|
Navigation
|
 |
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Article Navigation:
Want to write?
We're always looking for new writers and people willing to help out with the magazine and site. If you're interested, [Click here for more info]. |
|
Stay Updated!
If you'd like to stay updated and recieve a notice when the next issue of is released, just sign up at our forums by [Clicking here]. We will send out a mass e-mail to all our members when the next issue is released. |
|
Your Comments
Let us know how you feel about this issue. We will read e-mail sent and would appreciate any comments and/or suggestions that you may have. [Click here]. |
|
|
|
 |
Buying Your Gumshield, It’s More Important Than You Think
by Scott Mallon, www.thaiboxinggear.com
For more information on Scott Mallon and ThaiBoxingGear.com
( please click on the above banner.)
There are now basically three types of gum shields / mouth guards available on the market of which two are most common.
Stock
The standard gum shield can be found in most sporting goods stores and come in different sizes. They are usually the cheapest and least effective of all mouth guards available. These mouth guards are simply removed from the package and placed in the mouth without any preparation. Basically these mouthpiece are more harmful than helpful and are made for the masses who think any gum shield will suffice. Standard mouth guards can not form to each individuals mouth so it must be held in place by biting down. There is extra room between the mouth guard and the teeth and gums and this is where the problems arise. When a blow is delivered it can move around, cutting the inside of the mouth and allowing more force to be distributed to the impact area. These mouth guards are therefore definitely not recommended.
Boil and Bite
Approximately 90% of all mouth guards worn today are of the Boil and Bite variety. Research has shown these mouth guards provide a false sense of security due to the dramatic decrease in thickness when they are fitted to the individuals mouth. In other words, a piece of plastic which is one millimeter thick may lose a large portion of this once they are bit into. It has been reported Boil and Bite mouth guards decrease in thickness 70% - 99% during molding.
Vacuum
The standard and Boil and Bite type mouth guards are the most popular however provide the least amount of protection. Most users feel mouth guard are generally uncomfortable, poorly fitted and interfere with breathing. This is due to the fact the majority of mouth guard are not custom fitted to the individual mouth as they should be. Many of those involved in both contact and non-contact are not even aware custom gum shields can be made to a perfect fit but indeed they can.
Laminated (The Best!)
By far the safest mouth guard is the custom formed mouth guard. Unfortunately this is the least common of the three varieties of mouth guards. There are two methods in which mouth guard are manufactured. The first and most common is via Vacuum machine. This machine is capable of producing a custom fit mouthpiece which is one layer. This is the most cost effective of the two methods however it also offers less protection than the next method, the Drufomat machine.
Plaster model which custom mouth guards are made
The Drufomat machine is capable of molding multiple layer of plastic and laminating them together to form a stronger, thicker mouth guard. The finished mouth guards should be approximately 3 MM thick and last for at least 2 years. This is the recommended thickness by sports dentists. Each athlete should be evaluated individually for thickness and design as to promote comfort and sufficient protection. Custom mouth guards are made by making a plaster impression of an individuals mouth and then using this mold as a basis for the mouth guard. The thicker the mouth guard, the more effective in absorbing impact and distributing this impact throughout the mouth guard.
An example of just how custom you can get
To summarize, stay away from standard mouth guards. Remember that a good mouth guard can save you thousands in the long run. If you have a few hundred bucks to spend it would be wise to purchase your own custom gum shield. You can not only have it form fitted to your mouth but also add designs to it for example, fangs, your countries flag or words. This will provide the maximum amount of protection. If you don’t have the money for a custom mouth guard then go with the Boil and Bite. Switch over to a custom mouth guard as soon as you do have the money. After all, what’s a few hundred dollars when you are talking about having a normal smile with all your teeth or looking like Leon Spinks?
* Article by Scott Mallon, www.thaiboxinggear.com.
* Back to This Issue's Frontpage
|
|
|
