All About Sports Guards
Sports guards are an important investment for anyone participating in sports or activities that involve potential falls, body contact, or flying objects. While any sports guard is better than none, nothing beats the fit and protection offered by a custom-made guard created by our Dentist Port Dover locals trust. A personalized guard designed for your mouth and teeth will provide superior comfort and protection compared to over-the-counter options.
So, What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These are pre-formed, ready-to-wear guards available at sporting goods stores. While they provide basic protection, they often don’t fit well, can feel bulky, and can make it difficult to breathe or talk. Many athletes find themselves distracted by these guards, sometimes removing them during play or fiddling with them on the field.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Available in a kit with instructions, these guards are softened by boiling and then molded to your teeth by biting into them. While these offer a better fit than stock guards, they still might be uncomfortable or bulky for some people, which can make breathing or talking difficult. If this is the case, a custom guard could be a better solution for your needs.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
This is the option we highly recommend. A custom-made mouth guard offers the best protection and the most comfort. Unlike stock or boil-and-bite guards, a custom guard is designed specifically for your mouth, ensuring a perfect fit. And in the unlikely event that it’s uncomfortable, your Dentist in Port Dover is right here to make adjustments and ensure a proper fit.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Port Dover
The cost of a custom sports guard can vary depending on several factors. On average, if you have insurance, a mouth guard typically costs between $100 and $300+. Without insurance, the cost can range from $150 to $350 and up.
- The type of material used for the guard.
- Whether you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Why does the price vary? There are two main factors:
It’s important to speak with your dentist to get an accurate quote based on your specific needs. If you have dental insurance, your dentist can help you get a quote to submit to your insurance provider to better understand your out-of-pocket costs.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, they serve different purposes. While both mouthguards and nightguards are custom-fitted to your teeth, sports guards protect your teeth from impact during physical activities, whereas nightguards are designed to protect your teeth from grinding and help position your jaw correctly while you sleep.
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they all refer to the same thing: a device worn over your teeth to protect them from injury or to reduce the severity of an injury during sports or physical activities.
Sports guards should ideally be replaced at least once per season. Over time, they can wear down, especially if you tend to chew on them or misuse them. Additionally, if you’re an adolescent and your teeth are shifting, your guard might no longer fit as well. Athletes who play multiple sports often have a new guard made during their routine 6-month dental checkup.
A well-fitting, custom sports guard should feel comfortable in your mouth, making it easy to breathe and talk. If you find yourself constantly fidgeting with the guard or removing it during play, it’s likely not fitting properly.
If your sport involves physical contact, falls, or flying objects, a sports guard is a good idea. Activities such as football, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, gymnastics, mountain biking, boxing, and many other high-risk sports require protection for your teeth. A sports guard is also recommended for non-contact activities like skateboarding or gymnastics, where falls could still cause dental damage.
Yes, absolutely! If you have braces, you are even more encouraged to wear a sports guard. Not only does it protect your teeth, but it also helps shield your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from injury during impact.
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