especially if the wearer chews on or abuses the appliance. Additionally, as teeth shift in adolescents, the guard may no longer fit properly. Many athletes get a new sports guard made during their routine 6 month checkup.
A custom fit sports guard should feel comfortable in your mouth. It should be easy to breathe and talk. If you find yourself fidgeting with it or taking it out during the game, it might not fit properly.
Any sport or activity where you might fall, come into contact with other players, or get hit by a ball or equipment. Consider using a sports guard if you or your child play 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, wearing a sports guard is even more important with braces. Not only does it protect your teeth, but it also protects your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from your braces in the event of an impact.
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