All about sports guards
Sports guards play a critical role in protecting more than just your teeth. They help absorb and distribute impact during physical activity, reducing the risk of chipped or broken teeth, jaw injuries, and soft tissue damage. Sports guards are especially important for patients with orthodontics, dental bridges, or dental implants, as these restorations and appliances can be more vulnerable during contact or high-impact sports.
In the event of a collision or fall, a properly fitted sports guard also helps protect the inside of your lips and cheeks from injury. For anyone involved in sports or activities with a risk of impact, wearing a sports guard is a smart preventive step that can help avoid painful injuries and unexpected dental emergencies.
Exploring Your Sports Guard Options:
There are several types of sports guards available, each offering a different level of protection, comfort, and fit.
Stock Sports Guards:
Stock sports guards are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are commonly found at sporting goods stores and are the most basic option available. While better than no protection at all, these guards often fit poorly, feel bulky, and can make breathing or speaking difficult. Many athletes find them uncomfortable and may remove them during play, reducing their effectiveness.
Boil and Bite Sports Guards:
Boil and bite guards are softened in hot water and then shaped by biting into the material. They offer a better fit than stock guards and are also widely available at sporting goods stores. However, they can still feel bulky and may not fit well for everyone, particularly for patients with orthodontics or ongoing dental changes. If a boil and bite guard feels uncomfortable or interferes with breathing, a custom option may be a better choice.
Custom-Made Sports Guards:
Custom sports guards are individually designed to fit your mouth precisely. They provide the highest level of protection and comfort while allowing you to speak and breathe normally. Because they are made specifically for your teeth and bite, custom guards are ideal for patients with braces, restorations, or changing dental needs. If adjustments are ever needed, they can be made directly by your dental team, ensuring long-term comfort and reliability.
Understanding the Cost of Custom Sports Guards in Oakville
The cost of a custom sports guard can vary depending on individual needs. With a typical insurance plan, a custom mouth guard may average approximately $100 to $300 or more out of pocket. Without insurance, custom sports guards commonly range from about $150 to $350 and up.
Several factors influence the overall cost:
- The type and thickness of material used for the guard.
- Whether the guard needs to accommodate ongoing orthodontics or dental changes.
Because every smile and activity level is unique, an in-person exam is required to determine the best option for your needs. A properly fitted sports guard is an important investment in protecting your oral health and preserving your smile for years to come.
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to schedule your initial consultation and exam.
During your visit, we’ll perform a full examination of your teeth, gums, and bite to understand how your mouth looks and functions as a whole. This includes assessing your oral health, jaw alignment, and the overall appearance of your smile.
Before beginning treatment, we take the time to learn about your goals and what you hope to achieve. Whether you’re looking to improve function, appearance, or comfort, our team will create a personalized plan to help you reach a healthier, more confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone participating in sports or physical activities with a risk of contact, falls, or impact can benefit from a sports guard. This includes kids, teens, and adults involved in organized sports or recreational activities.
Yes. Sports guards help protect teeth, jaws, gums, lips, and cheeks. They are especially important for patients with orthodontics, dental bridges, or dental implants, which may be more vulnerable to damage during impact.
Custom sports guards offer a more precise fit, better comfort, and improved protection compared to stock or boil and bite guards. A secure fit helps ensure the guard stays in place during activity.
Yes. Custom sports guards can be designed to fit comfortably over braces and adapt to changes during orthodontic treatment, helping protect both teeth and appliances.
A properly fitted sports guard should allow you to breathe and speak comfortably. Custom-made guards are designed to minimize bulk while still providing strong protection.
Rinse your guard with cool water after use and store it in a ventilated case. Bring it to routine dental visits so it can be checked for wear or fit issues as part of preventive care.
Yes. Wearing a sports guard significantly reduces the risk of broken teeth, jaw injuries, and soft tissue damage, helping prevent unexpected dental emergencies during sports or physical activity.
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