All About Sports Guards
Sports guards provide essential protection not only for your teeth but also for dental work and soft tissues inside your mouth. They are a smart investment for anyone involved in activities or sports where falls, body contact, or flying objects are common. While any sports guard is better than none, nothing compares to a guard made by your dental team and customized specifically for your mouth and teeth.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These are pre formed and ready to wear, usually found at sporting goods stores. They often do not fit well, feel bulky, and can make breathing or speaking difficult. Many athletes find them distracting and may remove them or play with them during games.
Boil and Bite Sports Guards
These kits come with instructions to soften the guard in hot water and then bite into it to shape it to your teeth. They offer a better fit than stock guards but may still be uncomfortable or bulky. If your boil and bite guard causes discomfort or makes it hard to breathe or talk, a custom guard might be a better choice.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Surprised this is our top pick? There is good reason. A custom made sports guard provides the best protection and comfort. If it feels uncomfortable, we are here to make adjustments, and you can rely on us to ensure it fits well.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Olathe
The price of a custom sports guard varies from patient to patient. With typical insurance coverage, the cost averages between $100 and $300 or more. Without insurance, custom guards generally cost between $150 and $350 and up.
- The type of material used in your guard
- Whether you are undergoing ongoing orthodontic treatment
Why Does the Cost Vary?
Two main factors influence the price:
No dental practice can give an exact price over the phone because each person’s needs are unique. A consultation and oral exam are necessary to explore all your options and get an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we will gladly provide a quote to submit to your provider so you can understand your out of pocket costs before deciding.
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 both fit snugly over your teeth, mouthguards and nightguards serve different purposes. Sports guards protect your mouth from impact, while nightguards protect your bite and jaw position.
These terms all refer to the same device: a protective appliance worn over your teeth to prevent or lessen injury.
Ideally, sports guards should be replaced after each sports season. They can wear down over time, especially if the wearer tends to chew or abuse the guard. Teeth can also shift during adolescence, causing the guard to fit less well. Many athletes who play multiple sports get a new guard during their routine six month dental checkup.
A custom sports guard should feel comfortable, allowing you to breathe and talk easily. If you find yourself constantly adjusting it or removing it during games, it might not fit properly.
Any sport or activity where there is a risk of falling, contact with other players, or impact from balls or equipment calls for a sports guard. Consider one if you or your child play football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, boxing, or any other contact or high risk sport.
Yes! Wearing a sports guard is especially important if you have braces. It protects your teeth, braces, and the inside of your lips and cheeks from injury if your face is hit.
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