Sports and Bruxism Guards in Brantford
Whether you need protection on the field or relief from nighttime teeth grinding, a custom fitted guard from Lifetime Dental offers better protection and comfort than anything you can buy off the shelf. Dr. Kim will help you find the right guard for your specific needs.
Bruxism Guards, Relief From Teeth Grinding
Bruxism is the term for grinding or clenching your teeth, often without realizing it, most commonly during sleep. Many people do not know they grind their teeth until a dentist spots the signs, or a partner mentions hearing it at night.
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth
A sore or tight jaw, especially in the morning Headaches or earaches that seem to come from nowhere Flattened, chipped, or worn down teeth Increased tooth sensitivity A partner who has mentioned hearing grinding at night
Why It Matters
Left untreated, bruxism can wear down enamel, crack or loosen teeth, and contribute to jaw joint problems, sometimes called TMJ or TMD. Stress, sleep issues, an uneven bite, or missing and crooked teeth may all play a role, though the exact cause is not always clear. A custom night guard will not fix the underlying cause on its own, but it protects your teeth from further damage while that cause is identified and addressed.
Sports Guards, Protection Where It Counts
Sports related dental injuries are more common than most people expect, and a properly fitted guard is one of the simplest ways to prevent them. High contact sports like hockey, football, basketball, martial arts, and rugby carry higher risk, but even sports like baseball, cycling, and skateboarding send patients to the dentist every year with preventable tooth damage.
A sports guard cushions your teeth, lips, and jaw during impact, helping prevent chipped or knocked out teeth, cut lips and cheeks, and other trauma that can be far more costly and painful to treat after the fact than a guard is to prevent.
The Three Types of Mouth Guards
Not all guards offer the same level of protection.
Stock Guards
Pre made and sold in a single range of generic sizes. These are the least expensive option but offer the least protection and the poorest fit.
Boil and Bite Guards
Softened in hot water and then bitten into to form a rough impression. These offer a somewhat better fit than stock guards but still fall well short of a true custom fit.
Custom Guards
Made from an impression of your own teeth, custom guards from Lifetime Dental are tear resistant, comfortable, properly fitted, easy to keep clean, and designed so they do not interfere with normal breathing. This is the option Dr. Kim recommends for both sports and bruxism protection whenever possible.
What Does a Custom Guard Cost in Brantford?
Pricing for a custom guard depends on your specific needs and whether it is for sports protection or nighttime grinding. In Brantford, a custom guard typically costs somewhere in the range of one hundred fifty to three hundred fifty dollars or more without insurance, with many insurance plans covering a meaningful portion of that cost. We will confirm your specific estimate and any coverage details during your consultation.
Will a Guard Work With My Braces, Retainer, or Dentures?
If you currently wear braces, a retainer, a bridge, or dentures, let us know. Dr. Kim will assess how a guard should be designed to work properly alongside any existing dental appliances you have, so your protection and your other treatment work together rather than against each other.
Visit Our Brantford Office
Address: 625 Park Rd N #1, Brantford, ON N3T 5L8 (Conveniently located across from Park Road Veterinary Clinic)
Phone: +1 519-759-7630
Email: greatsmiles@lifetimedentalbrantford.ca
Hours: Monday to Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: By appointment
What Our Brantford Patients Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much do mouth guards cost for sports?
A custom sports guard in Brantford typically costs between about one hundred fifty and three hundred fifty dollars or more without insurance, with many insurance plans covering a meaningful portion of the cost.
2. How much is a sports mouthguard from a dentist?
Pricing from a dentist reflects the custom fitting process and professional materials used, generally in the same one hundred fifty to three hundred fifty dollar range in Brantford, though this can vary based on your specific needs. We provide a clear estimate during your visit.
3. How much does a custom sports mouth guard cost?
Custom guards cost more than store bought stock or boil and bite options, but offer significantly better fit, comfort, and protection. We are happy to walk you through pricing and what is included during your consultation.
4. What is the difference between a sports mouth guard and a dental mouth guard?
A sports guard is worn during athletic activity to protect against impact and injury. A dental, or bruxism, guard is typically worn at night to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding or clenching. The two serve different purposes and are often made with different thickness and materials to suit their specific job.
5. Does dental insurance cover mouth guards?
Many insurance plans offer partial coverage for custom guards, whether for sports or bruxism. Our team can help you understand your specific coverage and any applicable billing details before your appointment.
6. How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common signs include a sore jaw in the morning, headaches, flattened or worn teeth, and increased sensitivity. Many people only find out during a routine dental exam, since grinding often happens without any awareness during sleep.
7. Can a guard be made if I have braces, a retainer, or dentures?
Yes. Dr. Kim will assess your specific situation and design a guard that works properly alongside any existing dental appliances you wear.
Protect Your Smile Today
Whether you need protection for the field or relief from nighttime grinding, book a consultation with Lifetime Dental in Brantford to get fitted for a custom guard.