Sport Mouthguard Guide
There are many different types of mouthguards on the market, ranging from mouthguards that are purchased over the counter, to a mouthguard that is custom-made and professionally fitted. The Australian Dental Association recommends professionally fitted custom mouthguards, as over the counter mouthguards offer inadequate protection.
Custom-fitted Mouthguards
Mouthguards that are custom fitted are made by a dentist using an impression of your teeth. Custom fitting a guard allows the dentist to accurately assess your mouth and provide the best fit, size, coverage and thickness that you will need for your mouthguard.
The dentist can also assess you for any risk factors and can recommend the best type of mouthguard for your sport.
These types of mouthguards are comfortable to wear because they allow you to talk, have maximum resistance against being dislodged and do not restrict your breathing.
Over-the-counter Mouthguards
These mouthguards are also known as boil and bite mouthguards. These mouthguards are self fitted by softening them in hot water, inserting them into the mouth and waiting for them to set. The Australian Dental Association doesn’t recommend these types of mouthguards as they are poor fitting, less comfortable to wear and offer insufficient protection from high impact sports.
Is Any Mouthguard Better Than None?
An over-the-counter mouthguard may be a good short-term solution if there are no other alternatives available at the time.
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