All About Sports Guards
Sports guards do more than just protect teeth—they safeguard braces, bridges, dental implants, and the soft tissues inside your mouth from injury. Essential for anyone involved in contact sports or activities with a risk of falls or impact, a well-fitted sports guard minimizes damage from collisions and flying equipment. While any protection is better than none, a custom-made sports guard from your dentist offers the best fit, comfort, and defense for your smile.
What Are Your Sports Guard Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These pre-formed, ready-to-wear mouthguards are widely available at sporting goods stores. However, they often have a poor fit, feel bulky, and can make breathing or speaking difficult. Many athletes find them uncomfortable and may remove or fidget with them during play, reducing their effectiveness.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
A step up from stock guards, these come as a moldable blank that you soften in boiling water before biting down to shape it to your teeth. While they provide a better fit than stock guards, they aren’t always comfortable. If your boil & bite guard feels bulky or makes it hard to breathe or talk, you may want to consider a custom-made option.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Nothing beats a professionally made, custom-fit sports guard. Designed specifically for your teeth and bite, a custom guard offers superior protection, comfort, and durability. Unlike store-bought options, a professionally fitted guard won’t interfere with breathing or speaking. Plus, if any adjustments are needed, we’re here to ensure the perfect fit—because your safety and comfort come first.
Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Boulder
The price of a custom sports guard varies based on individual needs. With dental insurance, the cost typically ranges from $100 to $300+, while those without insurance can expect to pay between $150 and $350 or more.
Several factors influence the final cost, including the type of material used and any considerations for ongoing orthodontic treatment. Because every smile is unique, an in-person consultation is necessary to determine the best option and provide an accurate quote.
While no dental office can give an exact price over the phone, we’re happy to evaluate your needs and supply a detailed estimate—one you can also submit to your insurance provider 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a sports guard and a nightguard serve different purposes. While both are custom-fitted, sports guards are designed to absorb impact and protect your teeth from injuries, whereas nightguards focus on preventing teeth grinding and aligning your bite and jaw position. Using the wrong type of guard can compromise its effectiveness and your oral health.
These terms all refer to the same device—an oral appliance worn over the teeth to prevent or reduce the severity of injuries during physical activities.
Ideally, a sports guard should be replaced after each season. Frequent use, biting, or general wear can cause the material to weaken over time. For adolescents, teeth shifts can also impact the fit, making it necessary to get a new sports guard more often. Many athletes have a new one made during their routine six-month dental checkup.
A well-fitted sports guard should feel comfortable, allowing you to breathe and speak easily. If you frequently adjust it, take it out during play, or find it distracting, it may not be the right fit. A custom-made guard offers the best protection and comfort.
Any activity that involves potential falls, contact with other players, or the risk of being hit by a ball or equipment warrants a sports guard. This includes football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, field hockey, water polo, cricket, ringette, curling, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, wrestling, boxing, and other contact or high-risk sports.
Yes! A sports guard is essential for protecting dental work such as crowns, implants, and bridges, as well as orthodontic appliances like braces. A properly fitted guard helps absorb impact, reducing the risk of damage to restorations and preventing injuries to your gums, lips, and cheeks. If you have orthodontics or dental restorations, a custom sports guard is the best option to ensure a secure, comfortable fit without disrupting your treatment or oral health.
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