All About Sports Guards
Sports guards do more than just protect your teeth. They also shield braces, bridges, dental implants, and the inside of your cheeks and lips from braces during accidents. Investing in a sports guard is a smart choice for anyone involved in activities or sports that include falls, physical contact, or flying equipment. While any sports guard is better than none, a custom-made guard from your dental team provides the best protection tailored specifically to your mouth and teeth.
So What Are Your Options?
When it comes to protecting your smile during sports, you have a few different types of mouthguards to choose from:
Stock Sports Guards
Stock sports guards are pre-formed and ready to wear, easily found at sporting goods stores. However, they often don’t fit well, can feel bulky, and may make breathing or talking difficult. Many athletes find them distracting and might remove or fiddle with them during the game, reducing their effectiveness.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Boil & bite guards come in kits with instructions. You boil the guard in water, then bite into the softened plastic to mold it to your teeth. These offer a better fit than stock guards and are also available at sporting goods stores. While they provide a more customized fit, some people may still find them uncomfortable or bulky. If a boil & bite guard doesn’t feel right, a custom-made option might be a better choice.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Our top recommendation is custom-made mouthguards, and for good reason! These guards are individually crafted to fit the unique shape of your mouth, offering the best protection and comfort. A custom guard from our dental team ensures optimal fit and effectiveness. Plus, if you ever find it uncomfortable, we’re here to make any necessary adjustments to ensure it works perfectly for you.
Choosing the right mouthguard can make a big difference in your comfort and protection during sports. Talk to us about which option is best for your needs!
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Breslau
The price for a custom sports guard can differ based on individual needs. With a standard insurance plan, you can expect to pay around $100 to $300 or more. If you don’t have insurance, a custom mouthguard typically ranges from $150 to $350 and up. Investing in a custom guard ensures the best protection and a comfortable fit tailored specifically to your mouth.
- Material Type: Different materials offer varying levels of protection and comfort, which can influence the overall price of the mouthguard.
- Orthodontic Considerations: If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, such as wearing braces, the mouthguard may need to be specially designed to accommodate these dental appliances, affecting the cost.
The cost of a custom mouthguard can fluctuate based on a couple of key factors:
Remember, every smile is unique, and so are your dental needs. It’s not possible for any dental practice to provide an exact quote over the phone. To get an accurate estimate, it’s important to schedule a consultation and an oral exam with your dentist. During this visit, you can discuss all your treatment options and receive a personalized quote. If you have dental insurance, we’re happy to help you obtain a quote to submit to your insurer, so you know your out-of-pocket costs before making a decision.
Investing in a custom mouthguard ensures you receive the best protection tailored specifically to your mouth, giving you peace of mind during your favourite activities.
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 are designed for different purposes. While both fit snugly over your teeth, mouthguards protect your teeth from impacts during sports or physical activities. On the other hand, nightguards are specifically made to prevent teeth grinding and clenching while you sleep, helping to maintain your bite and reduce jaw discomfort. Using a mouthguard as a nightguard won’t provide the necessary support for your bite and jaw health.
These terms are often used interchangeably and generally refer to the same device: a protective mouthpiece worn over your teeth. Whether you call it a sports guard, mouthguard, or mouth protector, its main function is to shield your teeth, braces, and soft tissues in your mouth from injuries during sports or other activities. Choosing the right term usually depends on personal preference, but regardless of the name, the protection they offer is the same.
Ideally, sports guards should be replaced after each sports season. Over time, mouthguards can wear down, especially if they’re frequently chewed or mishandled. Additionally, as adolescents grow and their teeth shift, a guard may no longer fit properly. Many athletes opt to get a new sports guard during their routine 6-month dental checkups to ensure continued protection and a perfect fit.
A well-fitting custom sports guard should feel comfortable in your mouth, allowing you to breathe and talk easily. If you notice yourself fidgeting with the guard or removing it during important moments in the game, it might not be fitting correctly. A good fit means the guard stays in place without causing discomfort, ensuring maximum protection while you play.
If you or your child participate in any sport or activity where there’s a risk of falls, collisions with other players, or being hit by balls or equipment, a sports guard is essential. Consider wearing a sports guard for activities such as:
- Contact Sports: Football, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, wrestling, boxing
- High-Risk Sports: Skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, water polo
- Ball Sports: Baseball, cricket, softball
- Other Activities: Ringette, curling
Using a sports guard in these activities helps protect your teeth, braces, and soft tissues from potential injuries, ensuring you can enjoy your sport safely.
Absolutely! In fact, wearing a sports guard is even more important if you have braces. A sports guard not only safeguards your teeth but also protects your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from any impacts during sports or physical activities. This extra layer of protection helps prevent damage to your orthodontic appliances and reduces the risk of mouth injuries, allowing you to stay active with peace of mind.
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