Sports Guards Athletes who participate in sports that involve falls, body contact, or flying equipment are recommended to wear an important piece of athletic equipment called mouthguards. Mouthguards are often interchangeable with terms such as sports guard and mouth protectors and serve one purpose: to protect your teeth from damage when hit in the head or face from blows. Many different athletes are recommended to wear sports guards including those who participate in hockey, football, gymnastics, basketball, baseball, soccer, skateboarding, skiing, or even mountain biking. If you are looking to invest in a reliable, form-fitted mouthguard for sports, Stansell Dentistry Associates can recommend an ideal solution.What Are the Different Types of Mouthguards?Mouthguards are designed to cover the upper teeth and protect your mouth from damage including broken teeth and cut lips. Alternatively, they are also suggested for those who wear braces or have dental appliances fixed to the lower jaw, such as bridges and dentures. There are a wide variety of mouthguards our dentists may suggest you wear during practices to help protect your mouth from injury. Stock mouthguards are those that are often found pre-made and pre-formed. These are easily accessible on the web or in stores. While inexpensive and relatively easy to get, they are not suggested by most dentists. They are often poorly fitted and bulky, which makes it more difficult for you to breathe or talk. For athletes, this can be a major hindrance to your performance and for your protection. Those looking for a better solution that is not as expensive may find boil-and-bite sports guards more favorable. These are often found in most sporting goods stores and offer slightly better protection than stock mouthguards, although they can wind up poorly fitted when instructions are not followed. These types of mouth protectors are pre-formed but can be altered by boiling them in water. After boiling them for a few minutes, you bite into the warm plastic and press firmly on them. This gives a more customized fit, making them a better solution than a stock mouthguard. However, they can still be bulky, and some athletes may find talking and breathing problematic. Custom-made mouthguards are highly suggested for those athletes who want to optimize their oral protection. These mouthguards are designed specifically for your mouth, providing the most protection while giving the most comfortable fit. These are created professionally at a dentist’s office or a professional dental laboratory. Your dentist takes an impression of your teeth and constructs the mouthguard using that model to give the most customized design for your mouth. This provides the best feel and fit for any athlete but is also the most expensive. How Often Should I Replace a Sports Guard?The longevity of a sports guard depends on each person. Athletes who use them less often will only have to replace their mouthguard every year or two. However, athletes who train often and have more games, such as football, basketball, and soccer players, are recommended to replace their mouthguard after each season due to the wear and tear on them. Children should also replace their mouthguard once or twice a year since they are constantly developing. They can outgrow their mouthguard before the end of a season, depending on individual growth spurts. Individuals who play several sports each year often get new custom-made mouthguards during their six-month checkup due to excessive wear and tear. Getting a custom-made mouthguard may be slightly more expensive than other options but are generally better for performance and protection. If you are looking to get a highly protective mouthguard made, please contact us, Stansell Dentistry Associates, at 984-477-0177 to schedule an appointment today. |
Locations & HoursBrier Creek9400 Brier Creek Parkway, Ste 204 Raleigh, NC 27617-4879 Phone: 984-477-0177 Fax: 919-249-1375 Office Hours Mon: 8:30am - 6:30pm Tues: 8:30am - 4:30pm Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm Thur: 7:30am - 4:30pm Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm North Raleigh1911 Falls Valley Drive, Ste 107 Raleigh, NC 27615 Phone: 984-206-4242 Fax: 919-249-2145 Office Hours Mon: 8:30am - 6:30pm Tues: 8:30am - 4:30pm Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm Thur: 7:30am - 4:30pm Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm Knightdale1101 Great Falls Ct, Ste 102 Knightdale, NC 27545 Phone: 984-733-0330 Fax: 919-415-1849 Office Hours Mon: 8:30am - 6:30pm Tues: 8:30am - 5:30pm Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm Thur: 8:30am - 4:30pm Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm |
