Custom Mouth Guard Help Please

[jalov 0]

Hi,

First off, I hope this is in the right forum. I couldn't find one where I felt it exactly fit, so I figured id try it here.

Ive tried almost every boil and bite possible. The last being the shock doc 3d nano. I tried it and it was ok, but It was a bit uncomfortable and the front part to add the helmet tether made it impossible to close my mouth. I also used the custom reebok, but all the yellow gel inside has been falling out, and its impossible to talk at all with that one. To make a long story short, I finally went after reading a lot about comfort and got a dental made custom. What I didn't know what that I had to pick thinkness in mm, between 3-5. I couldn't find much info, so my dentist was going to order me a 5mm (he said the max) which was pro level protection.

I play in a non check league, but there are a lot of unintentional high sticks to the face and elbows simply because some players don't know how to stop or control themselves on the ice due to being new. I was on the spot, and was paying $250 out of pocket for my guard but felt if 5mm was pro level, that might be a bit much, but didn't just want a skateboard mouthguard which he said was 3mm. Trying to make a quick decision, I went with 3.5mm, hoping for comfort and protection, something I haven't found in any boil and bite. I wear a half shield in the league, and its a pretty non-agressive league, so im wondering if the 3.5mm will be okay for any accidental sticks to the mouth or elbows?

Can anyone offer any advice or feedback? Guard was just sent away, so its prob not too late to change specs on it. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Jamie

[hockeymass 11]

I really don't think 1.5 mm is going to make or break it. I really wouldn't be stressing about it.

[jalov 0]

Thank you for the feedback. I just felt on the spot, and since I was dumping $250 on this, I wanted something that finally would be comfortable and safe as well. The dentist just kept saying how bulky the 5mm is, and the 3mm is the min, so I tried for a little step up from the min. More so to protect against the new guys to hockey who can skate buy can only stop by slamming into the wall or my back, whatever is closest. Sounds like I should he good. I knows its more for jaw protection with concussions, so just being safe.

[danno25nh 3]

There are a number of threads about this.

Thickness of a mouth guard does not increase protection via a cushioning effect. It's all about how well the impact is spread across the teeth.

These are not FDA regulated meaning the manufacturers can make any claim they want. In your case they add thickness and call it "Pro" protection.

[jalov 0]

Thank you for the extra feedback danno. I did search the threads, but the one thing I didn't see discussed, which is why It took me completely off guard, was the thickness question. My league gets a bit rough, but we aren't taking any NHL hits, probably the most chance for an injury is clumsiness, or self induced. I really just want something comfortable yet safe. Since the dentist had claimed the 5mm was pro level, I just felt it too much, and 3mm was the very, very basic, I worried it wasn't quite enough protection.

Im sure in the big picture, .5mm wont make that much of a difference, but mentally it made me feel like I was being a bit more safe with impact dispersion, and hopefully wouldn't add anything to bulkiness. That's been my lifelong issue. Im tall, but told I have a small mouth (although im sure many would disagree!) And could never find one that fit comfortably.

[Slayers 3]

When not getting hit by high sticks I do Jiu Jitsu so I have put a bit of money in mouth guards right now I have a Gladiator pro which is nice the other I looked at was BAMF they all are custom and they will send you kits and you send them back I was at the dentist so I had them do my mold for me and then sent it in but others in my classes have done it themselves without any problems

[Signature_Mouthguards 0]

Having built a few custom mouthguards myself and watching my father bring his products to retail shelves my comments are....

The pro plus gel is designed to come away from the shell, this is a safety precaution. Signature / RBK Mouthguards mention this in the fitting instructions.

By "impossible to talk" ....do you mean difficult? Tell me more about your experience with talking because this issue is important to us.

In my experience, I find any appliance takes some getting used to. Being a hockey player, My first recommendation would not have been thickness, Instead id suggest a hard polycarbonate insert similar to our Type 4 Custom. The high velocity forces of a hockey swing combined with the small surface area of the hockey stick make for deep penetrating Injuries. The insert has proven to be very effective in such environments without the need for "5mm thickness".

I am glad you have chosen to see a dentist and can afford the treatment. If you find the guard to thick or bulky be sure to keep sending it back until you feel it is just right. maybe try our type 4 + 4 feature mouthguard as an alternative and back up guard while your prescribtion guard is being built.

http://signature-mouthguards.com/PageT4Feature.html

Or ask for a Signature from your dentist.

I will pass your comments Re: Talking to the R & D team.

Thanks,

Luke Burns

[rykwon 0]

There are a number of threads about this.

Thickness of a mouth guard does not increase protection via a cushioning effect. It's all about how well the impact is spread across the teeth.

These are not FDA regulated meaning the manufacturers can make any claim they want. In your case they add thickness and call it "Pro" protection.

I am a dentist during the day. :-) so for whatever it's worth, Danno25nh is right. The thickness doens't increase protection, especially against a concussion. After a certain thickenss, it becomes more of a hinderance than a benefit. I'd go with the thinnest possible, 2-3mm. and I wear one that is about 2mm thick. The players I've given mouthguards to have been fitted with one's that are 2-3mm in thickness. Their playing ability range from novice skaters to college level players. Haven't had a complaint, yet. ;-) Your dentist is probably looking out for your best interest, but unless you've played the sport and used the mouthguard, thicker doens't mean better.