Sports guards don’t just protect your teeth. They also protect braces and fixed dental appliances (like bridges and dental implants) and protect the inside of your cheeks and lips from your braces in the event of an accident.
Sports guards don’t just protect your teeth. They also protect braces and fixed dental appliances (like bridges and dental implants) and protect the inside of your cheeks and lips from your braces in the event of an accident. A sports guard is a wise investment for anyone participating in activities and sports which involve falls, body contact or flying equipment. Any sports guard is better than no sports guard, but nothing beats a guard made by your dental team and personalized for your mouth and teeth.
The out-of-pocket cost for a custom sports guard can vary widely from patient to patient. With a typical insurance plan, a mouth guard usually averages out to about $100 to $300+. Without insurance, a custom mouth guard costs between $150 to $350 and up.
So why does the cost of a custom mouthguard vary? There are two major factors:
Remember, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Ultimately, your needs are as unique as your smile. It’s important to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to find out all your treatment options and to receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we would be happy to supply you with a quote to submit to them so you can find out your out-of-pocket costs before you make a decision.
No. Though mouthguards and nightguards are both snuggly fitted to your teeth, they’re designed to perform different functions for your teeth and jaw. Sports guards are focused on protecting your mouth from impact, and night guards are focused on your bite and the position of your teeth and jaw.
These are all different names for the same thing: a device worn over your teeth that protects them from injury or reduces the severity of an injury.
Ideally, guards should be replaced after each sports season. Mouth guards can wear down over time, especially if the wearer has a habit of chewing or abusing their appliance. Teeth can also shift in adolescents which means their guard won’t quite fit as well. Many athletes who play several sports get a new sports guard made when they go for their routine 6-month checkup.
A custom-fit sports guard should feel comfortable in your mouth. It should be easy to breathe and talk. If you find yourself fidgeting with it or taking it out of your mouth during the big game, it might not be fitting right.
Any sport or activity where you might fall, come into contact with other players, or get hit by a ball or other equipment. Consider a sports guard if you or your child play football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, boxing or any other contact or high-risk sport.
You are extra encouraged to wear a sports guard! Not only does it protect your teeth, but it also protects your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from your braces should you be struck in the face.