Custom Sports Mouthguards for Kids: Cost and Options in Toronto

Hockey, soccer, basketball, ringette. If your child plays a contact sport this season, a mouthguard belongs in their bag right next to their skates or cleats. Chipped and knocked-out teeth are some of the most common sports injuries we see in kids across the GTA, and most of them are preventable. The question we hear most from parents isn't whether their child needs a mouthguard. It's what a properly fitted one actually costs, and whether the dentist-made version is worth it over something from the sporting goods aisle.

Why Kids in Contact Sports Need a Mouthguard

A stray elbow, a stick to the face, a fall onto the ice or turf. These things happen fast, and kids' developing teeth don't hold up well to a direct hit. A well-fitted mouthguard cushions that impact and spreads the force across the jaw instead of concentrating it on one or two teeth. For kids who play hockey, football, rugby, basketball, or any sport with real contact, a mouthguard isn't optional gear. It's as basic as a helmet.

Types of Mouthguards: Stock, Boil-and-Bite, and Custom

Not all mouthguards protect the same way. Here's how the three main types compare.

• Stock mouthguards. Pre-formed and ready to wear straight out of the package. They're the cheapest option, but they're bulky, fit poorly, and make it hard to breathe or talk, which is often why kids stop wearing them within a few practices.

• Boil-and-bite mouthguards. Softened in hot water, then bitten into for a rough shape. Better than stock, but the fit is inconsistent from one guard to the next and they soften and lose shape after a season of regular use.

• Custom mouthguards. Molded or digitally scanned to your child's exact bite by their dentist. They stay in place during play, don't interfere with breathing or speaking, and give the most reliable protection for what they cost.

Custom Sports Mouthguard Cost in Toronto

Here's what parents across the GTA typically pay, by type.

Mouthguard Type	Average Cost (CAD)	Fit and Protection	Best For
Stock (store shelf)	$10 to $25	Loose fit, minimal protection	One-off or casual use
Boil-and-bite	$20 to $60	Rough fit, wears out within months	Recreational, low-contact play
Custom (dentist-made)	$150 to $350	Precise fit, highest protection	Regular contact sports, growing kids

A few things affect where your child's guard lands in that range: the material used, whether it covers one arch or both, whether it's made from a digital scan or a traditional impression, and how often it needs replacing as your child's teeth and jaw grow. Most families budget for a new custom guard every season or every year, since a guard that no longer fits snugly won't protect the way it should.

What Happens If Your Child Chips or Knocks Out a Tooth During Play

Even with a mouthguard, accidents happen. If your child chips a tooth during a game, keep any broken piece if you can find it and call our office the same day. Chipped tooth repair usually depends on how much of the tooth is affected. If a permanent tooth gets knocked out entirely, time matters most. Rinse it gently by the crown only, try to place it back in the socket or keep it in milk, and get to a dentist within the hour if at all possible. Our guide on what to do when a tooth gets knocked out walks through the exact steps to take on the sidelines.

How Custom Mouthguards Are Made at Our Office

Getting a custom guard is quick and painless. We take a digital scan or a traditional impression of your child's teeth, usually in a single short visit. The guard is fabricated to fit their exact bite and is typically ready within one to two weeks. At the fitting appointment, we check that it seats comfortably and doesn't restrict breathing or speech before your child takes it home. If your child wears braces or an expander, we account for that in the design, since a standard custom guard won't fit the same way over active orthodontic hardware. If your family is weighing when to start orthodontic treatment, it's worth mentioning during the same visit so we can plan the guard around your child's treatment timeline.

When to Replace Your Child's Mouthguard

Kids' mouths change quickly, so a guard that fit perfectly last season may not fit well this one. Watch for these signs that it's time for a new one:

• Your child has lost baby teeth or gained new permanent ones since the last fitting

• The guard feels loose, or your child says it slips during play

• There are visible cracks, tears, or thin spots in the material

• It's been a full season or year since it was last checked or replaced

• Your child stops wearing it because it feels uncomfortable

Common Questions About Kids' Sports Mouthguards

Does my child really need a custom mouthguard, or is boil-and-bite enough?

For occasional, low-contact play, a boil-and-bite guard is better than nothing. But for regular practices and games in sports like hockey, football, or basketball, a custom guard fits more securely and protects better over the full season.

How long does a custom mouthguard last?

Most last a full season to a year, depending on how much your child's mouth is still growing and how heavily the guard is used. Kids with permanent teeth still coming in usually need to be refitted more often than teens or adults.

Will dental insurance cover the cost of a custom sports mouthguard?

Coverage varies by plan. Some extended health plans include a sports guard under preventive or appliance benefits, though the Canada Dental Care Plan generally does not cover them. It's worth calling your insurer and asking specifically about a "custom athletic mouthguard" before booking.

Can a custom mouthguard be made if my child has braces?

Yes. We design guards differently for kids in active orthodontic treatment, using a bit more room and a softer material so the guard fits comfortably over brackets or an expander without putting extra pressure on moving teeth.

Fall sports registration is here, and the best time to get your child fitted is before the first practice, not after an injury. Schedule an appointment with Lornview Dental and we'll make sure they're properly protected all season.