Fall is just around the corner, which means students are getting primed and ready for the upcoming sports season. But are the athletes in your life fully protected against the wear and tear that comes with athletics? A custom mouthpiece for sports offers the best protection available and can shield athletes from expensive medical bills, but many are often put off by the high prices incurred with these mouthguards.

Thankfully, ordering a custom mouthpiece for sports has never been easier or more affordable. In this blog, we examine what makes a custom mouthpiece for sports the best option for players, and how to order a custom mouthpiece online.

Which Sports Require a Mouthguard?

Playing any sport incurs a certain degree of risk. The American Dental Association advises using a custom mouthpiece for many sports, including:

• Contact Sports (Basketball, Soccer)
• Collision Sports (Football, Lacrosse, Hockey, Boxing)
• Limited Contact Sports (Skiing, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Baseball)

While wearing a custom mouthpiece for sports is highly recommended, it is only mandated by a few. The National Federation of State High School Associations has made wearing a mouthguard a requirement only for football, field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse. Wrestlers wearing braces are also included in this category.

A mouthguard is generally placed on the upper row of teeth. However, for players whose lower row of teeth protrudes out farther, they should consider getting a pair for the lower row instead, to ensure the maximum protection. Mouthguards should not be altered in any way beyond given instructions – doing so can decrease the level of protection and lead to a greater chance of injury.

Is a Custom Mouthpiece the Best Option?

Mouthguards for sports will all protect your teeth, but not all are designed equally. When selecting a mouthpiece, consider the three types that are approved by the NFHS:

Stock Mouthguard for Sports

The most generic brand of mouthguard is available. It is the least expensive model available, making it an affordable option. However, it offers the least amount of protection thanks to a poor fit and can become easily dislodged from teeth. More, it is very difficult to speak wearing a stock mouthpiece, and can also make breathing difficult. For sports that require communication throughout the play with other team members, consider alternatives – taking out a mouthguard during play to speak puts players at risk of hurting their teeth during these periods. It can be a good option for players wearing braces, as it will easily fit over metal.

Mouth-formed Mouthpiece for Sports

While not as cheap as a stock mouthguard, a mouth-formed offers superior protection to over-the-counter mouthguards. Also referred to as a “boil-and-bite” mouthguard, these mouthguards are boiled in hot water before being placed in a player’s mouth, forming a rough impression on the mouthguard. These are the most common mouthguards used in the United States, as they offer a decent fit at a good price. However, they are not durable and may require multiple replacements throughout the season. More, a poor impression can lead to discomfort in the mouth.

Custom Mouthpiece for Sports

A custom mouthpiece for sports is a premium option for athletes. For serious three-season varsity sports players, it is highly recommended. Custom mouthguards are perfectly molded around teeth to provide the best possible fit, making communication during games easier and offering superior protection.

However, many might be resistant to these due to their price tag. Visiting the dentist to get a custom mouthpiece for sports takes time and money, assets that aren’t available to all players. Thankfully, other options exist.

At Dental Lab Direct, we cut out the middleman and provide a perfect sports mouthpiece to customers from the comfort of their own homes. By ordering a dental impression kit online, a package will be sent to your door with instructions on creating a mold of your mouth. After following the instructions, simply send the kit back, and within two to three weeks, you will have a perfect-fitting custom mouthpiece arrive on your doorstep.

Dental Lab Direct: A Faster, More Affordable Online Option for a Custom Mouthpiece for Sports

Dental Lab Direct provides America’s top athletes with the best custom mouthpiece for sports anywhere in the country. We offer speed and quality without the trip to the dentist. Review our professional sports mouthguards here.