Why Wear a Sports Guard?
Sports guards are essential for anyone participating in physical activities where falls, contact, or flying equipment could lead to dental injuries. Beyond protecting your teeth, they also safeguard braces, dental implants, bridges, and the soft tissues of your cheeks and lips.
A properly fitted guard helps reduce the risk of broken teeth, injuries to the jaw, and trauma to orthodontic appliances. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a young athlete, a sports guard is a smart investment in your oral health.
Types of Sports Guards
Stock Sports Guards
Available at most sporting goods stores, these are ready-to-wear and affordable. However, because they aren’t personalized, they often feel bulky, interfere with speaking or breathing, and may shift during play. Many athletes find them uncomfortable or distracting, leading them to remove the guard mid-game—which defeats the purpose of wearing one.
Boil & Bite Guards
These are slightly more customizable. The guard is softened in hot water and then shaped to your teeth by biting into it. While a better option than stock guards, the fit still isn’t perfect for everyone. If it feels bulky, uncomfortable, or affects breathing and speech, a custom-fitted guard is likely a better solution.
Custom-Made Sports Guards
Hands down, the best protection comes from a sports guard made by your dental team. Designed using a precise mold of your teeth, these guards offer the highest level of comfort, fit, and protection. Plus, if it ever needs an adjustment, your dentist is right there to help.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Mississauga
With insurance, you can expect to pay roughly $100 to $300+ out of pocket. Without insurance, a custom mouthguard typically costs between $150 and $350+ depending on your needs.
- The material used for the guard
- Adjustments needed for braces or dental appliances
- Specific protection requirements based on your sport
Why does the cost vary?
No two smiles are alike, which is why no one-size-fits-all quote will do. After an exam, we’ll provide an accurate estimate and help you submit to your insurance if needed.
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 guards fit over your teeth, they serve different purposes. Sports guards are made to absorb impact during physical activity. Night guards are designed to protect against grinding and clenching while aligning your jaw properly.
All of these terms refer to the same thing—a protective device worn over your teeth to reduce the severity of dental injuries during physical activity.
Typically, sports guards should be replaced after each season—especially for growing children and teens. Changes in bite, wear-and-tear, or chewing on the guard can impact its fit and effectiveness.
A good-fitting guard should feel secure and comfortable. It should not interfere with your breathing or speaking. If you find yourself taking it out, biting it, or fidgeting with it, it’s likely not the right fit.
You should wear a sports guard for any sport involving potential impact or falls, including:
- Hockey
- Football
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Wrestling
- Skateboarding
- And more…
If it’s fast-paced or high-impact—play it safe and wear a guard.
Absolutely—and you should. A sports guard will not only protect your teeth but also help prevent injury to your lips and cheeks if you’re hit in the face. It also helps shield your braces from damage.
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