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Protecting your teeth when playing sports or doing physical activity is very important, and a mouthguard should be used for it. But not just any mouth guard will do as you need to ensure that it fits properly to provide the best protection and comfort. On the other hand, a mouth guard that doesn't fit is worse than not having one at all, as it could bruise or worse, injure you. In this blog, we’ll explain how to tell if your mouth guard fits correctly, the importance of a custom-fit mouth guard, and key signs to look for when choosing the right mouth guard.
Why the Right Fit Matters
A mouth guard is worn to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw from injury in any contact sport such as football, boxing, hockey, or even non-contact sports. Whether it's a mouth guard for sports or a night guard to stop teeth grinding, the fit is the most important thing. But if the mouth guard is too loose or if it doesn't feel comfortable then it isn't going to do its job. But nothing compares to a mouth guard made specially for you. Not one of those over-the-counter generic one-size-fits-all mouth guards, but one that is custom-made for your teeth. It conforms to the shape of your mouth and stays in place, so it doesn't move around at all; it feels very natural.
Key Signs of a Well-Fitting Mouth Guard
Tight but Comfortable Fit
A mouth guard, when worn, should be incredibly snug in your mouth. It should not come out too easily or freely move around, especially while playing sports. At the same time, it shouldn't feel too tight to the point of discomfort. Whatever, something that you could wear for hours and it wouldn't pinch, or you wouldn't have to keep fixing. If it's too small or if it's applying too much pressure on your gums or teeth, then that's not a good mouth guard for you. You’ll want to look for a mouth guard that strikes the perfect balance between snugness and comfort.
No Breathing or Speaking Restrictions
A good mouth guard shouldn't make it hard to breathe or talk. Many of the bulkier ones (especially the boil and bite or stock ones) impede talking and breathing. That's bad, especially in quick sports where communication is everything. All of these problems can be prevented by simply choosing the right mouth guard, such as a custom-fitted one. It is made especially for your teeth, so it is comfortable and doesn't sit on your tongue or interfere with your breathing or talking.
Proper Protection
The mouth guard has to cover all of your teeth (especially the back ones), and it can't go too deep into your gums. But if it doesn't cover most of your teeth, then your mouth isn't protected. But, then again, if it sticks up too far into your gums it irritates or hurts, you should think of going for another one. Your mouth guard should go over all of your top teeth, and if it is made for the bottom teeth, then it should go over those too. A good custom mouth guard will find this happy medium and will provide full coverage and will not have excess material jabbing into your gums.
Stays in Place During Activity
A mouth guard should not move around even when you are doing strenuous activity. And when you're making a tackle in football or you're in the boxing ring, well, your mouth guard better stay in your mouth. If you have to keep pushing it back in place or if it falls out too easily, then chances are that it doesn't fit very well.
Does Not Cause Gagging
A common issue with generic mouth guards is that they can extend too far back into the mouth, causing gagging. This can be uncomfortable and distracting during sports, not to mention dangerous if it causes you to lose focus. A properly fitted custom-fit mouth guard will not trigger your gag reflex, as it’s tailored to your specific mouth shape and size.
If your current mouth guard causes gagging, it’s likely not the right fit. Consider switching to a custom-fit option from a brand like Aligner32, which offers affordable solutions designed specifically for your mouth.
The Importance of Custom-Fit Mouth Guards
There’s no doubt that custom-fit mouth guards provide the best level of protection and comfort. The over-the-counter ones are always too big or don't fit right, but the custom ones are made from an impression of your teeth. So that the mouth guard fits so well and provides the best protection. Here are some benefits of choosing a custom-fit mouth guard:
Superior Comfort
It is a lot more comfortable when a mouth guard is fitted specifically to the intricacies of your dental structure, unlike a general mouth guard. You’ll barely notice it’s there.
Enhanced Protection
The best protection comes from a mouth guard that fits the best because it lowers the chance of injuries to your teeth, gums, and jaw while playing sports or doing other activities.
Longer-Lasting
Custom mouth guards tend to be more durable than their store-bought counterparts. Their tailored design ensures they don’t wear out as quickly, providing long-term value.
Optimal Performance
With a good-fitted mouth guard, you have nothing to fear, and you can play your best without having to worry about anything getting in the way. You also don't have to worry about the mouth guard falling out at the worst possible time. If you're looking for a good, inexpensive custom mouth guard, Aligner32 is a good option. They offer nice and comfortable mouth guards that offer enhanced protection, which is always a good thing, whether it's for an amateur or a professional athlete.
How to Choose the Right Mouth Guard
Material
While some mouth guards are just pieces of flimsy plastic, there are also hardcore ones available in the market. If you’re looking for something that provides superior protection, choose a custom-fit mouth guard made from high-quality material that can absorb impact effectively.
Level of Protection
If you play football, hockey, boxing, or any sport where there is a lot of contact, you need a mouth guard that protects you very well. After all, the purpose of a sports mouth guard is to be able to take a shock and prevent your teeth from taking the direct brunt of a hard hit. Custom mouthguards are such a big help since they fit a whole lot differently and offer so much more protection than the mouth guards everyone uses.
Comfort and Fit
One thing that is very important when it comes to mouth guards is how comfortable it is. As discussed earlier, a mouth guard that fits well should feel snug but comfortable. And you should not be able to breathe out of it or speak out of it either while you are playing sports.
Custom or Store-Bought?
Yes, you can go to the store and get one of those generic mouth guards, but a custom-fit mouthguard is so much better. Store-bought mouth guards are either too tight or too loose, and they rarely offer the same level of protection as a custom option. With Aligner32, you can have a custom mouthpiece that provides the ultimate comfort, fit, and protection.
Mouth Guard for Braces
If you have braces, you need to make sure you get the right mouth guard. Your mouth guard better not only save your teeth but also slide freely over your braces without rubbing on them or breaking them. Also, there are a lot of mouth guards, like the ones from Aligner32, which are specifically designed for use with braces, so no worries about pain or discomfort.
Aligner32: A Reliable Choice
Aligner32 custom-fit mouth guards are custom-fitted and reasonably priced for athletes that need the best protection possible. From playing high-contact sports to just needing a night guard for teeth grinding, Aligner32 has it all and can customize dental appliances to fit your specific needs. They use the finest materials and dental technology to create a customized mouth guard that fits perfectly and is comfortable, yet provides complete coverage and protection. You get to keep your teeth, and in return, you receive an Aligner32 mouth guard that won't put a strain on your pockets.
Conclusion
Amouth guard must fit is not only good for comfort but also the sake of protection. Whether it be from the full contact sports or even a simple night guard, a custom-fit mouth guard is the way to go. One of the things that it should do when it fits correctly is that it should feel snug yet comfortable. It should also cover all of your teeth and it should not interfere with your breathing or talking. When picking out a mouth guard, make sure to get one with a custom fit because that will offer the best protection. It will fit you perfectly and provide you with the utmost protection in every game you play.
FAQs
How do I know if my mouth guard fits correctly?
A good custom mouth guard should be tight but not painfully so, and it should completely cover all of your teeth and not cut into your gums. It should just sit there and not come out, and you can still breathe and talk as well. Or if it's too loose or uncomfortable or it restricts breathing, then it's not the one. Aligner32 offers custom mouth guards that allow for enhanced protection and comfort.
What’s the difference between a custom-fit mouth guard and a store-bought one?
It's molded for your teeth, so it fits perfectly and feels 100 times better while doing a better job of protecting. Those mouth guards they sell in stores, like those boil and bite ones, are big and awkward and never fit right, so they never do a very good job.
Can a custom-fit mouth guard help with breathing and speaking during sports?
Yes, a custom mouth guard doesn't get in the way of breathing or talking since it's made for your mouth. That's so important, especially with athletes when they have to report to the coach in the middle of a game. Aligner32 mouth guards are non-bulky, comfortable, and secure.
How often should I replace my mouth guard?
If you play high-contact sports, you should always change your mouth guard at the end of each season, or at least when it starts to lose its shape. Rotate nighttime mouth guards every year to 2 years. Aligner32 mouth guards are very sturdy, but with the proper care, they can last a long time.
