All About Sports Guards
Sports guards are essential for protecting not only your teeth but also braces and fixed dental appliances, such as bridges and dental implants. They also provide a barrier for the inside of your cheeks and lips, preventing injury from braces during unexpected accidents. Investing in a sports guard is a smart choice for anyone involved in activities or sports that involve falls, body contact, or flying equipment.
While any sports guard offers some level of protection, nothing compares to a custom-made guard crafted by your dental team. A personalized sports guard fits your mouth perfectly, ensuring maximum comfort and protection tailored specifically to your dental needs. By wearing a properly fitted sports guard, you can enjoy your favorite sports with confidence, knowing your smile is well-protected. Don’t take chances—protect your teeth and overall oral health with a high-quality sports guard!
What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These pre-formed guards are ready to wear and can be found at sporting goods stores. However, they often provide a poor fit, can feel bulky, and may hinder your ability to breathe or talk comfortably. Athletes frequently find them distracting, leading to a tendency to remove or fidget with the guard during games.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Available in a kit with instructions, these guards require you to boil the blank guard in water and then bite into the plastic to mold it to your teeth. While they offer a better fit than stock guards, this method may not suit everyone. If a boil & bite guard feels uncomfortable, bulky, or restricts breathing or speech, it’s worth considering a custom option.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
This is our top recommendation! There’s no substitute for a personalized, custom-made mouthguard crafted specifically for your mouth. A sports guard made by our dental team provides superior protection and comfort tailored to your needs. If, by chance, it’s not perfectly comfortable, we’re right here to make adjustments and ensure it meets your expectations. Invest in your oral health and athletic performance with a custom sports guard!
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Thornton
The out-of-pocket cost for a custom sports guard can vary significantly among patients. With typical insurance coverage, you can expect the average cost to range from $100 to $300+, while those without insurance may pay between $150 and $350 or more.
- Type of Material: The quality and durability of the material used for the mouthguard can affect the overall cost.
- Ongoing Orthodontic Treatment: If you’re currently undergoing orthodontic care, it may require special considerations that could influence the price.
So, why does the cost fluctuate? Two main factors influence the price:
Keep in mind that no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Your needs are as unique as your smile, so it’s essential to consult with a dentist for an oral exam to explore your treatment options and receive a precise estimate. If you have dental insurance, we’re more than happy to provide a quote for you to submit, helping you 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
A sports guard is a protective mouthpiece that helps prevent dental injuries during contact sports. It safeguards your teeth, braces, and other dental appliances while also protecting the inside of your cheeks and lips.
Anyone participating in sports with a risk of injury, especially those involving body contact or flying equipment, should wear a sports guard. This includes children, teens, and adults in various sports.
There are three main types: stock sports guards, boil-and-bite guards, and custom-made mouthguards. Each offers varying levels of comfort, fit, and protection.
Stock sports guards come pre-formed and ready to wear but often fit poorly. Boil-and-bite guards can be molded to your teeth after being heated in water, providing a better fit but may still be uncomfortable for some users.
Custom-made sports guards offer the best fit and comfort, tailored specifically to your mouth. They provide superior protection and can be adjusted as needed, ensuring optimal performance during sports activities.
The cost for a custom sports guard typically ranges from $100 to $300+ with insurance and $150 to $350 or more without insurance. Prices can vary based on materials and individual needs.
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost for custom sports guards, but coverage varies. It’s best to check with your insurance provider for specific details regarding your plan.
Rinse your sports guard with cold water before and after each use, and clean it regularly with a toothbrush and mild soap. Store it in a protective case when not in use to keep it safe and hygienic.
Yes, a sports guard is especially important for those with braces as it protects the braces and prevents injury to the inside of the mouth. Custom guards can be designed specifically for individuals with braces.
If your sports guard feels uncomfortable or doesn’t fit properly, consult your dentist. They can make adjustments or create a new guard to ensure it fits well and provides adequate protection.
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