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In sports, keeping your smile safe is just as important as having the right gear. Sports mouth guards offer superior protection from direct contacts and injuries. Sure, custom sports guards can be colourful and fun but when it comes to mixing complete protection, comfort and a low profile, clear mouth guards often excel.
Even Stephen Curry, who is arguably the greatest shooter in professional basketball, wears a clear mouthguard during his matches (an estimated 12 mouth guards per season!). They might not be flashy but their understated look and practical benefits make them a smart choice for many athletes. Let’s look at why clear custom mouthguards are not only effective but also a clever option for staying protected.
What are the features of clear mouth guard for sports?
Clear custom mouthguards stand out as a dental product for sports safety because of their combination of invisibility and customised fit. These mouthguards are made of quality material that is seen as transparent when inserted, maintaining the natural look of the athlete’s smile while providing essential protection. Specific features of custom clear mouth guards include:
Exact Impression
At Dental Designs, we create custom clear mouthguards using precise digital impressions taken with intra-oral scanners, eliminating the need for messy, traditional materials that can cause discomfort or gagging. This process ensures a snug fit that over-the-counter guards simply can't provide, offering both comfort and protection for athletes. We aim to make your visit with us as smooth and comfortable as possible!
Quality Material
Made from durable, high-grade materials, these custom mouthguards for sports withstand the rigors of intense sports activity.
Optimal Comfort & Communication
Their transparent nature does not impede speech, making in-game communication seamless.
Protection Against Dental Injuries
They offer a reliable barrier against common sports-related oral injuries, including impact to soft tissue and broken teeth.
Superior Longevity
With proper care, such as simple rinsing with water, custom clear mouth guards can outlast many boil-and-bite alternatives.
These types of mouth guards are particularly suited for athletes in combat, high-impact or contact sports and those who prefer discretion in their dental protection. Whether it's a custom basketball mouthguard or a multipurpose guard for a variety of activities, the clear solution offers both comfort and superior defense against mouth injuries.
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What are the benefits of a clear mouth guard for sports?
Sports guards are often chosen for several practical and aesthetic reasons but it's important to remember that they don’t have to be clear. Having said that, some athletes opt for a clear custom sports mouth guard and this is because of the following reasons:
1. Aesthetic Appeal
Clear dental mouthguards are a popular choice because they are subtle and less noticeable. Athletes, especially those in professional sports or those frequently in the public eye, often prefer something discreet. A clear mouthguard matches the natural colour of your teeth, making it barely noticeable when worn.
2. Non-Distracting
Athletes often choose clear sports guards because they are less distracting. Whether it's for a game or performance, clear athletic mouthguards doesn’t draw attention away from the athlete’s focus. In sports like gymnastics, figure skating or even tennis, where appearance and uniform consistency are important, clear mouth guards help maintain a clean, professional look.
3. Easy Monitoring by Coaches and Medical Staff
The clear type of mouth guard allow coaches, trainers and medical staff to easily assess the athlete’s teeth and mouth during practices or games. Since the guard is transparent, it’s easier to check for signs of injury, bleeding or damage without having to remove the mouth guard. This can be especially helpful in fast-paced sports where quick decisions about an athlete’s safety need to be made.
4. Cleanliness and Hygiene
With clear guards, it's easier to detect dirt, food particles or any discolouration that signals wear and tear. Athletes can quickly spot when their custom-fit mouthguards need cleaning or replacement. This visibility promotes better hygiene practices, helping to prevent bacterial buildup and infections that can occur when using a dirty or damaged guard.
5. Durability and Wear
In terms of material, the clear types of mouth guards are often made from high-quality, durable materials like Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA). These materials not only provide protection but also stay transparent over time. Athletes can easily monitor signs of wear, such as cracks or thinning areas, allowing for timely replacements before the guard becomes ineffective.
Clear sports mouthguards with Dental Designs Clinic
We offer a clear type of mouth guard at our dental office that are custom-made in our in-house dental lab. It is made with Ethylene-Vinyl-Acetate (EVA) which is a durable material with shock absorption properties, offering enhanced protection. Since it is made in our in-house lab, the turnaround time is drastically reduced from what would normally be a period of one to two weeks, to just 2 days!
It is important to keep your mouthguard clean once you receive it. Regular cleaning not only helps maintain the integrity of your custom-made mouthguard but also prevents the buildup of bacteria that could lead to oral health issues. Interested in knowing more about how to keep your mouthguard clean? Click here to read about it!
Conclusion
Clear mouthguard for athletes are preferred due to their subtle appearance, hygienic visibility and ease of monitoring. However, it’s not a requirement for sports guards to be clear and the choice often comes down to personal preference or the specific needs of the sport and athlete. Whether clear or coloured, the most important factor is that the mouth guard is custom-made and offers continued protection during physical activity.
Ready to get your custom sports guard with Dental Designs? Simply drop us a message here to book an appointment!
References
- Kerr, I. L. (1986). Mouth guards for the prevention of injuries in contact sports. Sports Medicine, 3, 415-427.
- Ramdas, S. S., Ballal, K. R., & Shantaram, M. (2014). Mouth guard—A dental gift for sports. Int J Health Rehab Sci, 3, 95-98.