All about sports guards
Sports guards are a smart investment for anyone involved in activities or sports where falls, body contact, or flying equipment are possible. While any sports guard is better than none, nothing compares to one made by your dental team and tailored specifically for your mouth and teeth.
For personalized protection and expert advice, visit our Dental Office Burlington for a custom sports guard made just for you.
So what are your options?
Stock Sports Guards
These come pre formed and ready to wear, and you can find them at sporting goods stores. They often do not fit well, can feel bulky in your mouth, and may make breathing or talking difficult. Many athletes find themselves distracted by these guards and remove them or play with them during games.
Boil and Bite Sports Guards
These kits come with instructions. You boil the blank guard in water, then bite into it to shape the plastic to your teeth. Available at sporting goods stores, they offer a better fit than stock guards but are not for everyone. If a boil and bite guard feels uncomfortable, bulky, or interferes with breathing or talking, a custom guard is a better option.
Custom Made Mouth Guards
Our preferred choice is a custom made mouth guard. These offer the best protection and the most comfort because they are made specifically for your mouth. If it is not comfortable, we can make adjustments to ensure a perfect fit.
The cost of a custom sports guard in Burlington
Out of pocket costs vary widely. With typical insurance, a custom mouth guard usually costs between one hundred and three hundred dollars. Without insurance, expect to pay between one hundred fifty and three hundred fifty dollars or more.
- The material used to make your guard
- Whether you are undergoing orthodontic treatment
Why does the cost vary?
Two main factors affect the cost:
No dental practice can provide an exact quote over the phone. Your needs are unique. It is important to consult with a dentist and have an oral exam to explore your options and get an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we can provide a quote to submit to them so you know your out of pocket costs before making 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 fit snugly over your teeth, they serve different purposes. Sports guards protect your mouth from impact. Night guards protect your bite and the position of your teeth and jaw.
These are all different names for the same device: something worn over your teeth to protect them from injury or reduce injury severity.
Guards should be replaced after each sports season. They wear down over time, especially if you chew on them. Teeth can shift during adolescence, causing guards to fit less well. Many athletes get new sports guards during routine dental check ups every six months.
A well-fitting guard should be comfortable and allow easy breathing and talking. If you find yourself adjusting it or removing it during games, it probably does not fit correctly.
Any sport or activity where falls, contact with other players, or being hit by equipment is possible. Consider a guard if you play football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, boxing, or other contact or high risk sports.
Yes. You are especially encouraged to wear one. Sports guards protect your teeth, braces, and the inside of your lips and cheeks from injury if you are struck in the face.
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