All About Sports Guards
Sports guards protect more than just your teeth—they also shield braces, dental appliances like bridges and implants, and the inside of your cheeks and lips. If you’re involved in sports or activities with falls, contact, or flying equipment, a sports guard is a smart choice. While any guard is better than none, a custom-made guard from your dental team offers the best comfort and protection.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
Pre-formed and ready to wear, these guards are available at sporting goods stores. However, they often lack a proper fit, can feel bulky, and make talking or breathing difficult. Many athletes find them distracting and may remove or adjust them during play.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Sold in kits with instructions, you soften the guard by boiling it, then bite into it to mold it to your teeth. While they offer a better fit than stock guards, they may still feel uncomfortable, bulky, or interfere with breathing and speech. In this case, a custom guard is the best option.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Our top recommendation! A custom-made mouth guard provides unparalleled protection and comfort. Designed specifically for your mouth, this guard ensures a perfect fit, and if adjustments are needed, we’re here to make sure it’s just right for you.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Oakdale
The cost of a custom mouth guard can vary depending on the material used and whether you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. Since every smile is unique, you’ll need an in-person dental exam for a personalized quote. We encourage you to consult with a dentist to explore your options and get an accurate estimate. If you have dental insurance, we can provide a quote for submission, so you’ll know 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 against impact, while nightguards focus on the bite and position of your teeth and jaw.
While often used interchangeably, these terms refer to slightly different devices based on their purpose. A sports guard is designed specifically for physical activities with a high risk of impact, like football or hockey, to protect your teeth and gums from injury. A mouth guard is a more general term for any device worn over your teeth, whether for sports, teeth grinding, or dental treatments. A mouth protector is essentially the same as a mouth guard and is used in both sports and non-sport contexts for protection.
Ideally, sports guards should be replaced after each season. They can wear down over time, especially if chewed on, and shifting teeth in adolescents can affect the fit. Many athletes get a new guard during their routine 6-month checkup.
A custom-fit sports guard should be comfortable, allowing you to breathe and talk easily. If you find yourself adjusting it or removing it during play, it may not fit properly.
Any sport or activity with a risk of falls, contact, or being struck by equipment requires a sports guard. This includes football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, water polo, cricket, skateboarding, gymnastics, wrestling, boxing, and more.
Absolutely, and it’s even more important. A sports guard not only protects your teeth but also shields your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from injury during impact.
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