All about sports guards
Sports guards aren’t just for athletes, they’re for anyone engaging in activities that carry a risk of falls, contact, or flying objects. Whether you’re skating, sparring, or sprinting, a sports guard provides vital protection for your teeth, braces, dental appliances (like implants or bridges), and even the inside of your lips and cheeks.
While any mouthguard is better than none, nothing compares to the comfort and protection of one made specifically for your smile. That’s why your Dentist in Langley is your best resource for creating a guard that offers maximum defense,and minimal distraction, so you can focus on your game.
So, what are your options?
Stock Sports Guards
These pre-formed guards are the most accessible and affordable, but also the least comfortable. They tend to fit poorly, feel bulky, and make it harder to breathe or speak, leading many athletes to take them out mid-game, defeating the purpose entirely.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Found in most sporting goods stores, these guards offer a slightly better fit. You boil the material to soften it, then bite down to shape it to your teeth. While more adaptable than stock guards, they can still be uncomfortable or poorly fitting, especially for those with braces or unique bite patterns.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Designed and fabricated by your dental team, custom sports guards offer the highest level of comfort, fit, and protection. These guards are tailored to your mouth using impressions of your teeth, making them ideal for anyone who wears braces or dental appliances, or who simply wants the best protection possible. And if adjustments are needed? We’re right here to help.
The cost of a custom sports guard in Langley
The cost of a custom mouthguard can range based on your dental needs and insurance coverage. Here’s a general breakdown:
- With insurance: Around $100–$300+ out-of-pocket
- Without insurance: Usually $150–$350+, depending on the materials and design
Factors that may influence cost include:
- The type and quality of the material used
- Whether you’re currently undergoing orthodontic treatment
We recommend coming in for a consultation so we can assess your needs and provide a detailed quote. If you have insurance, we’re happy to help you submit an estimate to find out your exact coverage before proceeding.
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. Sports guards and nightguards serve different purposes. Sports guards protect your mouth from impact, while nightguards are made to manage teeth grinding and jaw alignment during sleep.
They’re all the same thing, just different names for a device worn over your teeth to prevent or reduce the severity of oral injuries during sports or physical activity.
They should be replaced at least once per season. Kids and teens, in particular, may need more frequent replacements due to growth and shifting teeth. Excessive chewing on the guard can also reduce its lifespan.
A good-fitting sports guard should feel snug and secure, without needing to be clenched. You should be able to breathe, talk, and focus on your activity without fussing with it.
Any sport with a risk of contact or collision. This includes (but isn’t limited to): football, hockey, soccer, basketball, baseball, boxing, wrestling, gymnastics, skateboarding, biking, lacrosse, ringette, and more.
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