All About Sports Guards
Sports guards protect more than just teeth—they also shield braces, bridges, implants, and the soft tissues inside your mouth from injury during contact sports or accidental falls. Whether you’re playing hockey, basketball, or biking, a custom-fit guard from your dental team offers superior comfort and protection compared to store-bought options. It’s a smart investment for anyone involved in high-impact or contact activities.
What Are Your Options for Sports Guards?
Stock Sports Guards
Pre-formed and sold at sporting goods stores, stock guards are the most basic option. However, they tend to fit poorly, feel bulky, and can make speaking or breathing difficult. Many athletes end up removing them during play, reducing their effectiveness.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
Slightly better in fit, these guards are softened in boiling water and then moulded to your teeth by biting down. While more adaptable than stock versions, they can still feel uncomfortable or interfere with talking and breathing—especially if not fitted properly.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Our top recommendation, custom mouthguards are designed specifically for your mouth. Made by your dental team, they offer the best protection, fit, and comfort. Plus, if any adjustments are needed, we’re here to make sure it’s just right. Nothing beats the peace of mind that comes with a personalized, professionally made sports guard.
Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Oakville
The cost of a custom sports guard in Oakville typically ranges from $150 to $350+ without insurance, and $100 to $300+ with coverage, depending on your plan. Pricing can vary based on the material used and whether you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. Because every smile is unique, an in-person exam is necessary to provide an accurate quote. A trusted dentist in Oakville can assess your needs and offer a detailed estimate. If you have insurance, we’re happy to provide a quote for pre-approval so you know your exact out-of-pocket cost before starting.
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. While both are custom-fitted, sports guards and nightguards serve different purposes. A sports guard is designed to absorb impact and protect your teeth during physical activity, while a nightguard is made to manage teeth grinding, jaw alignment, and bite issues during sleep.
While often used interchangeably, each term can have slightly different implications depending on the context:
- Sports Guard: Specifically refers to a mouthguard designed for use during athletic activities. It protects the teeth, gums, and jaw from impact during contact sports or high-risk activities like hockey, football, and skateboarding.
- Mouthguard: A general term for any protective oral appliance worn over the teeth. This can include both sports guards and nightguards (used to prevent damage from grinding or clenching during sleep). The term is broader and applies to a range of dental protection devices.
- Mouth Protector: Less commonly used, but typically synonymous with a sports guard. It emphasizes the device’s role in preventing injury to not just the teeth, but also the gums, cheeks, tongue, and jaw during physical activity.
No matter the name, all serve the primary function of reducing the risk of dental injury—especially during sports or high-impact situations.
Sports guards should ideally be replaced after each season. Over time, wear and tear (especially from chewing) can affect their fit and effectiveness. For growing kids and teens, shifting teeth may also mean more frequent replacements. Many athletes opt to get a new sports guard during their regular 6-month dental check-up.
A good-fitting sports guard should feel comfortable and secure. You should be able to breathe and speak easily. If you find yourself adjusting it or removing it during games, it may not be the right fit—and a custom-made option might be a better choice.
You should wear a sports guard for any activity where falls, contact, or flying equipment could impact your face. This includes hockey, football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, boxing, gymnastics, skateboarding, mountain biking, ringette, curling, and more.
Absolutely—and it’s even more important! A sports guard protects not just your teeth, but also your braces and the soft tissues inside your lips and cheeks from injury during impact. A custom-fit guard will be designed to work safely with your orthodontic appliances.
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