Added Protection for Teeth During Sports
Sports guards help protect your teeth and the soft tissues of your mouth during activities where falls, contact, or impact may occur. They can be especially important for people with braces or certain dental restorations, helping reduce the risk of injury to the teeth, lips, and cheeks.
A custom sports guard is made to fit the shape of your teeth and mouth, providing a secure and comfortable fit while you play. A proper fit can also make it easier to keep the guard in place during activity.
At Dental Time, Dr. Arij Kazmi and our dental team can assess your smile and create a sports guard designed around your teeth, bite, and individual needs.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
Stock sports guards are pre-formed and ready to wear, making them an affordable and convenient option. Because they are made in standard sizes rather than fitted to your teeth, the fit may be loose or bulky. This can make it harder for some athletes to keep the guard comfortably in place while speaking, breathing, and playing.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and then shaped around your teeth at home. They generally provide a more personalized fit than a stock guard and can be a practical option for many recreational athletes. However, the final fit depends on how well the guard is moulded, and it may still feel bulky or become loose over time. Athletes with braces or specific dental concerns should ask their dentist which type of guard is appropriate.
Custom-Made Sports Guards
Custom sports guards are made using an impression or digital scan of your teeth, allowing the guard to closely match your individual mouth and bite. From a dental perspective, the more precise fit can provide better retention and comfort, making it easier to keep the guard properly positioned during activity. A custom guard can also be designed with your dental needs in mind, including certain orthodontic appliances or restorations. If the fit needs attention, your dental team can assess the guard and make adjustments when appropriate.
What Are the Costs of a Custom Sports Guard in Burlington?
In Burlington, a custom sports guard typically costs approximately $150 to $350 or more without insurance. The final cost depends on the type of guard you need, the materials used, and whether the design needs to accommodate braces or other dental work.
If you have dental insurance, your plan may cover some or all of the cost of a custom sports guard. Coverage varies between plans, so it is important to check your specific benefits before treatment.
What Affects the Cost of a Custom Sports Guard?
- The material, thickness, and design of the sports guard.
- Your individual teeth, bite, and protection needs.
- Whether the guard needs to accommodate braces or ongoing orthodontic treatment.
- Any special considerations related to existing dental restorations or appliances.
Because every mouth is different, an exact price is best determined after your dental needs have been assessed. Our team can provide a personalized estimate and, if you have dental insurance, give you the information needed to check your coverage and expected out-of-pocket cost before proceeding.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your sports guard consultation gives us an opportunity to examine your teeth, bite, and any braces, restorations, or dental appliances that may affect the fit of your guard. We will also discuss the sports and activities you participate in so we can recommend a sports guard that provides appropriate protection while fitting comfortably and securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
A properly fitted sports guard should allow you to breathe comfortably and communicate without constantly needing to remove it. It may take a little time to get used to wearing one, but a guard that feels excessively bulky, loose, or difficult to keep in place should be checked for fit.
If there is a risk of contact, falls, collisions, or impact from equipment during practice, wearing your sports guard is a good idea. Injuries can happen during training just as they can during competition, so getting into the habit of wearing your guard whenever you participate can help keep your teeth protected.
Rinse your sports guard with cool or lukewarm water after each use and clean it according to the instructions provided by your dental team. Allow it to dry before storing it in a ventilated case. Avoid very hot water, which can distort some mouthguard materials and affect the fit.
Store your sports guard in a clean, ventilated protective case where it cannot be crushed or exposed to excessive heat. Avoid leaving it loose in a sports bag, in direct sunlight, or inside a hot vehicle, as damage or heat can affect its shape and cleanliness.
Do not try to reshape a custom sports guard yourself. Changes to your teeth, bite, dental work, or the guard itself can affect how it fits. Bring it to your dentist so the fit can be assessed and the guard can be adjusted or replaced if necessary.
Yes, especially if you have noticed changes in the way it fits or if you have recently had dental treatment. Your dentist can check the condition and fit of the guard and look for signs of wear, damage, or changes that could affect how well it stays in place.
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