Competencies
Sports mouthguards - mouthguards for sports
Customized sports mouthguard Cologne
Why use mouthguards for sports?
A sports mouthguard is important during sport to protect teeth from injury.
During training or competitions, sudden knocks or blows to the mouth can lead to serious injuries such as broken, displaced or lost teeth.
A customized sports mouthguard reduces the risk of such injuries and can also protect against concussions and jaw fractures.
A sports mouthguard can also be beneficial for improved breathing, speech and wearing comfort.
We use digital diagnostics to customize your sports mouthguard for you.
Sports mouthguards - precautions & recommendations
Studies have shown that up to a quarter of all sports injuries affect the teeth and mouth.
Here too, a sports mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of such injuries.
In addition, a sports mouthguard is mandatory in many sports, such as boxing, ice hockey or rugby, to prevent injuries.
In other sports, such as basketball or volleyball, the use of a sports mouthguard is strongly recommended.
Can a sports mouthguard improve athletes' performance?
Although the main purpose of a sports mouthguard is to protect the teeth and mouth area from injury, there is also evidence that a sports mouthguard can improve athletes' performance.
Some studies have shown that a well-fitting sports mouthguard can improve breathing and reduce fatigue in the masticatory muscles, which leads to better endurance and physical performance.
In addition, a sports mouthguard can help reduce the risk of injuries associated with misaligned teeth or jaws, which can affect athletes' performance.
Although the effects of a sports mouthguard on athletes' performance have not yet been fully clarified, it is possible that a mouthguard can also be beneficial in this respect.
Frequently asked questions / FAQ about sports mouthguards
Table of contents
What does a sports mouthguard cost?
The cost of a sports mouthguard varies depending on the type, quality and fitting.
A prefabricated sports mouthguard that has not been individually fitted and manufactured is generally cheaper than a customized sports mouthguard.
The cost of a sports mouthguard also depends on whether a fitting is carried out by a specialist, such as an orthodontist in Cologne. In some cases, it may also make sense to invest in a high-quality sports mouthguard that is specially tailored to the wearer's needs.
However, it is important to remember that the cost of a sports mouthguard is often significantly lower compared to the cost of dental treatment or repair following an injury. It is therefore worth investing in a good sports mouthguard to avoid potential injuries and save money in the long term.
How much does a mouthguard from the dentist cost?
The cost of a customized mouthguard from an orthodontist can vary depending on the type of mouthguard and the customization involved.
However, it is common for the cost of a customized mouthguard to be higher than that of a prefabricated mouthguard.
Some dentists may also offer less expensive options, such as prefabricated mouthguards, but these may not be as well suited to the patient's individual needs.
It is advisable to ask your orthodontist about the various options and costs for a mouthguard.
Which dental splint is covered by health insurance?
In Germany, statutory health insurance companies normally only cover the costs of a so-called "standard" mouthguard, which is used as a simple mouthguard for popular sports.
Customized splints used for the treatment of misaligned teeth or for the treatment of temporomandibular joint problems (CMD) are generally not covered by statutory health insurance.
However, private health insurance companies may have different regulations here. It is therefore advisable to contact your own health insurance provider to find out about cost coverage and possible co-payments.
Why only the top of the mouthguard?
A mouthguard is usually only made for the upper teeth, as these are most frequently affected by injuries during sport.
Fitting the upper teeth ensures adequate protection against sudden knocks and blows to the mouth. In addition, it is often easier and more comfortable to wear a splint for the upper teeth only, as this affects speech and breathing less than a splint for the lower teeth. In some cases, however, a splint for the lower teeth may also be necessary to treat specific dental or jaw problems.
It is advisable to consult your orthodontist about the various options and the best protection for your individual needs.
Why dental protection?
A mouthguard is essential in many sporting activities to protect the teeth and mouth area from potential injury. This is especially true in the areas of contact sports, including but not limited to boxing, ice hockey or rugby. In these sports, the use of a mouthguard is even mandatory to avoid serious injuries.
A good example of this is the special mouthguard for boxing, often referred to as a "boxing mouthguard". Due to the high intensity and direct physical contact involved in boxing, a good mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of broken, displaced or lost teeth. It can protect both the upper and lower teeth and cushion blows and impacts that can occur during direct contact.
However, mouthguards are not only important for contact sports or martial arts. In sports such as basketball or volleyball, where physical contact is not uncommon, the use of a sports mouthguard is also strongly recommended. A sudden impact or an unintentional hit can lead to painful and often costly dental injuries.
A well-fitting mouthguard can also help prevent injuries associated with misaligned teeth or jaws that can affect athletic performance. By using a mouthguard, athletes can perform at their best, even during intense physical activity, without fear of potential oral or dental damage.
It is therefore crucial to wear a high-quality mouthguard when practicing sports where there is a high risk of injury. This not only ensures the health and safety of the mouth area, but also increases the athlete's overall confidence and performance.
Custom-made sports mouthguards by orthodontists - the key to optimum safety and comfort in sports
The use of customized sports mouthguards, which are tailor-made by experienced orthodontists, is crucial for the effective protection of teeth and gums during sporting activities. This is particularly true for contact sports such as boxing or Krav Maga, where the risk of dental damage is significantly increased. The expertise of orthodontists in the manufacture of such protective equipment enables a precise fit that is specifically tailored to the individual mouth structure of each athlete, providing outstanding protection in the event of blows or falls.
A custom mouthguard made by an orthodontist outperforms generic models in terms of protection, comfort and durability. Unlike models that are molded to the shape of the mouth by immersion in hot water, an orthodontically made mouthguard ensures an exact fit to the athlete's teeth and gums. This minimizes the risk of injury and allows the athlete to concentrate fully on their activities.
Brands such as Shock Doctor stand for quality in the manufacture of mouth and dental protectors. However, custom fabrication by an orthodontist usually offers an even higher degree of personalization. This is particularly important for athletes who need to rely on high performance and safety. The customized mouthguard does not restrict breathing or speech and is often described as comfortable and barely noticeable during sport.
Orthodontists not only bring their expertise in oral structure and dentistry, but also use advanced materials and techniques to ensure the best possible protection. In addition, regular maintenance and care of the mouthguard, such as cleaning it in cold water, is an important aspect that is ensured by the professional advice of an orthodontist. The upper row of teeth in particular, which is subject to high stress during boxing, requires such specialized protection.
Custom-made sports mouthguards from an orthodontist not only provide increased protection for teeth and gums, but also contribute significantly to the safety and performance of the athlete. Custom manufacturing achieves an optimal balance between protection, comfort and performance, making it essential equipment for any serious athlete.
Sources:
- Bastian, N.E., Heaton, L.J., Capote, R.T., Wan, Q., Riedy, C.A. & Ramsay, D.S., 2019. Mouthguards during orthodontic treatment: Perspectives of orthodontists and a survey of orthodontic patients playing school-sponsored basketball and football. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2019.04.034.
- Zamora-Olave, C., Willaert, E., Parera, L., Riera-Puñet, N., & Martinez-Gomis, J. (2020). Experience with mouthguards and prevalence of orofacial injuries among field field hockey players in Catalonia. Dental traumatology : official publication of International Association for Dental Traumatology, 36(3), 285-290. https://doi.org/10.1111/edt.12531
- Miró, A., Buscà, B., Solana-Tramunt, M., Aguilera-Castells, J., Arboix-Alió, J., Vergnoux, F. & Arellano, R., 2021. Effects of wearing a customized bite-aligning mouthguard on powerful actions in highly trained swimmers. Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness, 19(4), pp.259-268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesf.2021.09.003.
- ADA Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations; ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, 2006. Using mouthguards to reduce the incidence and severity of sports-related oral injuries. J Am Dent Assoc, 137(12), pp.1712-1720. https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.2006.0118.
- Newsome, P. R., Tran, D. C., & Cooke, M. S. (2001). The role of the mouthguard in the prevention of sports-related dental injuries: a review. Int J Paediatr Dent, 11(6), 396-404. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0960-7439.2001.00304.x.
- Lässing, J., Pökel, C., Lingener, L., Falz, R., Kwast, S., Schulze, A., & Busse, M. (2021). The Influence of Customized Mouthguards on the Muscular Activity of the Masticatory Muscles at Maximum Bite and Motor Performance During Static and Dynamic Exercises. Sports Med Open, 7: 64. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-021-00354-2.
- Nam, H. J., Lee, J-H., Hong, D-S., & Jung, H. C. (2020). The Effect of Wearing a Customized Mouthguard on Body Alignment and Balance Performance in Professional Basketball Players. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 17(17): 6431. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176431.
- Perunski, S., Lang, B., Pohl, Y., & Filippi, A. (2005). Level of information concerning dental injuries and their prevention in Swiss basketball-a survey among players and coaches. Dent Traumatol, 21(4), 195-200. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-9657.2005.00310.x.
- Pae, A., Yoo, R., Noh, K., Paek, J., & Kwon, K. R. (2013). The effects of mouthguards on the athletic ability of professional golfers. Dent Traumatol, 29(1), 47-51. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-9657.2012.01123.x.
- Patrick, D. G., van Noort, R., & Found, M. S. (2005). Scale of protection and the various types of sports mouthguard. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(5), 278-281. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2004.011767.
- Schildknecht, S., Krastl, G., Kühl, S., & Filippi, A. (2012). Dental injury and its prevention in Swiss rugby. Dent Traumatol, 28(6), 465-469. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-9657.2012.01115.x.
- Knapik, J. J., Hoedebecke, B. L., & Mitchener, T. A. (2020). Mouthguards for the Prevention of Orofacial Injuries in Military and Sports Activities: Part 2, Effectiveness of Mouthguard for Protection From Orofacial Injuries. Journal of special operations medicine : a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals, 20(3), 114-116. https://doi.org/10.55460/IFCD-6D3A
- Allison, P., & Tamimi, F. (2020). Mouthguards should be worn in contact sports. British journal of sports medicine, 54(17), 1016-1017. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-102041
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