Upton and Baker DDS - Wake Forest

Sports Guards in Wake Forest

Sports guards don’t just protect your teeth. They also protect braces and fixed dental appliances (like bridges and dental implants) and protect the inside of your cheeks and lips from your braces in the event of an accident.
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All about sports guards

Sports guards don’t just protect your teeth. They also protect braces and fixed dental appliances (like bridges and dental implants) and protect the inside of your cheeks and lips from your braces in the event of an accident. A sports guard is a wise investment for anyone participating in activities and sports which involve falls, body contact or flying equipment. Any sports guard is better than no sports guard, but nothing beats a guard made by your dental team and personalized for your mouth and teeth.

So what are your options?

Stock Sports Guards

These come pre-formed and ready to wear and are available where sporting goods are sold. They often don’t fit very well, can feel bulky in your mouth and make breathing or talking difficult. Athletes often find themselves distracted by this appliance, and take it out or play with it while the game is on.

Boil & Bite Sports Guards

These come in a kit with instructions. You boil the blank guard in water and then bite into the plastic to form the guard to your teeth. These are also available where sporting goods are sold and offer a better fit than stock guards, but this method isn’t for everyone. If your boil & bite guard is uncomfortable, bulky or makes it difficult to breathe or talk, consider a custom guard.

Custom-Made Mouth Guards

Are you surprised this is our favorite? Well with good reason! There is no substitute for an individualized, custom-made mouthguard. A sports guard made by us will offer the best protection and be the most comfortable. And in the unlikely event that it’s not comfortable? We are right here to make the adjustments and you can hold us accountable.

The Cost Of A Custom Sports Guard In Wake Forest

The out-of-pocket cost for a custom sports guard can vary widely from patient to patient. With a typical insurance plan, a mouth guard usually averages out to about $100 to $300+. Without insurance, a custom mouth guard costs between $150 to $350 and up.

    So why does the cost of a custom mouthguard vary? There are two major factors:

  • The type of material your guard is made of.
  • Consideration for ongoing orthodontic treatment.

Remember, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Ultimately, your needs are as unique as your smile. It’s important to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to find out all your treatment options and to receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we would be happy to supply you with a quote to submit to them so you can find out your out-of-pocket costs before you make 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. Though mouthguards and nightguards are both snuggly fitted to your teeth, they’re designed to perform different functions for your teeth and jaw. Sports guards are focused on protecting your mouth from impact, and night guards are focused on your bite and the position of your teeth and jaw.
These are all different names for the same thing: a device worn over your teeth that protects them from injury or reduces the severity of an injury.
Ideally, guards should be replaced after each sports season. Mouth guards can wear down over time, especially if the wearer has a habit of chewing or abusing their appliance. Teeth can also shift in adolescents which means their guard won’t quite fit as well. Many athletes who play several sports get a new sports guard made when they go for their routine 6-month checkup.
A custom-fit sports guard should feel comfortable in your mouth. It should be easy to breathe and talk. If you find yourself fidgeting with it or taking it out of your mouth during the big game, it might not be fitting right.
Any sport or activity where you might fall, come into contact with other players, or get hit by a ball or other equipment. Consider a sports guard if you or your child play football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, boxing or any other contact or high-risk sport.
You are extra encouraged to wear a sports guard! Not only does it protect your teeth, but it also protects your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from your braces should you be struck in the face.

Google Verified Patient Reviews

Whitney Bailey
1 month ago
I’ve never felt secure with a dentist until I found Dr Baker. He is so caring and always takes his time to explain everything. He truly cares about his patients. Having a dentist you can trust is priceless. The office is clean and homey. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. I no longer dread going to the dentist.
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Marcus Allen
1 month ago
Best Dentist in the area. Great hygienists and the dentists always take the time to discuss any areas of improvement or concern. Other places I feel like they are rushing you in and out as quickly as possible. I have recommended at least 4 people to go there and they all love it. If Baker or Upton are unsure of the best course of treatment, they will call other specialists to get their opinion. My wife went to 3 other dentists before Baker, and he was able to figure out the issue after a week. I can not recommend them enough.
More
Alice Okamoto
1 month ago
Highly recommend. As someone who finds dental work very aversive, Dr. Baker and Kelly were awesome. The whole team was so welcoming and the work itself was a breeze compared to previous experiences elsewhere.
More
The office feels like family. Dr Baker and Dr Upton are very thorough when explaining. You leave understanding just what needs to be done or even was done. I would this recommend this office to anyone
More
Keiko Nakamoto
9 months ago
Just had my second visit to Dr. Upton. On my first visit, Dr. and his assistant, Jessica, did a thorough evaluation of my situation. He asked me questions about my dental history and actually listened carefully to my concerns. Then he left to review my x-rays and options for treatment. When he returned, he gave me some options, which I REALLY appreciated. He even took into consideration my dietary habits and the fact I don't like prescription medications. Not even my physicians gave me that kind of concern!! Today I had my tooth pulled out and he took into consideration my financial situation and did it under local anesthesia, where my previous experience was done under general anesthesia. It was less expensive and totally tolerable. I'm glad that he considers the whole patient, the tolerance to pain, the budget and the treatment preferences. I also appreciate that he sat on a stool and spoke to me face to face. His office staff, Jessica, Megan and Priscilla are all equally attentive and considerate. Thank you everyone 💓! Yes, I would recommend their services to anyone in need of dental care.
More
Whitney Bailey
1 month ago
I’ve never felt secure with a dentist until I found Dr Baker. He is so caring and always takes his time to explain everything. He truly cares about his patients. Having a dentist you can trust is priceless. The office is clean and homey. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. I no longer dread going to the dentist.
More
Marcus Allen
1 month ago
Best Dentist in the area. Great hygienists and the dentists always take the time to discuss any areas of improvement or concern. Other places I feel like they are rushing you in and out as quickly as possible. I have recommended at least 4 people to go there and they all love it. If Baker or Upton are unsure of the best course of treatment, they will call other specialists to get their opinion. My wife went to 3 other dentists before Baker, and he was able to figure out the issue after a week. I can not recommend them enough.
More
Alice Okamoto
1 month ago
Highly recommend. As someone who finds dental work very aversive, Dr. Baker and Kelly were awesome. The whole team was so welcoming and the work itself was a breeze compared to previous experiences elsewhere.
More
The office feels like family. Dr Baker and Dr Upton are very thorough when explaining. You leave understanding just what needs to be done or even was done. I would this recommend this office to anyone
More
Keiko Nakamoto
9 months ago
Just had my second visit to Dr. Upton. On my first visit, Dr. and his assistant, Jessica, did a thorough evaluation of my situation. He asked me questions about my dental history and actually listened carefully to my concerns. Then he left to review my x-rays and options for treatment. When he returned, he gave me some options, which I REALLY appreciated. He even took into consideration my dietary habits and the fact I don't like prescription medications. Not even my physicians gave me that kind of concern!! Today I had my tooth pulled out and he took into consideration my financial situation and did it under local anesthesia, where my previous experience was done under general anesthesia. It was less expensive and totally tolerable. I'm glad that he considers the whole patient, the tolerance to pain, the budget and the treatment preferences. I also appreciate that he sat on a stool and spoke to me face to face. His office staff, Jessica, Megan and Priscilla are all equally attentive and considerate. Thank you everyone 💓! Yes, I would recommend their services to anyone in need of dental care.
More
Upton and Baker DDS - Wake Forest

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Call 919-263-2143