How To Custom Fit A Mouthguard
Mouthguards are an essential part of any contact sport. They help to protect your teeth, gums, lips, and jaw from injury. While you can buy mouthguards off the shelf, these will never provide as good a fit as a custom-made one. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to create your own custom mouthguard.
In this article, we will take a look at how you can make a custom mouthguard for yourself. We’ll go over the materials you’ll need, the steps involved, and answer some frequently asked questions about mouthguards.
Materials You’ll Need
To make a custom mouthguard, you’ll need the following materials:
– A dental mold
– A mouthguard kit
– A microwave-safe container
– A microwave
– Hot water
– Cold water
The dental mold and mouthguard kit can be purchased from a sporting goods store, dental office, or online.
Step 1: Create the Mold
Before you can fit your mouthguard, you need to create a dental mold of your teeth. This will ensure that your mouthguard fits snugly and comfortably.
To create a dental mold, follow these steps:
1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
2. Boil water and let it cool for a minute, so it’s not scalding hot.
3. Pour the hot water into a microwave-safe container.
4. Insert the dental mold into the water.
5. Wait for the dental mold to soften. This should take about 10 seconds.
6. Remove the dental mold from the water and shake off any excess water.
7. Place the dental mold into your mouth, making sure it covers your teeth, gums, and the roof of your mouth.
8. Bite down onto the dental mold and hold it in place for 30 seconds. This will help the mold take the shape of your mouth.
9. Remove the dental mold from your mouth and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Custom Fit the Mouthguard
Once you have your dental mold, it’s time to create your custom mouthguard. This can be done with a mouthguard kit.
To fit your mouthguard, follow these steps:
1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
2. Boil water and let it cool for a minute, so it’s not scalding hot.
3. Pour the hot water into a microwave-safe container.
4. Insert the mouthguard into the water.
5. Wait for the mouthguard to soften. This should take about 10 seconds.
6. Remove the mouthguard from the water and shake off any excess water.
7. Place the mouthguard onto the dental mold and press down firmly. Make sure the mouthguard is centered and covers your teeth, gums, and the roof of your mouth.
8. Bite down onto the mouthguard and hold it in place for 30 seconds. This will help the mouthguard take the shape of your teeth.
9. Once the 30 seconds are up, remove the mouthguard from the dental mold and place it into a bowl of cold water. This will help the mouthguard retain its shape.
10. Try on the mouthguard and make sure it fits snugly and comfortably. Trim any excess material with scissors.
FAQs about Mouthguards
Q: What’s the difference between a custom mouthguard and a boil and bite mouthguard?
A: Custom mouthguards are made specifically for your mouth, so they fit better and offer more protection. Boil and bite mouthguards can be molded to your teeth, but they won’t provide as good a fit as a custom one.
Q: Do I need a mouthguard for non-contact sports?
A: While mouthguards are most commonly associated with contact sports, they can be beneficial for any activity that carries a risk of dental injury, such as skateboarding or mountain biking.
Q: How long do mouthguards last?
A: A custom mouthguard can last up to three years with proper care and maintenance.
Q: How do I clean my mouthguard?
A: Rinse your mouthguard with water after each use. You can also clean it with mild soap and water or a mouthguard cleaner.
Conclusion
Custom mouthguards are essential for anyone who participates in contact sports. While it may seem daunting to create your own, it’s actually a straightforward process that can be completed with a few simple materials. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a mouthguard that fits your mouth perfectly and offers the best possible protection.