
All About Sports Guards
Sports guards do more than protect your teeth—they also safeguard braces, dental appliances like bridges and implants, and shield the inside of your cheeks and lips from injury during an accident. Investing in a sports guard is essential for anyone involved in activities or sports with falls, body contact, or flying equipment. While any sports guard offers some protection, a custom-made guard from your dental team provides the best fit and protection for your mouth.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These come pre-formed and ready to wear, available at sporting goods stores. They often fit poorly, can feel bulky, and may make breathing or talking difficult. Many athletes find them distracting, leading to removing or fidgeting with them during play.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
These kits allow you to boil the blank guard and bite into the softened plastic to shape it to your teeth. They offer a better fit than stock guards and are also available at sporting goods stores, but they aren’t for everyone. If your boil & bite guard feels uncomfortable, bulky, or makes breathing or talking difficult, it might be time to consider a custom guard.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
It’s no surprise that this is our favorite! A custom-made mouth guard offers unmatched protection and comfort. Made specifically for your mouth, it provides the best fit and safety. And if it’s not perfect? We’ll be right here to adjust it for you—no questions asked.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Grand Rapids
The cost of a custom sports guard can vary widely based on individual needs. With typical insurance coverage, the price usually ranges from $100 to $300+. Without insurance, expect to pay between $150 and $350 or more.
Why does the price vary?
It mainly depends on the type of material used and whether you need adjustments for ongoing orthodontic treatment.
Remember, no dental practice can give an exact quote over the phone, as your needs are as unique as your smile. A consultation and oral exam with a dentist are essential for exploring treatment options and getting an accurate quote. If you have insurance, we can provide a quote for you to submit, 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. Although both mouthguards and nightguards fit snugly over your teeth, they serve different purposes. Sports guards protect your mouth from impact during activities, while nightguards focus on maintaining the proper alignment of your teeth and jaw during sleep.
These terms all refer to the same thing—a device worn over your teeth to protect them from injury or minimize the severity of an impact.
Ideally, sports guards should be replaced after each sports season. They can wear down over time, especially if the user tends to chew on them. Adolescents may need replacements more often as their teeth shift. Many athletes get a new sports guard during their routine 6-month dental checkup.
A custom-fit sports guard should feel comfortable and allow you to breathe and speak easily. If you find yourself frequently adjusting or removing it during activities, it might not be fitting properly.
A sports guard is recommended for any sport where there’s a risk of falling, contact with other players, or being struck by equipment. Consider one if you or your child participate in 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, and it’s even more important for you to wear one! A sports guard not only protects your teeth but also safeguards your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from injury if you get hit in the face.