All About Sports Guards
Sports guards serve a purpose beyond mere tooth protection. They provide essential defense for braces and fixed dental appliances like bridges and dental implants, while also safeguarding the inside of your cheeks and lips from potential braces-related injuries during accidents. Investing in a sports guard is a prudent choice for individuals engaged in activities or sports involving falls, body contact, or flying equipment. While any sports guard is better than none, nothing compares to a guard crafted by your dental team, specifically tailored to fit your mouth and teeth.
So What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These sports guards are conveniently pre-formed and readily available at sporting goods stores. However, they often lack a proper fit, feeling bulky in your mouth and impeding your ability to breathe and speak comfortably. Athletes frequently find themselves distracted by these ill-fitting guards, leading them to remove or fiddle with them during games.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
You can find these guards in a kit along with instructions. The process involves boiling the blank guard in water and then biting into the plastic to mold it to your teeth. They are also available at sporting goods stores and generally offer a better fit compared to stock guards. However, it’s important to note that this method may not suit everyone. If your boil-and-bite guard feels uncomfortable, bulky, or hinders your ability to breathe or speak, it’s advisable to consider a custom-made guard.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Are you amazed that this is our top choice? Well, it’s with great justification! Nothing can compare to a personalized, custom-made mouthguard. A sports guard crafted by our team will provide unparalleled protection and exceptional comfort. And in the rare case that it doesn’t feel comfortable, we are here to make necessary adjustments and take full responsibility for ensuring your satisfaction.
The Cost Of Sports Guards In San Diego
The cost of a custom sports guard can significantly differ for each patient in terms of out-of-pocket expenses. Typically, with a standard insurance plan, the average range for a mouth guard is around $100 to $300 or more. In cases where there is no insurance coverage, the cost for a custom mouth guard typically falls between $150 to $350 or higher.
What factors contribute to the variation in cost for a custom mouthguard? There are two primary considerations:
- The type of material used for your mouthguard.
- Taking into account any ongoing orthodontic treatment.
It’s crucial to remember that no dental practice can provide an accurate cost estimate over the phone. Your needs are as unique as your smile. Therefore, it is essential to schedule a consultation with a dentist, undergo an oral examination, and explore all available treatment options in order to receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we are more than happy to provide you with a quote that you can submit to your insurance provider, allowing you to determine 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.