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Choosing the Mouth Guard that's Right for You
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 Mouth guards, or mouth protectors are designed to protect your teeth and mouth from damage due to sports, athletic or recreational activities. These mouth guards come in three basic styles - stock, mouth-formed, and custom. Each of these styles varies in fit, comfort and price, so how do you decide?
Custom Mouth Guards
Custom mouth guards are just that - custom-fitted for you by your dentist. They are more costly than their counterparts, but they also offer the most protection, precision fit and the greatest degree of comfort. The dentist will make an impression of your teeth, then the mouth guard is cast to create your custom guard. Custom-fitted guards usually have soft linings for comfort along with a strong, resilient outer layer for protection. This type of guard is designed to protect all of your teeth.
Mouth-formed Guards
This type of mouth guard comes in two styles. The first is known as boil-and-bite; you boil the guard then molded it to your teeth using your bite plus a little help from your fingers. The second style is lined with rubber or acrylic which molds quickly to your teeth and sets. These guards are less expensive than custom mouth guards, but also provide a lower level of protection and comfort.
Stock Mouth Guards
Stock guards are ready made and ready to wear. They are pre-formed at the factory, making them ill-fitting and uncomfortable. They must be held in place by your closed jaw. Stock guards are the least expensive of the guards and offer the lowest level of protection.
Take a few minutes to discuss with your dentist the best guard for you ' based on your activity, your skill level, and your dental health. |
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