Understanding Sports Guards
A sports guard is a crucial investment for anyone participating in activities that involve falls, body contact, or flying equipment. While any sports guard provides some level of protection, nothing compares to a guard custom-made by your dental team, tailored specifically for your mouth and teeth.
Options for Sports Guards
Stock Sports Guards
These are pre-formed and ready to wear, available at sporting goods stores. They often fit poorly, can feel bulky, and may hinder breathing or speaking. Athletes might find these guards distracting, often removing them or fidgeting with them during games.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Sold as a kit, you boil the guard and then bite into it to form it around your teeth. This method offers a better fit than stock guards but can still be uncomfortable, bulky, and restrictive for breathing or speaking. If you find this type of guard problematic, a custom option might be better suited for you.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Custom-made guards are our recommendation for the best protection and comfort. Tailored specifically for you by Dr. Mina Um and Dr. Jay Um at Caldwell Dental Care, these guards ensure optimal fit. If adjustments are needed, we’re here to make them promptly, ensuring your guard is as comfortable as possible.
Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Cypress
The cost for a custom sports guard varies, generally ranging from $150 to $350 without insurance, or about $100 to $300+ with typical insurance coverage. Prices vary based on the materials used and any ongoing orthodontic treatment.
Since each patient’s needs are unique, we encourage a personal consultation to discuss your options and get an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we can provide a detailed quote for submission, 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
No, while both mouthguards and nightguards are custom-fitted to your teeth, they serve different purposes. Sports guards are designed to protect your mouth from impacts during physical activities, whereas night guards are made to manage your bite and the positioning of your teeth and jaw, particularly to address issues like bruxism (teeth grinding).
Mouthguards are known by several names, including sports guards, mouth protectors, or athletic guards. Regardless of the name, they all refer to a device worn over your teeth that protects them from injury or helps reduce the severity of injuries during sports.
Ideally, mouthguards should be replaced after each sports season due to wear and tear, which can be accelerated if the wearer has a habit of chewing on the guard. Additionally, in adolescents, as teeth and dental structures are still changing, the fit of the guard may alter, necessitating a new one. Many athletes who engage in multiple sports choose to get a new sports guard during their routine 6-month dental checkup.
A well-fitting custom sports guard should feel comfortable in your mouth; it shouldn’t interfere with your ability to breathe or speak. If you find yourself frequently adjusting it or removing it during a game, it likely needs to be refitted for better comfort and effectiveness.
Mouthguards are recommended for any sport or activity where there’s a risk of falls, contact with other players, or impact from equipment. This includes sports like football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, and boxing. Essentially, any contact or high-risk sport is a good candidate for the use of a sports guard.
If you wear braces, wearing a sports guard is especially important. Not only does it protect your teeth, but it also safeguards your braces and the soft tissues inside your mouth—like your lips and cheeks—from injury caused by impact. This additional protection is crucial in preventing injuries that could result from your braces during sports activities.
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