Oral injuries occur much more frequently than most of us would like to believe. Compelling proof of this can be seen in many dental journal studies. Oral injuries are not only painful but expensive to fix! An athlete who engages in a sport has a 45% chance to sustain an injury sometime during their playing career. Because of these facts, many sports organizations have made mouthguards mandatory! Football and hockey are not the only sports where injuries can occur! Mouthguards should be worn in all sports where contact may occur with another athlete or the playing field.
Over the years, I have seen countless lip,and tooth injuries resulting in deformities, loss of teeth, destruction of beautiful smiles, severe pain, and expensive rehabilitation. Some injuries will occasionally lead to a lifetime with a compromised smile due to bone and tooth loss. Sadly it most often occurs in children and young adults. Facial injuries can devastate a young person's delicate self esteem.The vast majority of these injuries are completely preventable with a properly fitting mouthguard!
Why Wear a Mouthguard?
• Protects teeth
• Prevents trauma to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
• Reduces forces that cause concussions neck injuries and jaw fracture3s
• May improve strength and performance
Sports and activities requiring a mouthguard
Football, basketball, soccer, field hockey, boxing, lacrosse, tennis, racquetball, wrestling, boxing, volleyball, baseball, softball, cycling, mountain biking, skateboarding, motocross, off-roading of any type, BMX biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, sledding, hockey.
Professionally made Pressure-formed Custom Mouthguards*
The professionally pressure formed custom-made mouthguard is the superior type of mouthguard available because it is fabricated by a dental professional to fit the unique characteristics of the athletes mouth. Highly precise custom impressions are taken and Composed of a thermoplastic polymer and fabricated over a cast of the athlete's dentition, the custom mouth protector does not have the bulk or retention problems associated with the other types of mouthguards. These are the most comfortable mouthguards to wear! The dentist will also be able to register your bite into the mouthguard for a very comfortable fit and bite. Research has shown that athletes can breathe 40% better with custom-made mouth protectors as opposed to all other types, and speech is minimally affected. Having a good flow of oxygen is essential for optimal performance and reduces the chance of muscle fatigue. We have logos for the local high school teams that can be applied along with identification or a phone number.
Professionally made custom suckdown mouthguards (vacuformed)
These mouthguards altho made by a licensed dental professional, do not have the adaptation to the mouth that can be achieved by pressure. In many ways, they are similar to a mail order mouthguard due to inaccuracies.
Mail order custom mouth guards
These rely on you making your own impression and mailing it to a laboratory. Though you can achieve a nice looking customized result, the accuracy is highly variable due to the properties of the material and your ability to make our own impression. You also have no ability to properly register your back teeth into the mouthguard and thus the bite is inherently unstable. If the mouthguard does not fit properly or is causing sore spots, you are stuck and must attempt to adjust it yourself.
Stock Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards are made of rubber or a polyvinyl copolymer and may be purchased at local stores or pharmacies. While the physical and mechanical properties of these mouthguards are acceptable, sizes are limited often resulting in a loose and cumbersome fit. They also may interfere with speech and breathing and require that the jaws be closed to hold the mouthguard in place. Since very little can be done to adjust the fit of stock mouthguards, many athletes find them uncomfortable and consider them the least satisfactory of the three types of mouthguards.
Why Wear a Mouthguard?
• Protects teeth
• Prevents trauma to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
• Reduces forces that cause concussions neck injuries and jaw fracture3s
• May improve strength and performance
Sports and activities requiring a mouthguard
Football, basketball, soccer, field hockey, boxing, lacrosse, tennis, racquetball, wrestling, boxing, volleyball, baseball, softball, cycling, mountain biking, skateboarding, motocross, off-roading of any type, BMX biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, sledding, hockey.
Other activities where a bite splint may improve performance
Track and field events, golf, racing of any kind, weight lifting
Types of Mouthguards
Types of Mouthguards
- Custom
- Off the shelf
Custom Mouthguards
Used by professional athletes, and anyone desiring maximum protection, performance, accurate fit, comfort, and choice of color and/or logo.
Highly accurate impression
Highly customizable Drufomat high pressure laminate former
Registering the bite
Dentist preparing mouthguard
Dental heater forming bite
*We at Crystal Lake Dental Associates exclusively provide this type of mouthguard.
The professionally pressure formed custom-made mouthguard is the superior type of mouthguard available because it is fabricated by a dental professional to fit the unique characteristics of the athletes mouth. Highly precise custom impressions are taken and Composed of a thermoplastic polymer and fabricated over a cast of the athlete's dentition, the custom mouth protector does not have the bulk or retention problems associated with the other types of mouthguards. These are the most comfortable mouthguards to wear! The dentist will also be able to register your bite into the mouthguard for a very comfortable fit and bite. Research has shown that athletes can breathe 40% better with custom-made mouth protectors as opposed to all other types, and speech is minimally affected. Having a good flow of oxygen is essential for optimal performance and reduces the chance of muscle fatigue. We have logos for the local high school teams that can be applied along with identification or a phone number.
Available at Crystal Lake Dental Associates
815 459 2202
Read below to learn about other less accurate mouthguards
Professionally made custom suckdown mouthguards (vacuformed)
Multiple custom colors
Economy vacuforming machine
These mouthguards altho made by a licensed dental professional, do not have the adaptation to the mouth that can be achieved by pressure. In many ways, they are similar to a mail order mouthguard due to inaccuracies.
Mail order custom mouth guards
Home-made impression
These rely on you making your own impression and mailing it to a laboratory. Though you can achieve a nice looking customized result, the accuracy is highly variable due to the properties of the material and your ability to make our own impression. You also have no ability to properly register your back teeth into the mouthguard and thus the bite is inherently unstable. If the mouthguard does not fit properly or is causing sore spots, you are stuck and must attempt to adjust it yourself.
Off the Shelf
Majority of mouthguards purchased fall in this category. Minimal protection, color choice comfort and fit.
Stock mouthguards are made of rubber or a polyvinyl copolymer and may be purchased at local stores or pharmacies. While the physical and mechanical properties of these mouthguards are acceptable, sizes are limited often resulting in a loose and cumbersome fit. They also may interfere with speech and breathing and require that the jaws be closed to hold the mouthguard in place. Since very little can be done to adjust the fit of stock mouthguards, many athletes find them uncomfortable and consider them the least satisfactory of the three types of mouthguards.
Mouth-formed Protectors
Mouth- formed protectors are also known as boil & bite mouthguards and are made of thermoplastic vinyl. These mouthguards are placed in boiling water for 10 to 45 seconds, transferred to cold water and then adapted to the teeth. These are also found in most stores, however, offer limited comfort, speech and breathing ability
Contact us for more information
Crystal Lake Dental Associates
280 B Memorial Court
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014
815 459 2202
Mouthguard is essential for protecting your teeth when playing sport. Only a moulded, custom made mouthguard will guarantee the best protection from impacts.
ReplyDeleteMouthguards are convenient, good quality and easily available at affordable price. Mouthguards have created a self-impression system so now custom made professional mouthguards can be made in the comfort of your own home.
Mouthguard should only be washed in warm water and soap. Rinse well before and after each use. Do not place it in direct sunlight or hot locations. If your mouthguard becomes loose, tight or cause you any discomfort please contact immediately.
Response to above comments.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your input.
Your "Playsafe" mouth guard depends upon the patient being able to make a decent putty impression without professional supervision. It will have less accuracy and detail. In short it will not fit as well as an impression provided by a professional with the proper impression material and technique. When professionals makes an impression, they can also remake it immediately if it is deemed inadequate. In addition to that, the opposing occlusion (bite) cannot be captured. Capturing the opposing occlusion insures more comfort, stability and strength when biting. Ours are also custom adjusted to insure patient is comfortable and not gagging.
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