What Type of Sports Guard Is Right for You?
Not all sports guards offer the same level of comfort and protection. Here’s what you should know about the three main types:
Stock Sports Guards
These are pre-made, ready-to-wear mouthguards found in most sporting goods stores. While inexpensive, they often fit poorly, feel bulky, and make breathing or speaking uncomfortable. Because they tend to shift or fall out easily, athletes often remove them during play, leaving their teeth unprotected.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Sold in kits, these guards are softened in hot water and then molded to your teeth by biting down. They provide a slightly better fit than stock guards but can still feel bulky or uneven. If breathing or talking feels difficult with a boil-and-bite guard, it’s best to consider a custom-made alternative.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Custom sports guards are created to perfectly fit your teeth and mouth. They offer the highest level of comfort, protection, and durability. A professional guard also protects orthodontic appliances like braces, dental bridges, and implants, helping reduce the risk of injury during impact. If adjustments are ever needed, we can make them easily to ensure your mouthguard stays secure and comfortable.
The cost of a custom sports guard in North Canton
The cost of a custom sports guard can vary from patient to patient. With most insurance plans, the average cost ranges between $100 and $300. Without insurance, a custom guard typically costs around $150 to $350 or more, depending on the materials used and any special adjustments needed.
The main factors that affect the price include:
- The type and quality of material used to make your guard.
- Adjustments for ongoing orthodontic or restorative treatment.
Every smile is different, so it’s important to come in for an exam before we can provide an accurate quote. If you have insurance, we can help you submit a pre-determination so you’ll know what your out-of-pocket cost will be before getting started.
Contact Us Today
to schedule your initial consultation.
Your first visit is the perfect opportunity to learn about your oral health and goals. During your comprehensive exam, we will assess your teeth, gums, soft tissues, and bite alignment to understand how your entire mouth functions. This complete evaluation helps us plan the best approach for your care. Most importantly, we take time to listen to what you want to achieve so we can create a personalized plan to help you reach a healthy, confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
A sports guard helps protect your teeth, gums, and jaw from impact during contact sports. It also shields your lips and cheeks from injury, especially if you have braces, bridges, or dental implants.
With proper care, a custom sports guard can last several years. It should be replaced if it becomes worn, damaged, or if your teeth or bite change due to dental work or growth.
Yes. Custom guards are an excellent choice for kids who play sports. They’re comfortable, fit securely, and help protect developing teeth and gums from injuries.
Rinse your mouthguard with cold water after each use and store it in a ventilated case. Once a week, gently brush it with toothpaste or soak it in a denture-cleaning solution to keep it fresh and hygienic.
A properly fitted guard should not interfere with breathing or speaking. Custom-made mouthguards are designed to feel natural and allow easy movement while providing full protection.
Replace your guard if it becomes cracked, loose, or no longer fits snugly. During your routine teeth cleaning, we can check the condition of your sports guard and let you know if it’s time for a new one.
Custom-made guards are designed to fit your mouth perfectly, offering better comfort, stability, and protection. Unlike store-bought guards, they don’t slip or feel bulky and allow you to breathe and speak with ease.
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