Saskatoon – Stephenson Orthodontics
Mouthguards are worn during sports to help prevent injury to the teeth, but also to the mouth, lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, jaw joint. Mouthguards can even prevent injury to the brain by reducing the force being transferred to the base of the skull. When a mouthguard is worn correctly it pulls the mandible (jaw bone) forward and creates a space between the jaw bone and the skull, which can prevent a concussion.
During your orthodontic treatment, it is even more important to wear a mouthguard while participating in sports. A blow to the face can damage brackets and other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouthguard also acts as a barrier between braces and soft mouth tissue, which helps prevent injury to cheeks, gums, and lips.
A study published in Athletic Training, found that the highest dental injury rate occurred in basketball, followed by ice hockey, lacrosse, football, soccer, baseball and volleyball. Researchers at the National Institute of Dental Research have shown that 11-18% percent of all sports related injuries are to the face.
The Canadian and American Dental Associations recommend the use of mouthguards when participating in the following sports:
Acrobatics, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Discus, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Football, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Lacrosse, Martial Arts, Motocross, Racquetball, Rugby, Shotput, Skateboarding, Skiing, Skydiving, Soccer, Squash, Surfing, Trampoline, Tennis, Volleyball, Waterpolo, Weightlifting, Wrestling.
There are Three Types of Sports Mouthguards:
Stock Mouthguards: come in a set shape. They are the least expensive mouthguard, however they rarely fit perfectly and provide minimal protection to teeth and braces as a result.
Boil and Bite Mouthguards: are more expensive than stock mouthguards, but they can be heated and remolded several times as your teeth change position. The medical grade silicone allows the boil and bite mouthguard to adjust to the jaw’s shape and accommodate the changes that occur while wearing braces.
Custom Mouthguards by Your Dentist/Orthodontist: your orthodontist or dentist will make an impression of your teeth, and create a fitted mouthguard. Custom mouthguards can be expensive and are best to use closer to the end of your treatment (once your teeth have had a chance to shift).
For a free consult, reach our office at 306-653-3955 or book an appointment below.
Stephenson Orthodontics
301 The Tower at Midtown
201 1st Ave South
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 1J5
