What are the different types of mouthguards?
Stock mouthguard: The lowest cost option is a stock item which can range in price from $1 to $20 and offers the least protection as the fit adjustment is limited. The stock mouthguard may be bulky and interfere with speech and breathing since it requires that the jaw be closed with the teeth biting down to hold in place. It comes ready to use without customization and may leave the back teeth uncovered leading to minimal protection. A stock mouthguard is not considered acceptable as a facial protective device.
Stock mouthguard: This is the lowest cost option with the lowest degree of protection. There is limited and often no fit adjustment. To remain in the mouth, this mouthguard requires the jaw to be closed at all times. Therefore, breathing and speech is limited. A stock mouthguard is an unacceptable form of protection. Mouth-formed mouthguard: Boil-and-Bite and Shell-Liner mouthguards are examples of this option. These mouthguards allow for an increased amount of fit adjustment compared to the stock mouthguard, however, they don’t compare to a custom-made mouthguard. They are also challenging to fit properly. A mouth-formed mouthguard offers limited protection. Custom-made mouthguard: This is the ultimate in protection. These mouthguards are custom-fitted to the individual’s teeth. They provide the best protection while offering the best in comfort.
Stock mouthguard: The lowest cost option is a stock item, which offers the least protection because the fit adjustment is limited. It may interfere with speech and breathing because this mouthguard requires that the jaw be closed to hold it in place. A stock mouthguard is not considered acceptable as an facial protective device. Mouth-formed protectors: These mouthguards come as a shell-liner and “boil-and-bite” product. The shell is lined with acrylic or rubber. When placed in an athlete’s mouth, the protector’s lining material molds to the teeth and is allowed to set. The lining of the “boil-and-bite” mouthguard is immersed in boiling water for 10-45 seconds, transferred to cold water and then adapted to the teeth. The “boil-and-bite” mouthguard is used by more than 90 percent of athletes who use mouthguards. While they are less expensive than custom-made guards, the fit is not as good and they do not last as long. Custom-made mouth protectors: The best choice is a mouthguard custom-
