FAQ

WHAT SPORT should wear a mouthguard

Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard. Players who participate in

What are the different types of mouthguard

Mouthguard criteria list

Mouth formed or Boil and Bite Mouthguards

These are the most common guard now used by athletes. The perceived advantage is that they will be more "custom". In fact, this supposed advantage is in most cases actually a large disadvantage. The procedure is to boil the thermoplastic guard, insert it into the mouth and then by using biting pressure - mould it into position. The problem occurs mostly from the fact that biting into the guard decreases the thickness dramatically - thus decreasing the tooth and concussion protection.

Several studies have shown that mouthguards of this type decrease in thickness on average from 70%-95% - thus negating almost all protection for the athlete. Most people (as with the "stock" variety) do trim and otherwise adjust these type of mouthguards as an attempt to make them more comfortable and easier to tolerate. These alterations further diminish the protection. One other major problem with these are that they inadequately cover the posterior teeth (back molars). This area of coverage is VERY important in concussion prevention. Due to the fact that most mouthguards used are of the "boil and bite" type, most of the public assumes that mouthguards in order to perform must be bulky, nonretentive, interfere with speech and breathing. This is not the case.

VACUUM FORMED Mouthguards

These type of guards take into consideration all the points from the "mouthguard criteria list" above. These type of guards take into consideration all the points from the "mouthguard criteria list" above. Additional factors including the age of the athlete, allowances for erupting permanent teeth, type of sport being played, etc can all be taken into account when planning a custom guard. None of these are possible in the stock or boil-and-bite type guards. This type of mouthguard is far superior to the stock and boil-and-bite type mouthguards. Your dentist makes this type of guard. Most often an impression (mould) of the upper teeth is made and poured into stone. A sheet of mouthguard material is then heated and vacuumed over the stone model. The excess material is trimmed and the guard is polished for delivery. The vacuum machines used for this type of guard are very adequate for these single layer guards but now research is showing that multiple layered (pressure laminated) guards are preferred over these single-layer ones.

Pressure Laminated Mouthguard

These type of guards take into consideration all the points from the "mouthguard criteria list" above. These type of guards take into consideration all the points from the "mouthguard criteria list" above. Additional factors including the age of the athlete, allowances for erupting permanent teeth, type of sport being played, etc can all be taken into account when planning a custom guard. None of these are possible in the stock or boil-and-bite type guards. This type of mouthguard is far superior to the stock and boil-and-bite type mouthguards. Your dentist makes this type of guard. Most often an impression (mould) of the upper teeth is made and poured into stone. A sheet of mouthguard material is then heated and vacuumed over the stone model. The excess material is trimmed and the guard is polished for delivery. The vacuum machines used for this type of guard are very adequate for these single layer guards but now research is showing that multiple layered (pressure laminated) guards are preferred over these single-layer ones.

How Should I care for my mouthguard ?

Clean your mouthguard by washing it with soap and warm (not hot) water. Before storing, soak your mouthguard in mouthwash. Keep your mouthguard in a well-ventilated plastic storage box when not in use. Make sure the box has several holes so the mouthguard will dry. Heat is bad for mouthguards, so don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile. Don't bend your mouthguard when storing. Don't handle or wear someone else's mouthguard.

Who can fit my impact mouthguard

Impact mouthguards or your local dentist

Fit over orthodontics?

Impact mouthguards can be made to fit over orthodontic equipment, but any mouthguard made for this purpose will not be tightly fitting, since the teeth are constantly moving. Our technicians will be able to allow for some movement of the teeth; however, replacement of the mouthguard is recommended more often to ensure correct fit.

Why don't kids... ?

Parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports in which the child participates. Some, though not all schools, reinforce the health advantage of mouthguards for their contact sports. Cost may be another consideration, although mouthguards come in a variety of price ranges. Mouthguards should be checked regularly throughout the season for tears, distortion or bite-though. Frequency of replacement will depend on the use and quality of care. A child's mouthguard should be replaced more often as the loss of 'baby' teeth and growth of new teeth will lessen the effectiveness due to improper fit.