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CUSTOM FITTED MOUTHGUARDS ARE THE SAFEST
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Sporting accidents are the cause of numerous injuries to the teeth of school-age children. It is estimated that 40 % of students will sustain such an injury as they mature through their school years. Parents need to protect the teeth of their children as they participate in sporting events.
Football, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, rugby, basketball, wrestling, and baseball are sports with significant risks for mouth trauma. Football, field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse are the only sports in which mouthguards are mandated.
Mouthguards provide protection not only against tooth injuries, but also against jaw fractures, jaw dislocations, and head concussions. Mouthguards protect against concussions by softening the impact of a blow to the jaw.
Boil-n-Bite
Unfortunately, most athletes receive information about mouthguards from their coaches, friends, or family, and not from dental professionals. The most commonly purchased over-thecounter mouthguard is the“ boil-n-bite” variety. According to a respected dental clinician and researcher, Gordon Christensen, DDS, MSD, PhD, the“ boil-n-bite” can do more harm than not wearing any protection at all! The posterior teeth are not fully covered by this mouthguard. Since this mouthguard is also not custom-fitted,
Dr. Alison King Dr. Karin Bittner
Custom-Fitted A third type of mouthguard, which is custom-made in a dental office, provides better protection and durability than the“ boil-n-bite” or“ stock” varieties. Dental staff members take an impression of the teeth, pour a stone cast model, and using a vacuum device, adapt the mouthguard material for a custom fit.
Custom-Fitted Laminated Recommended for all levels of contact sports is the custom thermoformed laminated mouthguard. It has greater thickness in vulnerable areas such as the front teeth and biting surfaces. The added thickness offers:
• increased comfort
• better overall protection
• durability
• increased retention
Bittner King Dental Our office provides these mouthguards in a variety of colors and logos, and can be personalized with the wearer’ s name. They provide
BOIL-N-BITE STOCK CUSTOM-FITTED CUSTOM-FITTED LAMINATED
wearers often modify them for comfort. With less coverage of the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth, there is less protection provided by the mouthguard.
Stock
The generic type“ stock” mouthguard commonly purchased in sporting goods stores is also not recommended by dental and medical experts. They are too bulky and not retentive. The only way they are kept in the mouth is by the child biting down on them. These are the least expensive style of mouthguard and also the least protective.
protection for any age, sport or level of competition. For more information or to make an appointment for a custom mouthguard, call Bittner King Dental at 412.242.4222. We are located at 1344 Freeport Road( beside Atria’ s Restaurant). Coaches and team organizers are welcome to call to arrange a group discount and fitting time.
www. BittnerKingDental. com Dedicated to keeping your smile healthy for a lifetime!
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