Sports mouthguards
Date issued: January 2024
Review date: January 2026
Ref: B-368/Maxfax/KD/Sports mouthguards v3
PDF: Mouthguards for sport January 2024 v3.pdf[pdf] 179KB
WHAT ARE SPORTS MOUTHGUARDS FOR?
It is always upsetting when teeth are damaged, broken or knocked out. This can happen when you are playing sport. Unfortunately the dental treatment needed to repair damaged teeth or replace missing teeth is time consuming and expensive.
A mouthguard (gum-shield) is like a “crash helmet” for teeth and is usually worn over the top teeth. A mouth guard is recommended for the following sports to reduce the chances of injuring your teeth.
CUSTOM MADE MOUTHGUARDS
Custom made mouthguards are made especially for you. A flexible plastic shield fits closely over your teeth, providing the best protection.
MOUTHGUARDS WHILE YOU ARE WEARING A FIXED BRACE
Because your fixed brace will be moving your teeth, a closely fitting custom made mouthguard will only fit for a short time and may need to be changed frequently. For some sports e.g. boxing, regulations insist that a custom made mouthguard is worn. But for other sports, it may be more practical to buy a mouthguard from a sports shop while you are wearing fixed braces.
The “boil and bite” style of mouthguard can be shaped and reshaped to fit over your teeth and fixed brace by softening it in hot water and moulding it into place. You can buy these mouthguards in a variety of sizes. Make sure you choose one that fits well. You will need to remould it and replace it during your brace treatment.
MOUTHGUARDS FOR AFTER YOUR FIXED BRACE
When your teeth are straight and your fixed brace has been removed, a custom made mouthguard is recommended. This mouthguard will be made to fit your teeth in their new straight position.
BUYING A CUSTOM MADE SPORTS MOUTHGUARD
Our technicians can make a mouthguard for you on the day you have your fixed brace removed. We will just need to take an impression of your teeth to do this.
CHOICE OF MOUTHGUARD COLOURS AND COST
We provide custom made mouthguards in a choice of colours. These are latex free and should last you several years. If you would like to buy a sports mouthguard please talk to your orthodontist.
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT SPORTS MOUTHGUARDS
If you would like to find out more about sports mouthguards, the British Orthodontic Society web-site is a good place to look.
