Understanding Sports Guards
Sports guards are essential for more than just safeguarding your teeth; they also protect orthodontic devices like braces and fixed dental appliances such as bridges and implants. These guards shield the inner lining of your cheeks and lips from braces-related injuries in case of an accident. Wearing a sports guard is a prudent choice for anyone engaged in activities that involve falls, bodily contact, or flying equipment. While any sports guard is beneficial, a custom-fitted guard designed by your dental team specifically for your mouth and teeth will offer the best protection.
Exploring Your Choices
Standard Sports Guards
Available at sporting goods stores, these guards are pre-formed and ready to use immediately. However, they often do not fit well, may feel bulky in the mouth, and can make breathing or speaking challenging. Athletes frequently find these guards distracting, which may lead them to remove or adjust the guard during gameplay.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
These guards are available as a kit that includes instructions. You heat the blank guard in boiling water and then bite into the softened plastic to mould it to the shape of your teeth. Sold in sporting goods stores, they generally provide a better fit than standard sports guards. However, this type of guard may not be suitable for everyone. If you find your boil & bite guard to be uncomfortable, bulky, or if it restricts your ability to breathe or speak, you might want to consider opting for a custom-fitted guard.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
It’s no surprise that these are our top recommendation! A custom-made mouthguard provides unmatched protection and comfort because it is tailored specifically for your mouth. By choosing a guard crafted by our team, you can expect the highest level of protection. Should it ever feel less than comfortable, we are on hand to make necessary adjustments, ensuring our accountability for your satisfaction.
Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Napanee
The price of a custom sports guard can vary significantly from one patient to another. With standard dental insurance, the cost typically ranges from about $100 to $300+. Without insurance, the price can be between $150 and $350 or more.
The variability in cost can be attributed to two main factors:
- The material used to make the guard.
- Any ongoing orthodontic treatments being accounted for.
It’s crucial to note that no dental practice can offer an exact price quote over the phone, as each individual’s needs are as unique as their smile. We recommend visiting a dentist for a thorough oral examination to explore all treatment options and obtain an accurate cost estimate. If you have dental insurance, we are happy to provide a quote for you to submit to your insurer, providing you with a better understanding of your out-of-pocket expenses before making a decision.
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Book your initial consultation and examination today.
During your visit, we will thoroughly assess your teeth, gums, soft tissues, and the overall shape and condition of your bite. Our goal is to understand the full picture of how your mouth looks and functions. Before we devise a treatment plan, we aim to gather comprehensive details about the health and appearance of your smile and, crucially, your personal goals for your dental health so that we can help you achieve them.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, this is not advisable. While both mouthguards and nightguards are custom-fitted to your teeth, they serve distinct purposes. Sports guards are intended to shield your mouth from impacts during physical activities, whereas nightguards are designed to address issues related to your bite and the alignment of your teeth and jaw.
There is no difference; these terms all refer to the same item. Each describes a device worn over the teeth to protect them from injuries or to lessen the severity of injuries that might occur.
Sports guards should ideally be replaced after each sports season. They tend to wear down over time, particularly if the wearer tends to chew on them or otherwise mistreats the appliance. Additionally, in adolescents, shifting teeth can cause the fit of the guard to deteriorate. Many athletes who participate in multiple sports opt to have a new sports guard made during their routine six-month dental checkups.
A well-fitting sports guard should feel comfortable and secure in your mouth. You should be able to breathe and speak easily with it in place. If you notice that you are constantly adjusting it, or if you feel the need to remove it during activities, it likely isn’t fitting properly.
Sports guards are recommended for any sport or activity where there is a risk of falling, colliding with other players, or being struck by a ball or equipment. This includes a wide range of sports such as football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, and boxing. Consider using a sports guard if you or your child participate in any contact sports or activities that pose a high risk of injury.
Absolutely, it’s highly recommended to wear a sports guard if you have braces. A sports guard not only protects your teeth but also safeguards your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from potential injuries caused by your braces during any impact to the face.
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