All about sports guards
A sports guard is a wise investment for anyone involved in activities or sports with falls, body contact, or flying equipment. Any sports guard is better than none, but nothing compares to a guard made by your dental team, personalized to fit your mouth and teeth.
So what are your options?
Stock Sports Guards
These come pre formed and ready to wear, available at sporting goods stores. They often do not fit well, can feel bulky, and may make breathing or talking difficult. Athletes often get distracted by them and may take them out during games.
Boil and Bite Sports Guards
These kits include instructions to boil the guard and then bite into the plastic to shape it to your teeth. They offer a better fit than stock guards but are not for everyone. If your boil and bite guard is uncomfortable or makes breathing or talking difficult, consider a custom guard.
Custom Made Mouth Guards
Our favorite for good reason! There is no substitute for a custom made mouthguard. A sports guard made by us offers the best protection and comfort. If it is not comfortable, we are here to make adjustments and ensure your satisfaction.
The cost of a custom sports guard in Allentown
The cost varies widely. With typical insurance, a custom mouth guard averages $100 to $300 out of pocket. Without insurance, costs range from $150 to $350 and up.
- The material your guard is made of
- Whether you have ongoing orthodontic treatment
Why does the cost vary?
Two main factors influence price:
No dental office can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Your needs are unique, so it is important to speak with a dentist and have an oral exam to learn about your options and receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we can provide a quote for you to submit for coverage information.
For custom sports guards and expert care, trust your local Dental Office in Allentown.
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. Mouthguards and nightguards fit snugly to teeth but 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: something worn over your teeth to protect them from injury or lessen injury severity.
Guards should be replaced after each sports season. They can wear down, especially if you chew on them. Teeth can shift in adolescents, making the guard less effective. Many athletes get new guards during their routine six month checkups.
A custom fit guard should feel comfortable and allow easy breathing and talking. If you constantly adjust or remove it during activity, it probably does not fit correctly.
Any sport where falling, contact with other players, or impact from balls or equipment can occur. Sports like football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, and boxing all call for a guard.
Absolutely! You are encouraged to wear a sports guard to protect not only your teeth but also your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from injury if you are hit in the face.
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