A guide to sports guards/mouthguards: Types and benefits of custom guards in London, ON
At Hyde Park Dentistry in London, ON, we take the approach of, “Why treat oral problems when you can prevent them?” For youth and adult athletes alike, custom sports guards/mouthguards are an effective way to avoid the stress, pain, and cost associated with resolving injuries to the teeth, gums, and other interconnected tissues and structures.
Options
Generally, athletes or other active types have three options for sports mouthguards to choose from:
- Off-the-shelf “stock” guards
- Boil and bite guards
- Customized guards
Off-the-shelf mouthguards are designed to fit “all” mouths, which is another way of saying they fit “no mouths.” Softened when placed in warm water, boil and bite guards are designed to conform to your teeth. But the custom guards designed by dental professionals like Drs. Ashish Papneja and Marjan Moaveni are made to fit the unique contours of your teeth and gums. Since they are made from models of your mouth, these appliances fit precisely.
Benefits of custom sports mouthguards
As a professional, custom product, custom sports guards have many advantages over “universally-sized” or store-bought alternatives. These benefits include:
- Precise fit for optimal protection
- Utmost comfort, since they are designed for your mouth
- Made from strong materials
- Long-lasting due to their durability
- They don’t slip around and irritate the inside of the mouth.
- They don’t interfere with performance and endurance (again, due to their custom fit).
Additionally, you can count on Drs. Papneja’s and Moaveni’s expertise throughout the “life” of your appliance. They will ensure that the guard fits perfectly. During routine follow-up visits and will also check that your mouthguard remains in top shape. Patients benefit from ongoing expertise that they can trust.
For the lasting health of your smile and body
Mouthguards are an easy-to-wear and easy-to-care-for way to protect yourself from injuries caused by contact with people and equipment during sports ranging from hockey and basketball to football and gymnastics. In addition to preventing injuries to the teeth, dental-work, lips, gums, and other oral tissues by absorbing the impact from a blow to the face and jaw, Health Canada also reports that mouthguards may prevent other types of injuries. These injuries include concussions, ruptured blood vessels and hemorrhaging, and trauma to the neck.
Custom guards designed at Hyde Park Dentistry are an intelligent investment in your health. Call us at 226-271-2522 to schedule an appointment with Drs. Ashish Papneja or Marjan Moaveni.