All About Sports Guards
Sports guards in Toronto don’t just protect your teeth. They also safeguard braces, fixed dental appliances (like bridges and dental implants), and the inside of your cheeks and lips from your braces in case of an accident. A sports guard is a wise investment for anyone participating in activities and sports that involve falls, body contact, or flying equipment. Any sports guard is better than no sports guard, but nothing beats a custom sports guard made by your dental team and personalized for your mouth and teeth.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
Stock sports guards come pre-formed and ready to wear and are available where sporting goods are sold. They often don’t fit very well, can feel bulky in your mouth, and make breathing or talking difficult. Athletes often find themselves distracted by this appliance, taking it out or playing with it during the game. Stock guards are the most basic option, but they are better than no protection at all.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Boil & bite sports guards come in a kit with instructions. You boil the blank guard in water and then bite into the plastic to form the guard to your teeth. These are also available where sporting goods are sold and offer a better fit than stock guards. However, this method isn’t for everyone. If your boil & bite guard is uncomfortable, bulky, or makes it difficult to breathe or talk, consider a custom mouth guard.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Are you surprised this is our favorite? Well, with good reason! There is no substitute for an individualized, custom-made mouthguard. A custom mouthguard made by us will offer the best protection and be the most comfortable. And in the unlikely event that it’s not comfortable, we are right here to make the adjustments, and you can hold us accountable.
Protect Your Smile with Toronto Sports Guards
Whether you are involved in contact sports or high-risk activities, a custom-made mouthguard is the best way to protect your teeth and dental appliances. Investing in a good-fitting sports guard can prevent chipped or broken teeth, protect your dental implants, and ensure your smile stays intact. Consult with our dental team to get a custom sports guard that fits perfectly and offers the maximum protection you need.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Toronto
The out-of-pocket cost for a custom sports guard can vary widely from patient to patient. With a typical insurance plan, a custom mouthguard usually averages out to about $100 to $300+. Without insurance, a custom mouthguard costs between $150 to $350 and up.
So why does the cost of a custom mouthguard vary? There are two major factors:
- The type of material your guard is made of.
- Consideration for ongoing orthodontic treatment.
Remember, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. 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.
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. Though mouthguards and night guards are both snugly fitted to your teeth, they’re designed to perform different functions for your teeth and jaw. Sports guards focus on protecting your mouth from impact, while night guards focus 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, sports 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, meaning their guard won’t 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.
xYou 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.