
All About Sports Guards
A sports guard is a smart investment for anyone involved in activities or sports with falls, body contact, or flying equipment. While any sports guard is better than none, nothing compares to a custom-made guard crafted by your dental team, perfectly tailored to your mouth and teeth.
So, What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These pre-formed guards are sold at sporting goods stores but often fit poorly. They can feel bulky, making it hard to breathe or talk, and athletes sometimes remove them during play.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Available in kits, these guards are softened in hot water and then molded to your teeth by biting into them. They offer a better fit than stock guards but can still be uncomfortable or bulky. If you experience discomfort or difficulty breathing or talking, a custom guard is a better choice.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Our top recommendation is a custom-made mouthguard from your Toronto Dentist. It provides the best protection and comfort. If it doesn’t feel quite right, we’ll gladly adjust it until it fits perfectly.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Toronto
Out-of-pocket costs vary depending on your needs. With insurance, custom guards typically cost between $100 and $300+. Without insurance, prices range from $150 to $350 or more.
- The type of material used
- Whether you are undergoing ongoing orthodontic treatment
Two main factors influence the price:
Keep in mind, no dental practice can provide an exact quote without an exam. Your dental needs are unique, so it’s important to speak with your dentist to explore options and get an accurate estimate. We can also provide a quote for insurance purposes to help you understand your out-of-pocket costs.
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 serve different purposes. Sports guards protect your mouth from impacts, while nightguards protect your teeth and jaw from grinding or clenching.
They are different names for the same protective device worn over teeth to prevent or reduce injury.
Ideally, replace your guard after each sports season. Mouth guards wear down over time, especially if chewed or abused. Teeth can also shift during adolescence, affecting fit. Many athletes get a new guard during their routine six-month dental checkup.
A well-fitted guard feels comfortable, allows easy breathing and talking, and stays in place during activity. If you find yourself fiddling with it or removing it during play, it may not fit properly.
Any sport with risk of falls, player contact, or flying objects—such as football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, boxing, and more.
Absolutely! Wearing a sports guard is even more important if you have braces. It protects your teeth, braces, and the inside of your lips and cheeks from injury during impacts.
