All About Sports Guards
Sports guards do more than just protect your teeth—they shield braces, dental implants, and other fixed dental appliances like bridges. They also reduce the risk of injury to the inside of your cheeks and lips caused by braces during accidents.
If you’re involved in activities with falls, body contact, or flying equipment, a sports guard is a smart investment to prevent dental injuries. While any sports guard offers some protection, a custom-made guard from your dental team provides the best fit, comfort, and level of protection, tailored specifically to your mouth and teeth. Protect your smile and play with confidence!
What Are Your Options for Sports Guards?
Stock Sports Guards
Stock sports guards are pre-formed and ready to wear, typically available at sporting goods stores. While convenient, they often fit poorly, feel bulky, and can make breathing or talking difficult. Many athletes find them uncomfortable and distracting, sometimes removing them mid-game—defeating their purpose.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
These guards come in a kit with instructions. You soften the blank guard by boiling it in water, then bite down to mold it to your teeth. Boil & bite guards offer a better fit than stock guards and are also available at sporting goods stores. However, they can still feel bulky or uncomfortable for some users. If yours makes it hard to breathe, talk, or stay focused, it might be time to consider a custom-made option.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
It’s no surprise this is our favorite option! A custom-made sports guard offers unmatched comfort, protection, and fit because it’s specifically designed for your teeth and mouth. Made by your dentist, it minimizes bulkiness, maximizes safety, and can be adjusted to perfection if needed. With a custom guard, you get peace of mind knowing your smile is fully protected, and your dental team is always available for support. Choose the sports guard that best suits your needs—but for the highest level of protection and comfort, custom-made is the way to go!
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Sparta
The cost of a custom sports guard varies depending on individual needs. For patients with typical dental insurance, the cost usually ranges from $100 to $300+. For those without insurance, a custom mouthguard typically costs $150 to $350 or more, depending on specific requirements.
- Type of Material: The material used in crafting the guard can influence durability, comfort, and cost.
- Orthodontic Considerations: Custom guards may need to account for ongoing orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, which can add complexity.
Why Do Custom Sports Guard Costs Vary?
Getting an Accurate Quote
Every smile is unique, and so are the needs for a custom sports guard. While it’s impossible to provide an exact quote over the phone, scheduling a consultation with your dentist is essential. After an oral exam, your dentist can determine your specific needs and provide an accurate estimate.
If you have dental insurance, we’re happy to help you submit a quote to your provider, so you’ll know your out-of-pocket costs before making a decision. A custom sports guard is an investment in protecting your teeth and overall oral health—tailored specifically for you!
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 snugly fitted to your teeth, they serve different purposes. Sports guards protect your teeth and mouth from impact during physical activity, while nightguards focus on correcting bite alignment and protecting your teeth and jaw from grinding or clenching during sleep.
These terms all refer to the same thing: a device worn over your teeth to protect them from injury or reduce the severity of an injury.
Sports guards should ideally be replaced after each sports season. They can wear down over time, especially if the wearer has a habit of chewing on them. In adolescents, shifting teeth can also affect the fit. Many athletes choose to replace their sports guard during their routine 6-month dental checkup.
A well-fitting sports guard should feel comfortable and allow you to breathe and talk easily. If you find yourself fidgeting with it or removing it during activity, it’s a sign that it may not fit properly and should be adjusted or replaced.
Sports guards are recommended for any activity where there’s a risk of falling, player contact, or being struck by equipment. This includes football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, boxing, and other contact or high-risk sports.
Absolutely, and it’s even more important! A sports guard not only protects your teeth but also shields your braces and prevents injuries to the inside of your lips and cheeks if you’re struck in the face. A custom sports guard is the best option for ensuring proper fit and maximum protection.
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