Everything You Need to Know About Sports Guards
Sports guards offer more than just teeth protection; they also shield braces, fixed dental appliances (such as bridges and dental implants), and provide safety for the inner cheeks and lips in case of accidents. Investing in a sports guard is a smart decision for anyone engaging in activities or sports that entail falls, physical contact, or airborne equipment. While any sports guard is beneficial, a custom-made guard from your dental team, tailored to fit your mouth and teeth, provides the ultimate protection.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These are pre-formed and readily available at sporting goods stores. However, they often lack a proper fit, causing discomfort, mouth bulkiness, and difficulties in breathing or speaking. Athletes frequently become distracted by these guards, leading them to remove or fiddle with them during the game.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
These kits include instructions for a process where you heat the blank guard in water and then mold it to your teeth by biting into the plastic. They are also found in sporting goods stores and typically provide a better fit compared to stock guards. However, it’s important to note that this method may not suit everyone. If your boil-and-bite guard feels uncomfortable, bulky, or hinders your ability to breathe or speak, it might be worth considering a custom-made guard.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Are you wondering why this is our top pick? There’s a solid reason for it! Nothing beats a personalized, tailor-made mouthguard. A sports guard crafted by our team ensures the highest level of protection and comfort. And if, by some rare chance, it doesn’t feel comfortable, we’re here to make the necessary adjustments, and you can rely on us to ensure it’s just right for you.
The cost of a custom sports guard in Cornwall
The out-of-pocket cost for a custom sports guard can vary widely from patient to patient. With a typical insurance plan, a mouth guard usually averages out to about $100 to $300+. Without insurance, a custom mouth guard costs between $150 to $350 and up.
- The type of material your guard is made of.
- Consideration for ongoing orthodontic treatment.
So why does the cost of a custom mouthguard vary? There are two major factors:
Remember, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Ultimately, your needs are as unique as your smile. It’s important to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to find out all your treatment options and to receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we would be happy to supply you with a quote to submit to them so you can find out your out-of-pocket costs before you make 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 snugly fitted to your teeth, they serve distinct purposes for your dental health. Sports guards are primarily designed to shield your mouth from impacts, while night guards focus on your bite, teeth, and jaw position.
These are all different names for the same thing: a device worn over your teeth that protects them from injury or reduces the severity of an injury.
Ideally, it’s recommended to replace guards after each sports season. Mouthguards can deteriorate over time, especially if the wearer has a habit of chewing on them or using them roughly. Additionally, the teeth of adolescents may shift, causing the guard to no longer fit properly. Many athletes who participate in multiple sports opt to have 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 of your mouth during the big game, it might not be fitting right.
Any sport or activity involving the risk of falling, contact with other players, or potential impacts from balls or equipment warrants consideration for a sports guard. Whether you or your child participate in 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, a sports guard is worth contemplating.
You are extra encouraged to wear a sports guard! Not only does it protect your teeth, but it also protects your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from your braces should you be struck in the face.
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