There are four basic classifications for mouthguards:
- Type 1 – stock mouthguard
- Type 2 – boil and bite mouthguard
- Type 3 – single layer vacuum formed
- Type 4 – pressure laminated mouthguards (MAX MOUTHGUARDS)
I am sure you are well aware of the limitations of the Type 1 and Type 2 mouthguards which are store bought. We will only deal with the pros and cons of the two custom made ones – Type 3 and Type 4 (MAX MOUTHGUARDS) which you are considering for your young sport kids.
The Type 3 single layer vacuum formed, while being a custom made mouthguard has its limitations in that:
- Firstly it is a single sheet of material that is formed over a 3 dimensional model this results in it being stretched thinnest where protection is needed the most namely the incisal edge and occlusal surfaces of the teeth.
- Secondly it is vacuum formed which does not give as accurate an adaption to the model thus a looser fit.
- Also, the players’ names cannot be put into the mouthguard to identify it in case its lost.
The Type 4 (MAX MOUTHGUARDS) pressure laminated is the highest level of protection available.
- It consists of multiple laminated layers of material in order to control and achieve the desired thickness and shape of the mouthguard.
- The layers are laminated under 6 bar of pressure to ensure the maximum adaption to the model and thus the best fit possible.
- The lamination also allows us put in a personal identification for each individual.
- Lamination allows one to achieve the highest level of protection possible.
MAX® Mouthguards are the Type 4 pressure laminated and made to International Sports Dentistry Associations gold standard specifications.
This standard can only be achieved by pressure laminating layers together.
All our materials are imported from the USA and carry all FDA and international certification for the safe use on the mouth. And are BPA, Latex and PCB free.
Our research and development with the all top South African rugby and hockey players over the last 14 years has allowed us to create the best fitting, most comfortable and most importantly most protective mouthguard available today.
We are so confident in the quality and protection levels of our mouthguards the we have a R 10 000 limited warranty on it. No other company in South Africa will back there product like we do.
There are 2 main type of materials used for mouthguards worldwide. Pro-form and EVA. According to research article in dental traumatology magazine the pro-form material offered the least protection of the two.
Publication: SADJ (South African Dental Journal) Vol.72, No.2, March 2017
MAX® Mouthguards only use EVA sheets.
There are also some legal requirements for any dental prosthesis which a mouthguard is.
- The impression can only be taken by a qualified dentist, dental therapist or dental hygienist.
- The prosthesis must be made by a registered dental laboratory.
All MAX® Mouthguards are made by Bowwood Dental Laboratory which is registered with the South African Dental Technicians Council.
I will not say that mouthguards prevent concussion but the anecdotal evidence suggests the it can defiantly help. Prof Francois de Wet from Pretoria university claims it does.
With that in mind does it not make sense to go with the best product available to help protect your kids.