Mouthguards aren’t just for football players or hockey players. Mouthguards should be worn while participating in any sport that involves the risk of injury, such as basketball, volleyball or gymnastics.
Barksdale Dental can create custom-fitted mouthguards to protect your teeth in any sport or activity. The advantage of a cutom appliance is superior fit and comfort allowing someone to focus on the game and not on the mouth guard.
Mouthguards, which typically cover the upper teeth, can cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. A properly fitted mouthguard will stay in place and be easy for users to talk and breathe while wearing.
There are several types of mouthguards:
Stock mouthguards are inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. Unfortunately, they often do not fit very well. They can be bulky and can make breathing and talking difficult.
Boil and bite mouthguards are available at many sporting goods stores, and offer a better fit than stock mouthguards. They should be softened in hot water, then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of the mouth. Follow the directions carefully to avoid a poor fit. Look for ones with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are made by a dentist in a dental office or a dental laboratory based on a dentist’s instructions. An impression is taken of the teeth and a mouthguard is created using the model. Custom-fitted mouthguards are more expensive than the other versions, but because they are customized they can offer a better fit than anything you can buy off the shelf. The materials will hold up better over time, provide greater support, and greater protection. A custom guard can be worn for multiple years since usually the dentition does not change after completion of orthodontics or typically after the age of 13.