All too often, a patient comes to see me with a significant dental problem involving a front tooth. In contrast to the premolars molars which are further back in the mouth, front teeth can suffer from trauma – be it a childhood accident or sports injury, or a fall.
The best way to protect your front teeth from trauma is wearing a protective mouthguard appliance.
The catch is, most custom athletic guards made at your dentist – while high quality – are expensive. Just the lab bill is around $100. Add the dentist’s fee, and you may be looking at $250.
In November 2015, the ADA granted it’s Seal of Acceptance to the CustMbite athletic guard. It’s the only mouthguard currently approved by the ADA – The cost for this new off the shelf guard is significantly lower, at around $20-30.
Regardless of your choice, you’ll be doing yourself a favor wearing a mouthguard while participating in sports, cycling, and other vigorous exercise.
Dr. Michael Zidile