In sports, safety is very important. Many types of protective gear exist, but athletic mouthguards are often ignored. This article will look at the great benefits of custom athletic mouthguards. You can take an impression in the comfort of your home with an easy impression kit. You’ll also learn why these mouthguards are essential for athletes at all levels.
Understanding Custom Athletic Mouthguards
Athletes often push themselves hard while being at risk of injury. Keeping your smile safe is crucial. A custom athletic mouthguard is essential equipment. It protects your teeth better than regular mouthguards you find in stores.
Store-bought mouthguards are often designed to fit everyone, but custom-made mouthguards focus on your specific needs. This makes them the top choice for athletes who want the best protection for their teeth.
How Are They Made?
Creating a custom athletic mouthguard usually starts with a visit to a dentist or orthodontist. During this visit, the dental expert takes an impression of the athlete’s upper teeth using a mold. This impression captures the exact shape and placement of the teeth. This ensures the mouthguard is customized accurately.
After making the impression, it is sent to a dental lab. Skilled technicians use this impression to make the custom mouthguard. The lab picks materials that fit the athlete’s needs and the sport they play, focusing on protection and comfort.
During the customization process, advanced techniques are used. This ensures the mouthguard fits well and feels comfortable in the athlete’s mouth. It allows for easy breathing and clear communication, which are crucial for good performance on the field or court.
The Importance of Precision Fit
A good mouthguard is all about how well it fits. A custom-made athletic mouthguard shines in this area. It fits perfectly to the shape of an athlete’s teeth and mouth.
This special design gets rid of the bulkiness and discomfort that often comes with standard store-bought mouthguards. When a mouthguard fits well, it stays put. It doesn’t block breathing and helps athletes talk clearly. These are all important when competing.
Benefits of a Precise Fit for Athletes
Custom athletic mouthguards fit really well, which has a lot of benefits for athletes. One big benefit is maximum comfort. Athletes can wear the mouthguard for a long time without feeling pain or irritation.
This comfort is very important in high-impact sports. It helps athletes focus on their game without any distractions. When the fit is comfortable, they are more likely to wear the mouthguard all the time, making sure they are safe during games and practices.
A great fit also means the mouthguard stays in place, even during challenging activities. This is very important for athletes in contact sports or those who make sudden moves. If the mouthguard comes loose, it can lead to serious dental injuries.
Comparing Fit: Custom vs. Store-Bought
When you look at the fit of custom and store-bought mouthguards, the difference is clear. Store-bought bite mouthguards need the athlete to bite into a shape while the material is soft. This method usually does not create a perfect fit. As a result, the mouthguard often feels bulky and can make it hard to breathe and speak.
Custom-made athletic mouthguards are a much better choice. They offer comfort and a fit that store-bought mouthguards can’t match. The molding process shapes the mouthguard to fit closely to the athlete’s teeth and gums.
This great fit improves comfort and increases levels of protection. A custom mouthguard works well as a barrier. It can absorb and spread out the impact forces, lowering the risk of dental injuries. This gives athletes peace of mind as they play.
Material and Durability Considerations
The materials used to make a custom athletic mouthguard are very important for its quality and how well it works. Good materials mean the mouthguard will last longer. This helps it deal with regular use and keeps its protective features.
Also, the choice of materials impacts comfort and fitting. A mouthguard made from top-quality materials will be softer. This allows it to fit better against the teeth and gums.
What Materials Are Used in Custom Mouthguards?
Custom mouthguards are usually made from strong, high-quality materials that aim to provide great protection and comfort. One common material is ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). It is known for its amazing shock-absorbing abilities, so it cushions the impact on teeth and jaws well.
EVA is also flexible. This means the mouthguard can easily fit the shape of the athlete’s mouth. This secure fit is very important for comfort during use. The thickness of the EVA can be changed based on what the athlete needs and the kind of impact expected in their sport.
Another common material is thermoplastic. This material can change shape when heated, which helps create a perfect fit during the customization process. Thermoplastic is strong, making sure the mouthguard can handle regular use without losing its protective qualities.
Longevity and Wear of Custom Mouthguards
Custom athletic mouthguards last longer and are tougher than those you find in stores. They are made from better materials and fit just right. However, how long a custom mouthguard lasts depends on a few things. This includes how often it is used, how hard the use is, the athlete’s dental care, and the quality of the materials.
Taking care of a custom mouthguard can help it last even longer. Athletes should rinse their mouthguards with water or mouthwash after using them to get rid of dirt and germs. It’s important to store the mouthguard in a well-ventilated case when it is not being used. This stops moisture from building up, which can lead to germs.
Even though they are tough, custom mouthguards can wear out over time. It is essential to check the mouthguard regularly for any signs of damage, like cracks or tears. If you find any damage, you need to replace it to keep getting good protection.
How Mouthguards Protect During Sports
The playing field can be tricky, and accidents can happen even in safe situations. When you take part in contact sports or any activity where your face might get hit, wearing a mouthguard is a must. Custom mouthguards, in particular, are very important as they protect athletes from possible dental injuries.
The protection a custom mouthguard offers comes from how it absorbs and spreads out the impact forces. When there is a hit to the face, the mouthguard helps by preventing direct contact between the teeth and the force. This helps to greatly lower the chance of having chipped or broken teeth, which is a common issue in sports.
Also, custom mouthguards give extra protection to the soft parts of the mouth, like the tongue, lips, and cheeks. These areas can get cuts and bruises during an impact, and having a well-fitted mouthguard can help lessen the pain of such injuries.
Learn More About Custom Athletic Mouthguards
Custom athletic mouthguards provide special benefits for protection, better performance, and lasting use. They fit perfectly, giving athletes comfort and safety that store-bought options cannot match. With the use of high-quality materials, these custom mouthguards protect against injuries and help improve athletic skills. If you care about safety and performance in sports, getting a custom mouthguard is a smart choice. To find out more about the benefits of custom athletic mouthguards or to get one made just for you, contact Dentistry of West Bend today.
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