What Are Sports Guards
Sports guards are essential for anyone playing contact sports or participating in activities where a fall, flying equipment or body collision could cause dental injury. Whether you wear braces or have a fixed dental appliance, a properly fitted sports guard acts as a first line of defense.
While any sports guard is better than none, there is no comparison to a custom made mouthguard designed by your dental team. It fits better, feels better and protects better.
What Are My Options
Stock Sports Guards
These guards are preformed and ready to wear. They are inexpensive and easy to find at sporting goods stores, but they tend to be bulky, uncomfortable and hard to keep in place. Many athletes end up removing them mid game, which defeats their purpose.
Boil and Bite Sports Guards
Slightly better than stock versions, these come as blank guards that are softened in boiling water and then molded by biting down. While they provide a more tailored fit, they can still feel bulky and may interfere with breathing or speaking. They are a decent temporary solution, but may not offer the protection you truly need.
Custom Made Sports Guards
Designed and fabricated by your dentist, these are the gold standard in protection. Custom guards are molded specifically to your teeth and mouth structure, which means they are the most secure, most comfortable and most effective option available. And if any adjustments are needed, your dental team is right there to help.
How Much Does a Custom Sports Guard Cost
In North Vancouver, the cost of a custom sports guard can vary depending on your dental needs and whether you have orthodontics or other factors to consider.
- With insurance: Your out of pocket cost might range between $100 and $300 or more depending on coverage
- Without insurance: The average cost ranges from $150 to $350 and up
What affects the price?
- The type and quality of material used
- The complexity of your mouth or ongoing orthodontic treatment
To get a clear, personalized quote, we recommend an in person consultation. Your dental team will assess your needs, explain your options and provide a breakdown of the cost. If you have insurance, we will help you submit a claim so you know what your coverage includes.
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 they may look similar, sports guards are built to absorb impact while nightguards are designed to address issues like grinding or clenching. Each serves a different purpose.
They are essentially the same thing, just different terms for a device that covers your teeth to help prevent injury during sports and physical activity.
A sports guard should be replaced at least once per sports season. If you are growing or undergoing orthodontic treatment, your teeth may shift and the fit can change. Biting or chewing on the guard also reduces its lifespan.
A good guard feels secure and comfortable. You should be able to breathe and speak normally. If it distracts you, makes it hard to breathe or you find yourself constantly adjusting it, it may need replacing or refitting.
Football, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, baseball, boxing, skateboarding, wrestling, gymnastics, mountain biking, field hockey and more. If the activity involves contact or falling, you should wear one.
Absolutely, and you should. A sports guard will protect both your teeth and your braces, and reduce the chance of injury to your lips and cheeks in case of an impact.
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