A gum shield, also known as a mouthguard is a custom made, a flexible rubber-like appliance which covers and fits exactly over your teeth and gums, cushioning them and protecting them from damage.
Custom-made gum shields offer the best form of protection for your teeth and gums. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth which will be used to make your gum shield. It will note the way your jaws bite together to ensure the mouthguard meets properly with your teeth. A custom-made gum shield offers the best protection, fit and comfort level because it is made from a cast to specifically fit your teeth. We are also trusted to make specialized gum shields for those requiring an additional level of protection and strength for high-impact sports such as boxing, where we were proud to have sponsored boxer Courtney Richards and supply him with his professional gum shield.
The cost of a gum shield varies, depending on the complexity of the design and colour desired. Prices start from £104.26. When you consider the cost of expensive dental work and the risk of losing teeth, it is a small price to pay for peace of mind. We use the market leader OPRO to create our mouthguards.
A gum shield can prevent serious injuries such as broken teeth, jaw fractures and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets slammed against the upper jaw. Gum shields are effective in moving soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those wearing orthodontic appliances.
It is important to wear a professionally made gum shield where there is a high likelihood of contact with other participants or hard surfaces. Players who participate in cricket, hockey and football, american football, boxing and rugby, as well as recreational sports such as skateboarding, should all wear gum shields while competing.
There are cheaper kits available, the more common type is a thermoplastic, or “boil-and-bite,” gum shield. It involves heating the product in hot water and then putting it in your mouth until it sets. Unfortunately, these mouthguards are the thinnest where there are needed most, can fit badly and can be uncomfortable to wear. There is also a risk that they may fall out or even cause choking.
Depending on your age, your mouthguard may need replacing fairly regularly. If you are still growing, new teeth will come through and move into position. If your mouthguard feels uncomfortable due to being too tight or loose, consider replacing it with a better-fitting one.
Adults may not need to have their mouthguards replaced quite so often. But, like any other form of sports equipment, they will suffer from wear and tear. It is recommended that you take your mouthguard along to the dentist when you go for your check-up. Then it can be checked to ensure they still give you the highest level of protection.
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