You pay at the time of your visit, and we’ll file your insurance claim for you — your insurance will reimburse you directly based on your plan’s coverage.
Our membership plans make it easy to prioritize your child’s oral health and overall wellness without the stress of insurance limitations or unexpected costs.
We’ll always provide detailed treatment estimates and work with you to find payment solutions that fit your family’s budget and healthcare goals.
If your child plays sports, protecting their smile is just as important as protecting the rest of them from head to toe. Sports-related dental injuries are among the most common types of facial injuries in young athletes, and many of them are entirely preventable. A properly fitted mouthguard absorbs and distributes the force of impacts that could otherwise result in chipped or knocked-out teeth, jaw fractures, or soft tissue damage. Whether your child plays soccer on a weekend league or competes in organized contact sports, the right protective gear makes a big difference in keeping their smile intact.
At Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, we believe that prevention is the foundation of lifelong oral health. Our practice in Castle Hills is built around giving parents the information and tools they need to make informed decisions for their children, including sports safety. We take a measured, minimally invasive approach to care, and helping your child avoid dental injuries before they happen is central to everything we do.
Dental injuries in sports are more common than most parents think. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s policy on sports-related orofacial injuries, during the 2020-2021 school year, nearly 20% of all competition injuries reported among high school athletes involved the head or face, and for the majority of those injured athletes, no mouthguard was worn at the time.
These injuries can range from minor chips to complete tooth avulsions, some of which require extensive restorative treatment. For children whose permanent teeth are still developing, the consequences of an untreated or poorly managed dental injury can affect oral development for years to come.
Beyond protecting teeth, mouthguards also help cushion blows that might otherwise cause concussions or jaw injuries. This makes them one of the most versatile and valuable pieces of protective equipment a young athlete can wear, regardless of whether their sport is high-contact or not.
Parents often assume mouthguards are only necessary for football or hockey, but dental injuries happen across a wide range of activities. Sports where we recommend mouthguards include:
Any activity that involves physical contact, fast-moving equipment, or a risk of falling warrants a mouthguard. Even a single impact can result in a tooth that needs restorative dentistry to repair, which is why we always recommend erring on the side of caution and being proactive with protection.
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection or comfort. There are several main types available:
Stock mouthguards are pre-made, inexpensive, and available at most sporting goods stores. They come in limited sizes and often fit poorly, making breathing and speaking difficult. Since they cannot be adjusted, they offer the least protection for your child.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are softened in hot water and then shaped around the teeth. They offer a better fit than stock mouthguards and are widely available, making them a relatively reasonable option for recreational athletes.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are made from scan of your child’s teeth and fabricated specifically for their mouth. They provide the best fit, the most comfort, and the highest level of protection. For children who are serious about their sport or have existing dental work, a custom mouthguard is well worth the investment to protect their teeth from impacts.
If your child is undergoing airway orthodontics or wearing a palate expander, standard mouthguards may not be appropriate. Custom-fitted options can be designed to accommodate brackets, wires, and expanders, providing protection without interfering with treatment. This is especially important because a hard impact on an appliance can cause significant oral injury. We’ll work with you to find the right solution for your child’s specific needs.
Children’s mouths change rapidly, especially during growth spurts and active orthodontic treatment. A mouthguard that fit well last season may no longer provide adequate coverage this year. We recommend having your child’s mouthguard evaluated at each dental cleaning and exam to confirm the fit is still appropriate. Additionally, if the mouthguard shows signs of wear, thinning, or has developed holes, it should be replaced immediately.
Experience the difference that holistic pediatric care can make for your child. Our comprehensive approach combines gentle techniques with transparent communication to create positive dental experiences that last a lifetime. We’re here to partner with you in supporting your child’s overall health and development through expert oral care.
From fluoride-free alternatives to airway-focused orthodontics, we offer the choices and expertise your family deserves. Schedule your consultation today and discover how our unique approach can benefit your child’s health and wellness journey.
Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway is Castle Hills’ holistic, minimally invasive pediatric dental practice dedicated to building the foundation for lifelong positive dental experiences. We empower parents with choices and transparent information because we believe you deserve to know exactly what goes into your child’s care. Our team is happy to discuss mouthguard options during any visit and help you determine which type is right for your young athlete’s needs.
If your child is active in sports and doesn’t yet have a mouthguard, now is the perfect time to get ahead of it. Reach out to our team today to schedule a visit and make sure your child’s smile is protected all season long.
