Custom Mouth Guards in Gambrills, MD
We love that our youngest patients are active in sports, and that’s exactly why mouth guards matter so much. Regardless of the sport, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry strongly recommends wearing one, and some sports governing organizations now require it. Athletic mouth guards absorb and distribute the force of impact, minimizing injury to both the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, cushioning a blow to the face and reducing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, or jaw.
Here’s a stat worth remembering: an athlete is up to 60 times more likely to suffer harm to their teeth when not wearing a mouth guard. Dr. Bruce Auslander fits custom mouth guards for young athletes and adults throughout Gambrills, Crofton, Odenton, and Bowie, so you can play hard without worrying about your smile.
Schedule Your Mouth Guard Fitting
Types of Mouth Guards
| Type | Where to Get It | Fit & Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Stock (One-Size-Fits-All) | Drugstore | Least expensive, but the loosest fit and lowest protection |
| Boil-and-Bite | Sporting goods store | Better than stock, softened and molded at home, but still an imprecise fit |
| Custom-Fitted | Dr. Auslander’s office | Best fit, comfort, and protection, made from a full mouth impression |
Custom mouth guards are especially important for patients wearing braces, since they protect both your teeth and your orthodontic appliance from damage.
Which Sports Need a Mouth Guard?
Any sport with contact, or the risk of being struck by a ball, bat, stick, or another player, calls for a mouth guard. Common sports where a mouth guard is strongly recommended or required include:
- Football
- Basketball
- Lacrosse
- Hockey
- Soccer
- Wrestling
- Baseball and softball
Even non-contact activities like skateboarding or gymnastics carry some risk of a fall or collision, so it’s worth asking Dr. Auslander whether a mouth guard makes sense for your child’s specific activities.
Sports Mouth Guard vs. Night Guard: What’s the Difference?
These two are often confused, but they’re built for different jobs. A sports mouth guard is made from a flexible, resilient material and typically covers the upper teeth, designed to absorb impact during physical activity. A night guard is used to protect teeth from grinding or clenching during sleep, usually made from a firmer material and fitted differently. You can’t use one in place of the other. If teeth grinding is a concern for you or your child, visit our Sleep Appliances page to learn more about night guard options.
How Long Does a Custom Mouth Guard Last?
With proper care, a custom mouth guard can last a full season or more, though this depends on how often it’s worn and how well it’s maintained. Rinse your mouth guard after every use, brush it gently with a toothbrush, and store it in a ventilated case rather than a sealed bag to avoid bacteria buildup. Bring it along to your regular checkups so Dr. Auslander at Auslander Dental can check the fit, especially important for kids and teens whose mouths are still growing and changing.
Average Custom Mouth Guard Cost in Gambrills, MD
Cost varies based on the materials used and whether any special fitting is needed, for example, for patients wearing braces. Based on typical regional and national averages, here’s what patients can generally expect:
| Mouth Guard Type | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Stock (drugstore, one-size-fits-all) | $10 – $30 |
| Boil-and-Bite (sporting goods store) | $10 – $40 |
| Custom-Fitted (from our office) | $150 – $350 |
These are general estimates, not a quote. Your exact cost depends on materials, whether braces are involved, and any special fitting needs. While the upfront cost of a custom guard is higher, it often ends up being the better value over time, especially when you consider the cost of treating a chipped or knocked-out tooth.
We accept all PPO insurance plans, and some plans offer partial coverage for custom mouth guards. Our team will help verify your benefits. Learn more on our Insurance & Payment page.
Why Choose Dr. Auslander for Your Custom Mouth Guard
- Serving young athletes and adults throughout Gambrills, Crofton, Odenton, and Bowie
- Custom guards crafted from full mouth impressions for the best possible fit
- Especially experienced fitting guards for patients wearing braces
- Walk-ins welcome and same-day appointments available before your season starts
- Accepts all PPO insurance plans, with affordable options for every budget
Getting Your Custom Mouth Guard Is Simple
Ready to protect your smile before the season starts? Reach out by phone or request an appointment online, and our team will help find a time that works for you.
- Contact Us – Call 301-517-7335 or request an appointment online.
- Get Fitted – Dr. Auslander takes a full mouth impression to design your custom guard.
- Pick It Up & Play – Return to collect your finished mouth guard, ready for practice and game day.
Schedule Your Mouth Guard Fitting
Frequency Ask Questions About Custom Mouth Guard in Gambrills, MD
How much does a custom mouth guard cost?
Custom sports mouth guards typically range from $150 to $350, depending on materials and fit complexity. We’ll give you an exact cost at your visit, and some insurance plans offer partial coverage.
Can my child wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes, and it’s especially important. A custom mouth guard protects both your child’s teeth and their braces from damage during sports.
How long does a custom mouth guard last?
With proper care, a custom guard typically lasts a full season or more. We recommend bringing it to regular checkups so we can check the fit as your child’s mouth grows.
What’s the difference between a sports mouth guard and a night guard?
A sports mouth guard protects your teeth during physical activity and is made from a flexible material. A night guard protects against teeth grinding during sleep and is typically firmer. They serve different purposes and aren’t interchangeable.
Which sports actually require a mouth guard?
Contact sports like football, hockey, lacrosse, and wrestling commonly require one, but any sport with a risk of falls or collisions, including basketball, soccer, and baseball, can benefit from one too.
Are custom mouth guards really worth the extra cost compared to store-bought ones?
Yes, in most cases. Custom guards offer a far better fit and more reliable protection, and the cost is generally much lower than treating a chipped or knocked-out tooth from an injury a poorly fitted guard didn’t prevent.
Does insurance cover custom mouth guards?
Coverage varies by plan. We accept all PPO insurance and can help verify whether your plan offers partial coverage.