All About Sports Guards
Sports guards do more than just protect your teeth—they shield braces, dental appliances like bridges and implants, and cushion the inside of your cheeks and lips from potential injury during accidents. They’re a smart choice for anyone involved in activities with falls, body contact, or flying equipment. While any sports guard offers some protection, a custom-made guard from your dental team provides the best fit and defense for your unique smile.
So, What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These ready-to-wear guards are available at sporting goods stores, but their pre-formed shape often results in a poor fit. They can feel bulky, making it tough to breathe or speak, which can distract athletes and cause them to remove or fidget with the guard during play.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
These kits come with instructions: boil the guard, bite into the softened plastic, and mold it to your teeth. They offer a better fit than stock guards and can also be found at sporting goods stores. However, this option may not work for everyone. If your boil & bite guard feels uncomfortable or makes breathing or talking difficult, a custom guard could be the solution.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Not surprisingly, this is our top pick—and for good reason! A custom-made mouthguard offers unparalleled protection and comfort. Crafted to fit your mouth precisely, it provides superior defense during play. Plus, if it’s not quite perfect, we’ll adjust it until it is, ensuring you get the best possible fit
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Wake Forest
The out-of-pocket cost for a custom sports guard can vary significantly from patient to patient. With typical insurance coverage, you can expect to pay around $100 to $200 or more. Without insurance, a custom mouthguard usually ranges from $250 to $350 and up.
So, what influences the cost of a custom mouthguard? Two key factors come into play:
- The type of material used for your guard.
- Considerations for any ongoing orthodontic treatment.
Keep in mind that no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Since every smile is unique, it’s essential to consult with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to explore all your options and receive a precise quote. If you have dental insurance, we’re happy to provide a quote for you to submit, allowing you to understand your out-of-pocket costs 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. While both mouthguards and nightguards fit snugly over your teeth, they serve different purposes. Sports guards protect your mouth from impact during physical activities, whereas nightguards are designed to address issues related to your bite and the positioning of your teeth and jaw.
These terms all refer to the same thing: a device worn over your teeth to protect them from injury or to reduce the severity of an injury.
Ideally, sports guards should be replaced after each sports season. They can wear down over time, especially if the wearer has a habit of chewing on them. Additionally, adolescents’ teeth can shift, affecting the guard’s fit. Many athletes who participate in multiple sports opt for a new sports guard during their routine 6-month dental checkup.
A custom-fit sports guard should feel comfortable and allow you to breathe and talk easily. If you find yourself fidgeting with it or removing it during games, it might not be fitting correctly.
Sports guards are recommended for any activity where falls, player contact, or equipment impacts are possible. Consider using one if you or your child participates in football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, boxing, or any other contact or high-risk sport.
Absolutely, and you’re even more encouraged to do so! A sports guard not only protects your teeth but also shields your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from potential injury if you’re struck in the face.
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