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ADA defines three categories of mouthguards, which are typically comprised of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), but vary in cost, adaptability, comfort, level of contact with dentition, and safety/efficacy.

 

Custom-made

Custom mouthguards are fabricated in a dental office or laboratory from individual patient impressions using thermoforming techniques, which typically employ vacuum-forming or pressure-forming methods. Materials used to fabricate custom mouthguards include ethylene vinyl acetate, polyolefin and polystyrene-polyolefin copolymer. Such mouthguards can be customized to the requirements or personal preferences of the user. One recent study recommended fabricating custom mouthguards with balanced occlusion and maximum number of contacts with mandibular anterior teeth to reduce risk of mouthguard displacement from an impact force during athletic activity.

 

Custom mouthguards can be fully customized and provide athletes with an optimal fit with adaptability and efficacy, but they are the most expensive option and require dental visits for fitting and customization. While custom mouthguards are considered by many to be the most protective option, other mouthguards can be effective if properly fabricated and consistently worn.

 

Mouth-formed (boil-and-bite)

These are the mouthguards provided free from Safe Smiles. They come in a verity of colors and flavors.

 

Boil and Bite Mouth Guard Instructional Video

 

These self-adapting mouthguards are designed to soften when placed in hot water for a short period of time (approximately 15 seconds), and are then cooled and placed into the mouth for customized fitting. The product is adapted to the user’s mouth by bite pressure and manipulation using the tongue, fingers and lips. A dental professional may provide assistance with the final molding, particularly if the user has orthodontic appliances, but boil-and-bite mouthguards are widely available at sporting goods stores, and are generally designed to be fitted by the user at home.

 

Boil-and-bite mouthguards typically employ thermoplastic copolymers, such as EVA, which can be easily adapted with heating to facilitate molding and formation of a stable dental impression. The process of “boil and bite” mouthguard adaptation should be performed according to manufacturer instructions to ensure proper heating and molding of the thermoplastic material, and to avoid imprecise or superficial shaping of the mouthguard to the wearer’s bite, which can result in a poorly fitted device.

 

Stock (ready-made)

Stock or (ready-made) mouthguards are the most commonly available and least expensive type of mouthguard. Stock mouthguards are available at various department and sporting goods stores, but they are manufactured in a limited range of sizes, prefabricated without adaptation to the user’s mouth, and require the mouth to be shut to keep the device in place. The stock mouthguard is considered the least effective mouthguard type due to its generic design, improper fit and inadequate retention (with frequent repositioning) during sporting activities.

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Protecting Your Braces

A properly fitted mouthguard may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouthguard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, which will help you avoid injuries to your gums and cheeks.

Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about selecting a mouthguard that will provide the right protection. Although some mouthguards only cover the upper teeth, your dentist or orthodontist may suggest that you use a mouthguard on the lower teeth if you have braces on these teeth.

If you have a retainer or other removable appliance, do not wear it during any contact sports.

 

Mouthguard Care and Replacement

Talk to your dentist about when is the right time to replace your mouthguard, but replace it immediately if it shows sign of wear, is damaged or ill fitting. Teens and children may need to replace their mouthguards more often because their mouths are still growing and changing.

Between games, it’s important to keep your mouthguard clean and dry. Here are some tips for making sure your mouthguard is always ready to go:

• Rinse before and after each use or brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

• Regularly clean the mouthguard in cool, soapy water. Then, rinse it thoroughly.

• During your regular dental checkups, bring your mouthguard for an evaluation. Your dentist may also be able to give it a thorough cleaning.

• Store and transport the mouthguard in a sturdy container that has vents so it can dry and keep bacteria from growing.

• Never leave the mouthguard in the sun or in hot water.

• Check fit and for signs of wear and tear to see if it needs replacing.

• Some mouthguards have fallen victim to family pets, who see them as chew toys. Store your mouthguard and case somewhere your pet cannot get to it.

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