Different sports vary in physicality and direct interaction with other athletes. Contact sports and other vigorous athletic activities that might cause bodily harm often requires the use of special protective gear.
Many athletes are cognizant of the need for shoulder, knee, and elbow pads to protect critical joints. Some sports also require wearing a helmet to reduce the chances of concussion and direct impact to the face.
However, these measures might not be sufficient for fully protecting the mouth. Sometimes a blow to the face or chin can still occur despite the protection of a face guard. If the athlete isn’t wearing a quality mouth guard it could cause significant harm to the teeth, and other soft tissues in the mouth.
There are several different versions available at the retail level. Unfortunately, many of these stock mouth guards and thermoplastic units tend to feel uncomfortable or bulky in the mouth. Some designs can also obstruct breathing.
If you or another athlete in your family feels this way, you might want to consider scheduling a consultation appointment with Dr. Wendy Chen’s orthodontic clinic. In a situation like this, she might be able to provide you with a custom mouth guard.
This is a soft, yet durable plastic mouthpiece that conforms to the shape of your teeth and mouth. It will also be designed for maximum ventilation and ease of breathing.
If you live in the Colleyville, Texas, area and you are interested in exploring your mouth guard options, you should call 817-581-4031 to schedule a consultation with the orthodontic specialists at Wendy Chen Orthodontics.