Why do I need a mouthguard?

The importance and necessity of a proper fitting mouthguard cannot be understated. The protection a mouthguard provides is dependant upon its design and fit. In order to receive the complete protective benefits of a mouthguard it is recommended you have your mouthguard made and fitted by a professional. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends that only a professionally custom-fitted mouthguard should be worn.

Mouthguards consist of two types, either a store bought ?Boil and Bite? mouthguard or a custom-fitted mouthguard designed and fitted by a dental professional.

Store or chemist bought mouthguards

Store bought mouthguards normally come in generic small, medium and large sizes or a one size fits all model. These mouth guards require submersion in boiling water for several minutes upon which they are removed and then fashion to upper teeth. The design of these mouthguards has remained mostly unchanged since the 60s and whilst they provide a moderate amount of protection they rely on proper installation by the user. If the mouthguard is formed incorrectly then it can easily be rendered ineffective and injury can still occur. As well as fitting incorrectly Boil and Bite mouthguards can also be bulky and hinder functionality.

Custom-fit mouthguards

A custom-fit mouthguard is expertly crafted and fitted by a dental professional to ensure best fit. A custom-fit mouthguard is designed and fitted by taking an impression of your mouth and then vacuum sealing the mouthguard around the impression. This ensures the mouthguard fits snugly around the mouth and is held in place by structure and pressure as opposed to your bite. While they are more costly, custom-fit mouthguards have a longer lifespan and provide a far superior level of protection.

The prevention from injury that a custom-fit mouthguard provides more then makes up for the additional cost. Dental injuries can be extremely costly to repair and the process can be both lengthy and painful. In certain cases the injuries that can be sustained from improper oral protection can be irreparable. When choosing to protect your teeth and mouth ensure you choose a custom-fit mouthguard for superior protection, comfort and peace of mind.