Why wear a sports guard?
- Whether you’re an amateur athlete or a weekend warrior, sports guards do more than just protect your teeth from injury. They also safeguard:
- Braces and fixed dental appliances (like bridges or implants)
- The soft tissues of your cheeks, lips, and tongue in the event of a collision
- Your long-term oral health by reducing the risk of chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth
- Wearing a sports guard is a smart move in any activity involving contact, falls, or fast-moving equipment. And while any sports guard is better than none, nothing compares to the comfort and protection of a custom-made guard.
Types of sports guards
Stock Sports Guards
These are ready-made and available in most sporting goods stores. Unfortunately, they rarely fit well, often feel bulky, and can interfere with breathing and speaking. Many athletes find them uncomfortable, and end up removing them mid-game, defeating their purpose.
Boil-and-Bite Sports Guards
Slightly better than stock options, these guards are softened in hot water and then bitten into for a semi-custom fit. While they can offer improved comfort, they still fall short for many people, especially those with braces or unique dental needs.
Custom-Made Sports Guards
This is the gold standard for dental protection. Fabricated by your dentist using molds of your mouth, custom guards offer:
- A precise fit
- Maximum comfort and breathability
- Enhanced protection for your smile and dental work
If you’re looking for a truly reliable solution, your best option is to visit a Dental Office in Mississauga that specializes in creating personalized, high-performance sports guards.
Cost of a custom sports guard in Mississauga
Custom guards are a worthwhile investment in your oral health, especially when compared to the cost of dental repairs from sports injuries. Here’s a general breakdown:
- With insurance: $100–$300+
- Without insurance: $150–$350+
What affects the cost?
- The type of material used for the guard
- Orthodontic considerations, like braces or ongoing dental treatments
Because every patient is unique, it’s best to book an oral exam for an accurate quote. Many practices will even provide a detailed estimate you can submit to your insurance provider ahead of time.
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. Although they may look similar, sports guards are designed for impact protection, while nightguards are designed to manage bite alignment and protect against teeth grinding.
These are different names for the same device—worn over your teeth to minimize the risk or severity of injury.
Ideally, they should be replaced after each sports season. They wear down over time, especially in teens whose teeth are still shifting or for athletes who chew their guards.
Any sport that involves physical contact, speed, or falls—football, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, wrestling, gymnastics, skateboarding, and more.
Absolutely, and it’s even more important. Custom guards protect both your braces and the soft tissues of your mouth from damage during impact.
A good guard should feel snug, allow you to speak and breathe comfortably, and stay securely in place during activity. If you’re constantly adjusting it, it’s time to consider a better fit—preferably a custom one.
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