All About Sports Guards
Sports guards are a must-have for protecting your teeth, braces, and other dental appliances during physical activities. A properly fitted sports guard offers the best protection by preventing injuries to the teeth, gums, and soft tissues in your mouth. Whether you’re participating in contact sports or activities with a risk of injury, having the right guard is essential.
While any sports guard is better than none, a custom-made guard from your dental team is far superior in terms of fit and protection. We recommend speaking with a Dentist in Burnaby to get a guard that is tailored specifically for your mouth.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
Stock guards come pre-formed and ready to wear. You can buy them at sporting goods stores, but they often don’t fit well, are bulky, and may interfere with breathing or talking. Athletes often find themselves distracted by the discomfort and may remove the guard during play.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
These guards come in a kit, where you boil the guard and then bite into it to form a custom fit. While they offer a better fit than stock guards, they can still feel bulky and uncomfortable for some individuals. If you find that your boil-and-bite guard is uncomfortable, we recommend considering a custom sports guard.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
This is our top recommendation for protection and comfort. A custom-made sports guard crafted by your Dentist in Burnaby provides the best fit and superior protection. If, for any reason, the guard isn’t comfortable, we’re here to make the necessary adjustments to ensure it works perfectly for you.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Burnaby
The cost of a custom sports guard can vary widely based on your specific needs. With typical insurance, a mouth guard generally costs between $100 and $300 out-of-pocket. Without insurance, the price typically ranges from $150 to $350+.
- The material used for the guard
- If you have ongoing orthodontic treatment
Why the cost variance? It depends on:
At our Dental Office in Burnaby, we recommend coming in for a consultation to receive an accurate quote based on your unique needs. We’re happy to provide a quote for your insurance provider to help you understand your out-of-pocket expenses before making 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, mouthguards and nightguards serve different functions. While both fit snugly over your teeth, sports guards protect your mouth from impact during physical activity, whereas nightguards are designed to help with teeth grinding and jaw alignment.
These terms all refer to the same protective device worn over your teeth to prevent injury or reduce the severity of damage during activities. Regardless of the name, they all offer protection for your teeth and soft tissues.
Ideally, sports guards should be replaced after each sports season, especially if you have a habit of chewing on the guard or if your teeth shift, particularly in adolescents. Many athletes opt for a new sports guard during their 6-month dental checkup.
A well-fitted sports guard should be comfortable and allow you to breathe and speak easily. If you’re fidgeting with it during the game or feel discomfort, it may not fit properly. A custom sports guard from your Dentist in Burnaby will ensure the best possible fit and comfort.
Any sport where there is a risk of injury to the mouth, such as contact or high-risk activities, requires a sports guard. Consider using one for activities like:
- Football, hockey, lacrosse, and soccer
- Baseball, cricket, and field hockey
- Skateboarding, mountain biking, gymnastics, wrestling, boxing, and more
Yes! In fact, if you have braces, wearing a sports guard is even more important. Not only does it protect your teeth, but it also shields your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from potential injury during an accident.
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