Benefits of Custom-Fitted Sports Mouth Guards

Athletes at all levels wear mouthguards. If you or your kids play sports, you may have gone through the common ritual of fitting a so-called boil-and-bite mouthguard. That type of mouthguard is popular because it’s cheap and widely available, but it doesn’t offer the protection that you get from a custom-fitted mouthguard.

You’ll Get a Comfortable Fit

A standard mouthguard that you buy in a sports store is not made to fit you. It’s known as a boil-and-bite because that’s the procedure you go through to make it fit:

• Trim the mouthguard in length to fit your mouth
• “Cook” the mouthguard in a pot of boiling water
• Let it boil for one minute
• Remove it, and let it cool slightly
• Place the warm, soft mouthguard into your mouth
• Mold it against your teeth and gums until it feels comfortable
• Place it in a bowl of ice water to “freeze” it into place

Can you be sure this method results in a properly fitted mouthguard?

Custom Fit Means Maximum Protection

Only a mouthguard designed for your mouth will protect all your teeth. It will absorb impacts from anything that hits your teeth. Injuries to the head and jaw can result in serious damage, including broken teeth. A mouthguard minimizes that damage.

A properly fitted mouthguard does more than protect your teeth. It can also reduce the chances of getting lower jaw injuries, which are associated with concussions.

You’re More Likely to Wear a Comfortable Mouthguard

Why do athletes take off their mouthguards? It might be because many of these mouthguards don’t fit properly. When children complain that their mouthguards hurt, don’t dismiss their complaints. It’s uncomfortable to wear a bulky, loose, or overly tight plastic object in your mouth.

A properly fitted mouthguard feels natural and comfortable. Children and adults are both more likely to wear protective gear that feels good.

Poorly Fitting Mouthguards Can Damage Your Teeth

A mouthguard that doesn’t fit properly isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s also likely to damage your teeth and gums. Here are the usual reasons a mouthpiece is uncomfortable.

• It’s loose: A mouthguard that slides around in your mouth won’t protect you. The plastic sliding around your gums can scratch your tooth enamel.
• It’s too tight: A tight mouthguard is painful to wear and leaves your teeth exposed to injury.
• It’s too thick: The ideal thickness for a sports mouthguard is 4 mm. Many non-custom mouthguards are too thin to offer real protection.

Cover Your Dental Devices

Custom-fitted mouthguards are ideal for players who have braces, Invisaligners, plates, and dentures. The mouthguards protect your expensive dental appliances from harm.

Up Your Game with a Custom Fit

If you want to experience the comfort and security of a custom-fitted mouthpiece, talk to Malan Family Dentistry. We can provide professionally fitted mouthguards for every player on your team.