So you’ve registered for your winter contact sports, paid your fees for insurance and you have a uniform organised.
But, do you have your Mouth Insurance? A well-made mouth guard that fits properly is a must for any contact sport! It’s like insurance for your teeth!
Before you decide, here are some questions to ask:
How old are you or your child? What sports do you or your children play?
Low Impact Sports
If your child is under 11 years old playing a sport with little or low impact contact we recommend a single layer, non-laminated mouthguard.
Benefits:
A custom-made mouthguard is super comfortable, because we want you to wear it. If you get hit without a mouthguard, the average minimum fee to fix a damaged front tooth is around $225. The good news, is that a custom made mouthguard can be remodelled in six to twelve months to accommodate growth and loss of any baby teeth.
Medium Impact Sports
If over 11 years, playing a sport with potential for medium impacts with balls of all types (even soccer balls) and/or a body contact sport, we recommend a Dual–Layer, double–laminated mouth guard.
Benefits:
This mouthguard combines a hard-outer layer and a softer clear inner layer. A hard insert can also be incorporated over the front teeth.
These mouth guards encourage your child to wear it all the time. These can also be remodelled if the need arises due to growth.
Dual – laminated mouth guards offer protection against damage caused by hard balls used in hockey and cricket, equipment like racquets and hockey sticks and especially other people’s bodies (all contact sports can damage front teeth).
A tooth that is knocked out and lost during contact sports will cost over $5,000 to replace.
1mm hard inserts offer extra protection where high–velocity impacts are common (boxing, rugby, karate, hockey, kickboxing etc).
High Impact Sports
If over 11 years, and playing a sport with potential for high velocity impact with balls and/or violet body – contact sport we would recommend a Triple – layer, triple- laminate mouthguard
Benefits:
Triple – laminated mouth guards offer protection where hard balls (hockey), equipment (racquets, hockey sticks) or other people’s bodies (all contact sports) can damage front teeth. Anyone participating in boxing, full – contact martial arts, senior hockey or rugby league or union should invest in this level of protection.
Alveolous fracture (fracture of the bone underlying the soft tissue) can be a risk in high – impact sports: triple―lamination can help prevent this level of damage.
The Process
At Moss Vale Dental we require an appointment to take 2 moulds to allow the wearer to be comfortable during play – we make sure your bite is correctly adjusted.
At the second appointment we’ll issue your mouth guard and ensure that it fits properly and is comfortable.
Finally did you know your name can be incorporated into the mouthguard> we really don’t want you to lose it.
All mouth guards are supplied with a mouth guard container to keep your precious guard safe when not in use.
Advantages
· Custom made mouth guards fit comfortably and protect your teeth
· Can have name incorporated
· A variety of colours to choose from and can have multiple colours
Disadvantages
Takes 2 appointments Turnaround 1-1.5 weeks
More expensive than boil and bite.
Cost
Ranging between $145 and $350 depending on which mouthguard you choose.
Contact the team at Moss Vale Dental on (02) 4869 3111 to make an appointment.
What about buying one from a sport store or chemist?
It’s true that one-size-fits-all mouth guards can be bought from a variety of outlets. These “boil and bite mouthguard” might be attractive in some situations.
How they work
Boil & bite mouth guards come in a few different sizes. You will need to try to get them to fit comfortably at home; they may even offer some protection from injury to jaws & teeth in low impact sport. They are constructed from a thermoplastic material that can be heated so it moulds around teeth.
Advantages
Cheap.
Quick and easy to use; done at home.
Disadvantages
Usually the fit is less than ideal. As a result, some children won’t wear them during matchplay.
Could not protect teeth as well as custom made due to possibly poor fit.
Cost
Cost from chemist for mouth guard ranging between $10- $15.
If you have any questions about mouth guards and their suitability to your needs, contact the team at Moss Vale Dental on (02) 4869 3111 to make an appointment.
Good luck with your sports and hope you have a great time playing!
