What Are The Different Kinds of Mouth Guards?

Many athletes who have participated in organized sports will be familiar with mouth guards. A mouth guard is a device designed to protect the wearer's’ teeth from damage in case of a blow to the mouth or jaw. Mouth guards come in several types, and each is made of a different kind of plastic. Mouth guards are very effective and are a necessity in contact sports such as football, boxing and wrestling. A mouth guard should be worn whenever an activity is being done where there is a risk of being hit in the mouth or jaw region.

Stock Mouth Guards

• A stock mouth guard can be purchased in any sporting goods store or drugstore. A stock mouth guard is the least expensive type of mouth guard because it offers the least amount of protection. The reason for the lack of protection is because these rubber or polyvinyl guards are pre-manufactured in only a few generic sizes. That means the mouth guard may not fit the user’s teeth exactly, leaving gaps in certain places. The generic sizing also can result in discomfort, and the less-than-ideal fit may cause the wearer to have trouble speaking or breathing if the jaw has to be closed to keep the guard in place.

Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guard

• The boil-and-bite mouth guard is made of thermoplastic. Thermoplastic becomes very pliable when heated. This is where the guard gets its name, because the user will put it in boiling water until it becomes pliable. He will then insert the guard into his mouth, bite down, and use his tongue, fingers and cheeks to press the guard tightly against all teeth and gums until a custom fit is achieved. Hence, once the plastic cools, the boil-and-bite mouth guard will harden and hold the shape of the user’s mouth, giving a much better fit than a stock mouth guard and better protection. Basic boil-and-bite mouth guards come in several different sizes, so the user should make sure that the one purchased is large enough to cover all teeth but not so large that it causes gagging. There are some drawbacks to a boil-and-bite mouth guard. First, if it is not molded properly, the plastic can be stretched too thin in some areas, which will lessen the protection of that area, and there can be discomfort in areas where the plastic is too thick.

Custom-Fit Mouth Guards

• Custom-fit mouth guards are the most expensive type but also offer the greatest amount of protection. A custom-fit mouth guard has to be provided by a dentist. The dentist will make a plaster cast of the user’s teeth, and from that cast a laboratory will make a mouth guard that precisely fits the user’s teeth. Custom-fit mouth guards are more comfortable and fit so well that the user can talk clearly while wearing it. There are several ways a custom-fit mouth guard can be produced, depending on the sport or what the wearer wants. The mouth guard can be made with a hard outer shell with a softer lining, or it can be made of various plastics such as acrylic that have the same consistency throughout.