Sports Guards: What You Should Kno
Sports guards do more than help prevent damage to your teeth. They can also protect braces and fixed dental appliances, including bridges and dental implants, while helping prevent your braces from irritating the inside of your cheeks and lips during an accident. A sports guard is a smart choice for anyone taking part in activities or sports where falls, contact, or flying equipment may occur. While wearing any sports guard is better than going without one, a custom guard made by your dental team offers a personalized fit designed specifically for your mouth and teeth.
Whether you play hockey, soccer, basketball, football, or another active sport, wearing the right sports guard can give you added protection while you play. A properly fitted guard should stay securely in place without making it difficult to breathe, speak, or concentrate on the game. For athletes with braces or other dental appliances, choosing a guard designed around their specific needs can be especially important.
What Are Your Options?
When choosing a sports guard, it’s important to consider comfort, fit, and the level of protection it provides. Here are the main options available and what to know about each one.
Stock Sports Guards
Stock sports guards are pre-formed and ready to use. They can be purchased at many sporting goods stores, but they may not provide a comfortable or secure fit. Their bulky design can make breathing and speaking more challenging, which may distract athletes during play. Some people may be tempted to remove the guard or adjust it while participating in their sport, reducing the protection it provides.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Boil and bite sports guards are sold as kits with instructions for creating a more personalized fit. The guard is softened in hot water before you bite into it to shape it around your teeth. They are commonly available at sporting goods stores and generally fit better than stock guards. However, they may still feel uncomfortable or bulky for some people. If your guard makes breathing, speaking, or playing comfortably difficult, a custom option may be a better choice.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Is it any surprise that custom-made mouth guards are our preferred option? There is simply no replacement for a guard designed specifically for your mouth. A custom sports guard made by our dental team provides a comfortable, personalized fit while offering excellent protection. If your guard ever needs an adjustment, our team is here to help make sure it fits properly and comfortably.
The Cost Of A Custom Sports Guard In Ottawa
The out-of-pocket price of a custom sports guard can differ depending on your individual needs. With a typical dental insurance plan, a custom mouth guard generally costs around $100 to $300 or more. Without insurance coverage, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $350 and up for a custom-made guard.
So Why Does The Cost Of A Custom Mouth Guard Vary? There Are Two Main Factors:
- The type and quality of material used to create your sports guard.
- Whether you are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment and need a guard that accommodates changes to your teeth.
Keep in mind that an exact price cannot be determined over the phone. Every patient has different needs, so an oral examination with your dentist is the best way to discuss your options and receive an accurate estimate. If you have dental insurance, our team can also provide a treatment estimate that you can submit to your insurance provider, helping you understand your expected out-of-pocket costs before proceeding.
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
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Booking an Appointment is Easy!
Simply call us or book an appointment in 3 easy steps:
Fill Out a Quick Form
We'll Call You Right Away
Choose a Time That Works for You
