All about sports guards
Sports guards do more than protect your teeth—they also safeguard braces, dental appliances like bridges and implants, and the soft tissues inside your mouth. They’re essential for anyone involved in activities with falls, contact, or flying equipment. While any guard offers some protection, a custom-fitted sports guard from your dental team provides the best comfort and defense.
So what are your options?
Stock sports guards
These pre-formed guards are available at sporting goods stores but often fit poorly, feel bulky, and can make breathing or talking difficult. Many athletes find them uncomfortable and distracting, leading to frequent removal during play.
Boil & bite sports guards
These kits allow you to soften the guard in hot water and mold it to your teeth. While they provide a better fit than stock guards, they’re not always ideal. If your boil & bite guard feels uncomfortable, bulky, or affects your breathing or speech, a custom-made guard may be a better option.
Custom-made mouth guards
No surprise—this is our favorite! A professionally made sports guard offers the best fit, comfort, and protection. Plus, if any adjustments are needed, we’re here to fine-tune it for you, ensuring the perfect fit every time.
The cost of a custom sports guard in Laurens
The price of a custom sports guard varies based on individual needs. With insurance, costs typically range from $100 to $300+, while without insurance, they can be $150 to $350 and up.
- The type of material used for the guard.
- Ongoing orthodontic treatment considerations.
Several factors affect the price, including:
Since every patient’s needs are unique, an accurate quote can’t be given over the phone. A consultation and oral exam are necessary to determine the best option for you. If you have dental insurance, we’re happy to provide a 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 are custom-fitted, they serve different purposes. A sports guard protects against impact during physical activity, while a nightguard is designed to address bite alignment and prevent teeth grinding.
Sports guards, mouthguards, and mouth protectors are different terms for the same essential device—a protective appliance worn over the teeth to prevent or reduce the severity of dental injuries. These guards are commonly used in contact sports, high-impact activities, and even for individuals with braces to shield their teeth, gums, and jaw from trauma.
While all these terms describe the same type of protection, sports guards specifically refer to those designed for athletic activities, whereas mouthguards and mouth protectors can also be used for other dental purposes, such as preventing teeth grinding (bruxism) or treating TMJ disorders. The key to effective protection is choosing a custom-fitted guard made by a dentist, as it provides superior comfort, durability, and protection compared to over-the-counter options.
Ideally, a sports guard should be replaced after each sports season. Over time, wear and tear can affect its durability, especially if the user has a habit of chewing on it. For adolescents, shifting teeth may also impact the fit, so frequent replacements ensure proper protection. Many athletes get a new guard during their routine six-month dental checkup.
A properly fitted sports guard should feel comfortable, allowing you to breathe and speak easily. If you find yourself adjusting it frequently or removing it during play, it may not be fitting correctly.
Any sport involving falls, player contact, or flying equipment calls for a sports guard. This includes football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, boxing, and other high-risk or contact sports.
Absolutely! In fact, wearing a sports guard is even more important if you have braces. It protects not only your teeth but also your braces and the soft tissues inside your mouth from injury in case of impact.
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