Understanding sports guards
A sports guard is a protective device worn over the teeth during physical activity. It reduces the risk of injuries to the teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw. If you or your child participate in sports involving falls, contact, or fast moving equipment, a properly fitted sports guard is one of the best investments you can make in oral health.
While any sports guard is better than none, the best protection and comfort come from a guard that is made by your dental team and customized for your mouth.
If you are looking for a Dentist in Brantford, ON who can provide a high quality, personalized sports guard, our team is here to help you or your child stay protected on the field, rink, or court.
Types of sports guards
Stock Sports Guards
These are pre formed guards available at most sporting goods stores. They are not designed to fit your mouth specifically, which often makes them uncomfortable. Many athletes find them bulky and distracting, making it hard to breathe or speak clearly.
Boil and Bite Sports Guards
These guards are softened in boiling water and then shaped to your teeth by biting into them. They provide a better fit than stock guards but still may not feel quite right for everyone. If it feels bulky or interferes with breathing or speech, a custom made guard may be the better choice.
Custom Made Sports Guards
Custom sports guards are created by your dental team using a model of your teeth. They offer the best possible fit, comfort, and protection. Since they are tailored to your unique smile, they stay in place better and do not get in the way during play. And if something feels off, your dental provider is available to make any needed adjustments.
Cost of a custom sports guard in Brantford
With insurance, many patients pay between one hundred and three hundred dollars out of pocket. Without insurance, the price typically ranges from one hundred fifty to three hundred fifty dollars or more.
- The material used to create the guard
- Whether orthodontic treatment is currently in progress
The cost may vary depending on:
No dental clinic can provide an exact quote over the phone because every patient has unique needs. During your visit, we will perform an oral exam, discuss your goals, and provide a quote that reflects your individual treatment plan. If you have dental insurance, we can prepare an estimate for you to submit to your provider.
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. While both are custom fitted to your teeth, they serve different purposes. A sports guard protects your mouth from external impact during activity. A night guard is designed to prevent damage from teeth grinding and manage jaw alignment during sleep.
These are simply different names for the same item. All of them refer to a device worn over your teeth that protects them from injury during physical activity.
Sports guards should be checked and replaced regularly. For children and teens, it is often best to replace the guard each sports season due to wear or changes in their teeth. Many athletes get a new guard when they come in for their six month checkup.
A good sports guard should feel snug and comfortable. You should be able to breathe and speak easily. If you find yourself adjusting it frequently or removing it during play, it may not be the right fit.
Any activity that involves contact, potential falls, or fast moving equipment is a good reason to wear a guard. This includes football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, basketball, skateboarding, ringette, gymnastics, wrestling, boxing, and more.
Absolutely. In fact, it is especially important. A sports guard will protect not only your teeth but also your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from injury if impact occurs.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
