About Sports Guards
A sports guard is essential for anyone engaging in activities that involve physical contact, falls, or flying equipment. These guards not only protect your teeth but also safeguard braces and permanent dental devices like bridges and implants. They help prevent injuries to the inside of your cheeks and lips from braces during accidents. Although any sports guard offers some protection, a custom-made guard by your dental team, tailored to fit your mouth and teeth, provides the best defense. Investing in a sports guard is a wise decision for comprehensive protection.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
Stock sports guards are pre-formed and ready for immediate use, commonly found in sporting goods stores. However, they often have a poor fit, feel bulky, and can make breathing or speaking challenging. Athletes frequently find these guards distracting, leading them to remove or fidget with them during gameplay.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Boil & bite sports guards are a popular option found in sporting goods stores, providing a better fit than stock guards. These kits come with instructions; you soften the blank guard by boiling it in water and then bite into the plastic to mould it to your teeth. While this method offers an improved fit, it isn’t ideal for everyone. If your boil & bite guard feels bulky, uncomfortable, or makes breathing and talking difficult, you might want to consider a custom-made guard for superior comfort and protection.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
It’s no surprise that custom-made mouth guards are our top recommendation! They offer unparalleled protection and comfort, tailored specifically to your mouth. A sports guard crafted by our team provides the best fit and highest level of safety. Should it need any adjustments, we are readily available to ensure it meets your comfort needs, and you can count on us to make it right.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Newmarket
The expense for a custom sports guard can differ significantly between patients. With a standard insurance plan, the average cost for a mouth guard ranges from $100 to over $300. For those without insurance, the price of a custom mouth guard typically falls between $150 and $350 or more.
- Type of Material: The material used for your guard plays a significant role in the overall cost. Different materials offer varying levels of protection, comfort, and durability.
- Ongoing Orthodontic Treatment: If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, additional adjustments and considerations are necessary, which can impact the price.
So why does the cost of a custom mouthguard vary? Two major factors influence the cost of a custom mouthguard:
Accurate quotes can’t be provided over the phone. Your needs are unique, so it’s essential to have an oral exam and consult with a dentist to explore treatment options and get a precise quote. If you have dental insurance, we can supply a quote for submission to determine your out-of-pocket costs before deciding.
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.
Winner Of The Three Best Rated Award
Dr. Chiang is the winner of the 3 Best Rated award for Best Dentists in Newmarket.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you cannot. While both nightguards and mouthguards fit snugly to your teeth, they are designed for different purposes. Nightguards are meant to maintain the proper alignment of your teeth and jaw during sleep, whereas sports guards are made to shield your mouth from impacts during physical activities.
All these terms describe the same item: a protective device worn over your teeth to prevent or minimize injuries.
Sports guards should ideally be replaced every season. Athletes often get a new guard during their routine 6-month dental checkup, especially those who play multiple sports. Frequent chewing can cause wear and tear, and for adolescents, shifting teeth can affect the guard’s fit.
A well-fitting sports guard should let you breathe and speak comfortably. If you often fidget with it or remove it during activities, it likely doesn’t fit properly. Comfort is key; a custom-fit guard should feel secure and unobtrusive in your mouth.
A sports guard is crucial for any high-risk or contact sport. Activities like football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, boxing, wrestling, skateboarding, mountain biking, and gymnastics all pose risks of falls, collisions, or being hit by equipment. If you or your child engage in these sports, using a sports guard is highly recommended.
Absolutely, and it’s even more important for you to do so! A sports guard not only shields your teeth but also safeguards your braces and prevents your lips and cheeks from being injured by the braces if you get hit in the face.
Yes, children who participate in sports should definitely wear sports guards. These guards protect their developing teeth and mouths from injury during physical activities. Custom-fit guards are especially recommended for the best protection and comfort.
To ensure your sports guard lasts, rinse it with cold water or a mouth rinse before and after each use. Clean it regularly with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Store it in a ventilated container when not in use, and avoid exposing it to high temperatures, which can distort its shape.
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