|
|
|
Customized Sports Mouthgaurds
|
|
It is estimated that over 39 per cent of all dental injuries are sports related and that an athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to the teeth when not wearing a mouthguard. All mouthguards are not the same, however, so you should take your time when considering which is best for you.
There are three types of mouthguards:
1. Stock or ready-made
2. Boil and bite
3. Custom-made
Stock or ready-made
Available in many sports stores and usually made of rubber or polyvinyl, stock or ready-made mouthguards are the most inexpensive option and require no forming or impressions. However, they offer a generic fit and thus limited comfort, protection, and durability. Often they are bulky and loose-fitting and may interfere with speech and breathing.
Boil and bite
Also available in most sports stores are boil and bite mouthguards. Fit is achieved by boiling the mouthguard in warm water and then biting into the warm plastic. They are usually made of acrylic gel or thermoplastic materials. However, the heating process may weaken the plastic, the mouthguard may feel bulky, and they may interfere with breathing or speech.
Custom-made
Custom-made mouthguards are made from a cast model of your teeth taken by your Dentist. These mouthguards, while slightly more expensive, offer optimal fit, protection, and comfort. They are also the most durable and can be modified for specific sport or patient needs. Custom-made mouthguards will not interfere with speech or breathing.
A mouthguard can prevent serious injuries such as concussions, cerebral hemorrhages, incidents of unconsciousness, jaw fractures, and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw is jammed into the upper jaw. Mouthguards are also effective in keeping the soft tissue in the mouth away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances.
Talk to one of our dentists regarding which mouthguard option is right for you. Your dentist will consider the size of your mouth, your bite, the type of sport you play, and whether or not you wear braces. Each patient's very specific needs must be addressed for maximum comfort and protection.
|
|
|
|
