Sport Guards
Sport Guards | Mouth Guards
Dental sport guards, also known as mouth guards, are protective devices that are worn over the teeth and gums to protect them from injury during sports or physical activities. They are made from different materials such as silicone, latex, or thermoplastic and are customized to fit the wearer’s teeth. In this article, we will discuss who needs dental sport guards, how they are made, their colors, how to clean them, the cost, the type of dental office that provides them, their pros and cons, and how they protect your teeth.
Who Needs Dental Sport Guards?
Anyone who participates in contact sports or activities that may cause facial trauma should wear dental sport guards. This includes football, soccer, basketball, hockey, boxing, and martial arts. Additionally, people who grind their teeth or have a history of dental trauma should also wear sport guards during physical activity to protect their teeth from further damage.
Children who participate in sports should also wear sport guards as their teeth are still developing and are more susceptible to injury. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends that children and teenagers should wear sport guards during any physical activity that could result in dental injury.
How Dental Sport Guards are Made?
Dental sport guards are made by taking an impression of the wearer’s teeth and creating a mold. The mold is then used to create the sport guard from a thermoplastic material. This process ensures a comfortable and secure fit for the wearer.
The first step in making a dental sport guard is taking an impression of the teeth using a dental putty or silicone material. This impression is then sent to a dental laboratory where a model is created. The model is used to create the sport guard using a thermoplastic material that is heated and molded to fit the wearer’s teeth. The sport guard is then trimmed to ensure a comfortable fit.
What Colors Do Dental Sport / Mouth Guards Come In?
Dental sport guards come in a variety of colors, including clear, white, black, blue, green, yellow, pink, and red. Clear sport guards are popular because they are less noticeable, while brightly colored sport guards are a popular choice for children and teenagers.
How to Clean Dental Sport Guards?
It is important to clean dental sport guards regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and prevent unpleasant odors. The following steps can be taken to clean dental sport guards:
Rinse the sport guard with cool water immediately after use to remove any debris or saliva.
Clean the sport guard with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Be sure to rinse the sport guard thoroughly with cool water after cleaning.
Soak the sport guard in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar for 30 minutes to disinfect it. Rinse the sport guard thoroughly with cool water after soaking.
Allow the sport guard to air dry before storing it in a ventilated container.
***Avoid using hot water, harsh chemicals, or abrasive cleaners when cleaning dental sport guards as they can damage the material and affect the fit.***
How Much Do Dental Sport Guards Cost?
The cost of dental sport guards varies depending on the material used and the dentist providing the service. On average, dental sport guards can cost anywhere from $300 to $600. However, some dental insurance plans may cover the cost of dental sport guards, so it is important to check with your insurance provider.
What Type of Dental Offices Provides Dental Sport Guards?
Dental sport guards are typically provided by general dentists, pediatric dentists, and orthodontists. These dental professionals have the necessary training and expertise to create customized sport guards that provide the best protection for their patients.
Pros and Cons of Dental Sport Guards.
Pros Of Dental Sport Guards:
Protection: Dental sport guards protect the teeth from injury during sports and physical activities.
Customization: Sport guards are customized to fit the wearer’s teeth, providing a comfortable and secure fit.
Prevention of dental trauma: Dental sport guards help prevent dental trauma such as chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth.
Reduction of concussion risk: Dental sport guards can also reduce the risk of concussion by absorbing some of the force of impact to the jaw.
Improved performance: Some athletes find that wearing a sport guard improves their performance by increasing their confidence and reducing their fear of injury.
Cons:
Discomfort: Some people may find sport guards uncomfortable to wear, especially if they are not properly fitted.
Speech difficulties: Wearing a sport guard may cause some people to have difficulty speaking or breathing during physical activity.
Cost: Dental sport guards can be expensive, especially if they are not covered by dental insurance.
Maintenance: Sport guards require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent the buildup of bacteria and unpleasant odors.
How Dental Sport Guards Protect Your Teeth?
Dental sport guards protect the teeth by providing a cushioning effect during impact. They absorb some of the force of the impact, reducing the risk of dental trauma such as chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth. Additionally, sport guards can reduce the risk of concussion by absorbing some of the force of impact to the jaw.
Dental Sport Guards | Mouth Guards
Dental sport guards are an important protective device for anyone who participates in contact sports or physical activities that may cause facial trauma. They are customized to fit the wearer’s teeth and provide a comfortable and secure fit. Dental sport guards come in a variety of colors and require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent the buildup of bacteria and unpleasant odors. The cost of dental sport guards varies, but they are typically provided by general dentists, pediatric dentists, and orthodontists. While they have some drawbacks, the benefits of wearing dental sport guards, such as protection from dental trauma and reduction of concussion risk, make them a necessary investment for anyone who participates in physical activity.
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