All About Sports Guards
Sports guards provide crucial protection not only for your teeth but also for braces and fixed dental appliances such as bridges and dental implants. They act as a barrier, shielding the inside of your cheeks and lips from any injuries that could occur due to braces during an accident.
Investing in a sports guard is essential for anyone involved in activities or sports that involve falls, body contact, or flying equipment. While any sports guard is better than none, a custom-made guard from your dental team offers the best fit and protection, tailored specifically for your mouth and teeth. This personalized approach ensures maximum comfort and effectiveness, allowing you to focus on your game with confidence!
So, What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These pre-formed guards are ready to wear and can be found in sporting goods stores. However, they often don’t fit well, can feel bulky, and may make it hard to breathe or talk. Athletes frequently find them distracting, leading to removal during play.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Available in kits with instructions, these guards require you to boil the blank and then bite into it to shape it to your teeth. While they offer a better fit than stock guards, they may not work for everyone. If your boil-and-bite guard feels uncomfortable or obstructive, a custom guard is a better choice.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Our top recommendation! A custom-made mouthguard is tailored specifically for you, offering optimal protection and comfort. If it’s not comfortable, we’ll adjust it to ensure a perfect fit, giving you peace of mind while you play.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Newcastle
The out-of-pocket cost for a custom sports guard can vary significantly between patients. Typically, if you have insurance, a mouth guard averages around $100 to $300. Without insurance, you can expect to pay between $150 to $350 or more.
- Material Type: The materials used for your guard can influence the price.
- Ongoing Orthodontic Treatment: If you’re undergoing orthodontics, this may affect the cost as well.
Why does the cost vary? There are two main factors to consider:
Keep in mind that no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Since your needs are unique, it’s essential to consult with a dentist and have an oral exam to explore your treatment options and get an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we can provide you with a quote to submit to your provider, helping 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, even though both mouthguards and nightguards fit snugly over your teeth, they are intended for different uses. Sports guards are made to shield your mouth from impacts during physical activities, while nightguards are designed to help with your bite alignment and jaw position while you sleep.
These terms generally describe the same type of device: a protective covering that fits over your teeth to prevent injuries or reduce the impact of an injury.
Ideally, sports guards should be replaced at the end of each sports season. They can wear down over time, especially if the user tends to chew on them or doesn’t handle them carefully. In adolescents, shifting teeth may affect the fit of the guard. Many athletes opt for a new sports guard during their routine six-month checkup.
A well-fitted sports guard should feel comfortable and secure in your mouth. You should be able to breathe and talk easily while wearing it. If you find yourself frequently adjusting it or removing it during play, it may not fit properly.
If you’re involved in any sport or activity that carries a risk of falls, collisions, or being struck by balls or equipment, a sports guard is essential. This includes activities like football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, boxing, and other high-contact sports.
Absolutely! In fact, wearing a sports guard is highly recommended if you have braces. It not only protects your teeth but also safeguards your braces and shields the inside of your lips and cheeks from potential injuries if you get hit in the face.
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