Neglecting to wear an athletic mouth guard often results in a variety of orthodontic injuries. From tooth breakage, to nerve damage, to tooth loss, failure to protect your pearly whites with a mouth guard can be detrimental to one’s dental work, especially during and after orthodontic treatments.
The Importance of A Mouth Guard
Athletic mouth guards are not only designed to be comfortable and nonintrusive, but they are also available in a variety of forms in order to suit an athlete’s specific needs or preferences, in turn, effectively preventing potential problems.
If you are an athlete, or play sports recreationally, it is important to ensure you are wearing a mouth guard. Depending on your sport, you may want to consider one of the following types of mouth guards that are commonly used today:
Custom Fabricated Mouth Guards- Custom fabricated mouth guards are created and customized by taking an impression of your teeth, then fabricating it to perfectly suit your smile. Many athletes prefer custom mouth guards since they are typically the most comfortable option, as well as tend to last longer and are more discreet than others. While a custom mouth guard may not be for every athlete, they are something to consider if you are a serious athlete. It is important to remember that these custom mouth guards do require time to complete.
Boil and Bite Mouth Guards- A boil and bite mouth guard is a semi-customizable mouth guard that can be done at home. By heating the specialized thermoplastic, you are able to manually shape it by biting it and allowing it to cool, forming your mouth guard.
Standard Athletic Mouth Guards- Standard mouth guards are typically designed to be one-size-fits all, and are readily available at most sporting goods stores. However, since these mouth guards are mass produced, they may not feel as comfortable or provide adequate protection, especially if you have braces or orthodontic appliances.
Contact Beauty Smile Orthodontics today for more information on how we can help keep your smile healthy and happy, ensuring a brighter smile, for a brighter future.