All about sports guards
A sports guard is a wise investment for anyone involved in activities or sports with falls, body contact, or flying equipment. Any sports guard is better than none, but nothing compares to one made by your dental team and custom fitted to your mouth and teeth.
So, what are your options?
Stock Sports Guards
These come pre formed and ready to wear, available at sporting goods stores. They often fit poorly, feel bulky, and can make breathing or talking difficult. Athletes may become distracted by them and remove or play with the guard during the game.
Boil and Bite Sports Guards
These kits come with instructions to soften the guard in hot water, then bite into the plastic to form to your teeth. They fit better than stock guards but may still be uncomfortable, bulky, or restrict breathing and talking. If so, consider a custom guard.
Custom Made Mouth Guards
This is our preferred choice for good reason. A custom made sports guard offers the best protection and comfort. If it feels uncomfortable, we make adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. You can rely on us to provide the best.
The cost of a custom sports guard in Mississauga
Out of pocket costs vary widely. With typical insurance, a custom guard averages between $100 and $300 or more. Without insurance, costs range from $150 to $350 and up.
- The type of material used
- Whether ongoing orthodontic treatment requires special consideration
Why does the cost vary?
Two major factors influence the cost:
No dental practice can give an exact quote over the phone. Your needs are unique, so it is important to consult with a dentist and have an oral exam to explore options and get an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we can provide a quote to submit so you know your out of pocket cost before deciding.
For expert advice and custom sports guards, trust your Dentist in Mississauga, ON to protect your smile and your safety.
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. Although both fit snugly over your teeth, they serve different purposes. Sports guards protect your mouth from impact, while nightguards protect your bite and jaw position.
These are all names for a device worn over your teeth to protect them from injury or reduce injury severity.
Guards should ideally be replaced after each sports season. They can wear down, especially if you chew or misuse them. Teeth shifting in adolescents can also affect fit. Many athletes get new guards during their routine six month dental check up.
A custom sports guard should be comfortable and allow easy breathing and talking. If you fidget with it or remove it during games, it may not fit properly.
Any sport or activity with risk of falls, contact with players, or being hit by balls or equipment. Consider a sports guard for 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.
Absolutely! You are especially encouraged to wear one. It protects your teeth, braces, and the inside of your lips and cheeks from injury in case of a blow to the face.
