All About Sports Guards
Sports guards do more than just protect your teeth—they also keep your braces, dental implants, and other dental work safe, while shielding the inside of your cheeks and lips from potential injury. Whether you’re playing sports that involve falls, body contact, or flying equipment, a sports guard is a smart way to prevent serious dental damage. While any sports guard is better than nothing, a custom-made one from your dental team is the best option. It’s designed to fit your mouth perfectly, giving you maximum protection and peace of mind, so you can focus on the game without worrying about your smile.
So, What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These pre-formed guards are ready to use and can be found in most sporting goods stores. However, they often don’t fit well, feel bulky, and may make it difficult to breathe or talk. Many athletes find them uncomfortable and end up removing or fiddling with them during play, which defeats the purpose of wearing one.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
This option involves heating the guard in water and then biting into it to mould it to your teeth. While they offer a better fit than stock guards, they’re still not perfect for everyone. If your boil & bite guard feels uncomfortable, bulky, or interferes with your breathing or talking, it may be time to consider a custom option.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Of course, this is our top pick—and for good reason! A custom-made mouthguard, crafted specifically for your teeth, offers the highest level of protection and comfort. Plus, if for any reason it doesn’t fit just right, we’re here to make adjustments and ensure it works perfectly for you. You can count on us for that personalized care.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Toronto
The price of a custom sports guard can vary depending on your specific situation. Typically, with insurance, the cost ranges from $100 to $300+, while without insurance, the price can be anywhere from $150 to $350 or more.
- The material used to make your guard.
- Any ongoing orthodontic treatment that may impact the fit.
So, what factors affect the cost of a custom mouthguard? There are two key considerations:
Keep in mind that it’s impossible for a dental office to give you an exact quote over the phone. Your mouth is unique, so it’s essential to visit your dentist for an oral exam and a personalized treatment plan. If you have dental insurance, we can provide an estimate to submit to your provider so you can know your out-of-pocket costs before making a final decision.
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, you can’t. While both mouthguards and nightguards fit snugly to your teeth, they serve different purposes. Sports guards are designed to protect your mouth from impact, while nightguards focus on supporting your bite and the alignment of your teeth and jaw.
There’s no difference! These terms 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.
It’s best to replace your sports guard after each sports season. They can wear down over time, especially if you tend to chew or play with it. For adolescents, shifting teeth can also affect the fit, so replacing it regularly—often during your routine 6-month dental checkup—is recommended.
A well-fitting custom sports guard should be comfortable. You should be able to breathe and talk easily. If you find yourself constantly adjusting it or removing it during the game, it might not be the right fit for you.
Any sport where there’s a risk of falling, player contact, or being hit by equipment calls for a sports guard. This includes 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! In fact, it’s even more important if you have braces. A sports guard protects not just your teeth but also your braces, and it prevents injury to the inside of your lips and cheeks if you get hit in the face.
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