All About Sports Guards
Sports guards do more than protect your teeth. They shield braces and fixed dental appliances such as bridges and dental implants, and they help prevent injuries to the inside of your cheeks and lips if you have braces during an accident. A custom sports guard is a smart choice for anyone involved in activities or sports with risks of falls, physical contact, or flying equipment. While any guard offers some protection, a custom-made guard from your dental team provides the best fit, comfort, and defense for your mouth and teeth.
Your Options for Sports Guards
Stock Sports Guards
Pre-formed and ready to wear, these guards are sold at most sporting goods stores. They often fit poorly, can feel bulky, and may make breathing or speaking difficult. Many athletes find them distracting and remove them during play.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
These guards come in a kit with instructions. After softening the guard in hot water, you bite into it to mould it to your teeth. They fit better than stock guards but may still feel uncomfortable or bulky, making breathing or talking harder for some people.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Our top choice for maximum protection and comfort is a custom-made mouth guard. Designed specifically for your mouth, this guard provides the best fit and defense against sports-related impacts. If adjustments are ever needed, our dental team is ready to fine-tune the fit so you stay protected and comfortable every time you play.
The cost of a custom sports guard in Stoney Creek
The out-of-pocket cost for a custom sports guard varies by patient. With a typical insurance plan, a mouth guard usually averages about $100 to $300+. Without insurance, the price generally ranges from $150 to $350 and up.
Why costs can differ
- The type of material used to fabricate your guard.
- Considerations for ongoing orthodontic treatment.
No dental practice can provide an exact quote over the phone. An in-person exam is required to assess your needs and provide an accurate estimate. If you have dental insurance, we can prepare a written quote for submission so you understand your expected out-of-pocket costs before making a decision.
Contact Us Today
Schedule your initial consultation and exam to start your path to a healthier smile. During your visit, we will examine your teeth, gums, and soft tissues, as well as the overall function and alignment of your bite. Our goal is to understand how your entire mouth looks and works before planning any treatment. Most importantly, we want to learn what you hope to achieve so we can create a plan that supports the health and appearance of your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
A custom sports guard protects your teeth, jaw, and dental work such as bridges or implants during contact sports or activities with a risk of impact. It also cushions your lips and cheeks from braces during an accident.
Unlike stock or boil-and-bite guards, a custom sports guard is designed by your dentist to fit your mouth precisely, offering superior comfort, easier breathing, and the best protection.
With proper care and regular checkups, a custom sports guard typically lasts one to two sports seasons. Your dentist will check its fit and condition during routine visits.
Yes. A custom guard is made to fit comfortably over braces and protects both your orthodontic appliances and soft tissues like cheeks and lips during sports.
Rinse it with cool water after each use, gently brush it with a toothbrush, and store it in a ventilated case to keep it dry and bacteria-free.
Children can use a sports guard as soon as they have most of their permanent teeth, typically around age 7 to 8, or earlier if they play contact sports and a dentist recommends it.
Yes. If you’ve had dental work such as new crowns, bridges, or orthodontic adjustments, you may need a new custom sports guard to maintain a proper fit and full protection.
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