Choosing an Athletic Mouth Guard

The mouth is the most injured area of the body during contact sports. That is why some sports require a mouth guard, and mouth guards are recommended for many others. Here is a quick look at your options for a mouth guard with some plusses and minuses.

There are three types of mouth guards from which to choose from:

• Stock (Ready-made) – Most sports stores carry these, and they are the least expensive. They are available in various sizes and shapes, but cannot be adjusted to fit your mouth. Often, they are loose and bulky and may interfere with speaking or breathing. These are the least desirable.
• Mouth-formed (“Boil & Bite”) – These are available in most sports stores and are relatively inexpensive. The plastic mouth guard shell is boiled in water for 10-45 seconds, cooled under tap water and molded and adapted directly in the mouth. Compared to custom-made guards, the fit is not as accurate, and it may not last as long.
• Custom-made – This type is highly recommended and the most effective. We make them at our dental office from a cast of your teeth. While they are a little bit more expensive than the store-bought variety, they provide the greatest protection and comfort. We know it’s well worth your safety and peace of mind.

As member of the Academy of Sports Dentistry, Dr. Kivett and Associates of Dental Arts is proud to offer our patients a way to protect their smile with custom fit mouth guards (pictured above) that provide maximum protection and comfort for our patients.

To schedule an appointment for a custom-made athletic mouth guard, please contact us