Often, beginning athletes do not quite understand why a mouth guard is needed in boxing. For this reason, due to an oversight by the coach, sparring is often carried out without a mouthguard and without a helmet. Even working at half strength, you can easily get injured in the jaw or miss a noticeable blow to the head. You will have to pay for the treatment yourself, especially if you do not have insurance (which is quite common).
Why do you need a boxing mouth guard?
Boxing mouthguard - accurately follows the shape of the jaw and protects the oral cavity during a fight. A dental insert is a mandatory element of sports equipment. Without protection, a fighter will not be allowed into the ring.
Why is the plate needed? 1. Protects teeth from knocking out and chipping. 2. Protects the oral cavity from internal cuts. If there is no mouthguard, then the lips and cheeks are torn from the impact of the fangs and sharp edges of the teeth. 3. Prevents tongue biting during impact. 4. Covers gums from cuts. 5. Protects the jaw from dislocations and fractures. 6. Reduces the risk of concussion.
Requirements for a mouth guard
When choosing a mouthguard, you should be guided not only by personal preferences, but also take into account all the requirements that it must meet:
- It is prohibited to purchase and use a red mouth guard in martial arts. This is due to the fact that the judge and doctors must be able to determine the degree (severity) of the fighter’s injuries without stopping the fight.
- A high-quality mouth guard should not have any odor or taste.
- A correctly selected plate does not interfere with speech or make breathing difficult.
- It is forbidden to use a mouth guard that “dangles” in the mouth.
- A precisely fitted mouth guard will not fall off when you unclench your teeth.
- The mouth guards used in martial arts are different from the mouth guards used by hockey players, for example. The plates are also divided into male and female. This fact should be taken into account when choosing a mouth guard.
- You should not purchase protective equipment from dubious brands.
Compliance with the above requirements will allow the fighter to minimize losses from the furious blows of his opponents.
Types of boxing guards
The sports industry offers various types of boxing mouthguards. The characteristics can indicate everything from color to type of flavoring. In order not to get confused in this diversity, we will use the classical classification. Let us highlight three main features: type of protection, material, thickness.
Type of protection (purpose)
Based on the type of protection, the plates are divided into two types.
1. Double-sided mouthguard. The protection covers both jaws. This option is recommended for beginners and for training sparring. The peculiarity of the plate is that it must be compressed by two jaws. This makes mouth breathing difficult. Therefore, professionals prefer single-jaw onlays.
2. Single-sided mouthguard. The plate sits tightly on the upper jaw. Doesn't fall out when you open your mouth. Doesn't make breathing difficult. This liner does not cover the lower jaw. Teeth protection is provided by high-tech materials and a special design of the mouth guard.
Type of material
All materials for boxing mouth guards are divided into two groups: thermoplastic and cast (non-thermoplastic). Among thermoplastic protectors, there is a separate type – dental ones.
Molded pads
Sold ready-made. Take it out of the box and put it on your jaw. Convenient, but impractical. It is difficult to select a cast plate taking into account individual characteristics. If the liner dangles, then you can’t count on good protection.
Thermoplastic mouth guards
Thermoplastic material is a semi-finished product. The new mouthguard is heated and “put on the teeth.” The plate cools and takes the exact shape of the jaw.
The anatomical precision of the pad guarantees reliable protection during combat. We will tell you below how to “cook” and put on a mouth guard correctly.
Dental protectors
An individual cast is made of both jaws of the athlete.
Contact a sports dentist. Making a plaster cast. Then, on a special machine, your personal protection is pressed.
The service is not cheap. For a professional boxer, this is not only protection, but also a way to express his extravagance. You can order any color and make a threatening inscription.
Overlay thickness
The thickness of the protective plate depends on the number of layers. Boxing mouthguards are produced in single-layer and multi-layer.
Single layer plates
A single layer plate will provide one level of protection. When choosing such a mouthguard, pay attention to the height of the front side. The front (outer) wall should be high. The high side solves two issues at once.
The first is to protect the gums. Secondly, it redistributes the shock load. I'll say it in other words. Removes part of the shock wave from the front teeth and directs it to the entire gum and palate.
Multi-layer protection
A double-layer mouthguard is the choice of most boxers. Two layers provide double protection.
The outer layer, more rigid, is made of rubber (rubber). Its task is to absorb and “dissipate” the force of the blow.
The inner layer, soft, consists of gel. It does two things. Firstly, it perfectly follows the shape of the jaw and teeth. Secondly, it provides shock absorption during an impact.
Some manufacturers offer three-layer models. The structure is strengthened by special inserts for the outer frame. The inner layer has shock-absorbing cushions.
Cooperation between Dial-Dent and the promotion company
The largest Russian promotion was organized by Russian businessman Andrei Ryabinsky in 2012. The company organizes and conducts boxing shows with the participation of world-famous boxing stars. The organization of the fight between Vladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin - two great heavyweight boxers - in 2013 brought fame and worldwide fame.
The nice thing is that World of Boxing has not only the goal of making money from staging fights, but also has a great mission - to raise and develop Russian boxing to the world level. Holding fights in Russia and developing young athletes to the level of formidable professionals is the company’s priority.
Family Dental is a long-time partner. "Dial-Dent" as a partner participates in almost every event organized in Moscow. We have made boxing mouth guards for many athletes competing for this promotion company. We also provide athletes with quality dental care.
In the video below you can see the process of making a custom mouth guard for Georgy Chelokhsaev:
The best manufacturers of mouth guards for boxing and MMA
There are many companies that make mouthguards for contact sports. But there are brands that are among the best, in any rating.
SHOCK DOCTOR
American brand Shock Doctor, a leader among manufacturers of protective equipment. They specialize in the production of boxing mouth guards from high-tech gel. Even inexpensive models have a three-layer construction.
Manufacturers claim that thanks to high technology, the mouth guard absorbs 40% of impact energy. That's why they produce models with low sides . The protector provides reliable protection to both jaws and does not interfere with conversation.
The manufacturer is so confident in its product that it guarantees compensation of up to 15 thousand dollars to anyone who loses a tooth while using the onlay.
VENUM
The company specializes in the production of protective equipment for professionals. The brand was founded in 2006. The central office is located in Brazil.
The founders of Venum know first-hand what it's like to miss a beat. The origins of the brand are Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighters. The company was created specifically for the production of sports equipment.
Manufacturers Venum maintain close relationships with UFC stars. The best fighters of the Cell are involved in the development of new defense models.
OPRO
The English brand was founded in 1997. The company is a licensed partner of the UFC. This fact says a lot. You can trust such protection.
In addition, all OPRO models have an antibacterial coating. The package includes an antimicrobial box. In 2007, Opro received the Queen's Award for Innovation in Oral Protection.
EVERLAST
The brand was founded in 1910 in the USA. Specializes in the production of sportswear and protective equipment for martial arts.
The campaign's products are chosen by world-famous stars. Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and many other boxing geniuses performed in EVERLAST equipment.
Over a hundred years, the company has accumulated vast experience in the development of security elements and has its own patented technologies. For example, boxing gloves contain “EverGEL” - a special gel, the composition of which is kept secret. It protects your wrists by cushioning and dissipating impact energy. The same technologies are used in boxing mouth guards.
To make the famous brand available to the masses, production was moved to China. Affordable prices, plus modern technologies. Summarize and you will understand why Everlast mouthguards are known in all boxing schools.
Cooperation between Dial-Dent and Martial Arts Club No. 1 - everything for the protection and comfort of athletes
Since December 2015, in the field of sports dentistry, Dial-Dent has been collaborating with the network of premium fight clubs “Martial Arts Club No. 1”. The club management drew attention to such an innovative development of Dial-Dent as a neuromuscular protective mouth guard. Many titled fighters of the club, who know a lot about good equipment, choose individual protective boxing mouth guards from Dial-Dent. All mouth guards are manufactured in the dental laboratory of the clinic, taking into account the anatomical characteristics of athletes, and when creating a neuromuscular mouth guard, the neuromuscular status of the fighter is also taken into account. The clinic provides effective support to the “Martial Arts Club No. 1”, which is not limited only to the creation of mouth guards. "Dial-Dent" offers athletes dental care and preventive observation, emergency assistance in case of sports dental injuries (although when using protective mouth guards, the number of such calls will be minimal). More details about the cooperation between Dial-Dent and Martial Arts Club No. 1 in the video:
Which mouthguard to choose
When choosing a boxing mouth guard, remember how much a visit to the dentist costs. “Repairing” one tooth will cost more than a good insert.
Production leaders refused to produce double-sided protectors (for both jaws). Therefore, we will not consider them.
Single-sided plates, as you now know, come in one-, two- and three-layer types. Prices for single-layer protectors start from 300 rubles. A good two-layer Everlast mouthguard costs around 1000.
Need recommendations from MMA fighters - choose Venum . The defense was created by fighters based on personal experience. With such a boxing mouth guard you can go into the ring. A reliable two-layer plate will cost 1500-2000 rubles.
If you want a bright design and a fragrant smell from British aristocrats, add another five hundred. The Opro catalog can be viewed here .
The undisputed favorite remains the brand - Shock Doctor . Three-layer protection, a wide price range, warranty obligations - this is the number one policy.
Choosing protection for a child
A children's mouthguard differs from an adult's only in size. Manufacturers produce two types of earbuds.
Children's – up to 10 years old, for a child under 140 cm tall. Adult – over 10 years old, for an athlete taller than 140 centimeters.
An “adult” mouthguard is easy to adjust to size. After “trying on”, trim the ends of the plate with a knife or blade. If necessary, the protector can be “cooked” again.
OPRO specially produces models for beginner athletes.
If a child has braces, they purchase a specialized mouthguard. It’s called “for braces.”
Purpose of a protective mouth guard
It is necessary to wear a mouth guard for:
- Lip protection. Despite the fact that the product is designed to protect the dentition and jaw, its use also helps to protect the lips. It will not be possible to completely protect them from injury, but the number of lacerations will be significantly reduced.
- Exceptions for cerebral hemorrhage.
- Preventing damage to the trachea from dental fragments.
- Avoiding displacement of the cervical vertebrae.
- Reduce the likelihood of concussion.
Experienced boxers note that a mouthguard should also be used to relieve tension in the facial muscles.
This helps to quickly restore balance after missed hits. Children also need protection - you need to put a mouthguard on your child’s teeth both during training and before serious sparring. A novice athlete must know how to use a mouthguard and how it should fit. Only those parents whose children wear braces will need to seek professional help. It is extremely difficult to choose the right mouth guard for teeth with braces; it is better to consult a dentist.
How to “cook” a boxing mouthguard, instructions (video)
In fact, there is no need to cook the kapa. The workpiece is immersed in hot water (80-90° C) for 30-60 seconds. The exact time and water temperature are indicated in the instructions.
Then the plate is taken out, shaken (or dipped in cold water for 1 second) and put on the teeth.
The plate is pressed on the teeth with your fingers. The insert must be pulled over the gum and pressed tightly against the teeth.
After the protector is placed on the upper jaw, you need to close your teeth and bite down. There is no need to clench your teeth too hard to avoid biting through the protector.
The last step is to immerse the liner in cold water.
To reinforce the information, watch the video. It's easier to see once than to read twice.
What is a dental guard in dentistry?
A mouthguard for teeth is an overlay made of elastic but durable material. Depending on the function, it has different rigidity and mechanism of action. Mouthguards are manufactured using special technologies, which depend on the type of system used. You can purchase ready-made standard devices or order an overlay individually. During individual production, all the anatomical features of a person’s jaw and his wishes are taken into account.
Dental mouthguards are divided into:
- medicinal;
- corrective;
- fixing;
- restorative;
- whitening;
- protective.
The devices differ in their manufacturing method and method of use.
Dental aligners: indications and contraindications
Dental mouthguards are intended to be worn by both adults and children. A unique tool helps solve complex jaw problems and improve the current condition of teeth. Dental mouthguards perform the following important functions:
- correct malocclusion;
- straighten the teeth;
- eliminate gaps between teeth;
- relieve bruxism;
- protect against damage, chips and complete loss of teeth;
- preserve soft tissues of the oral cavity;
- correct the tone of the masticatory muscles;
- consolidate the result achieved after wearing braces;
- effectively whiten at home.
You can find out more information about correcting bites in adults by clicking on the link.
Although mouth guards have a more gentle effect on teeth than braces, they also have a number of contraindications for use:
- tartar;
- gum damage;
- special structure of the jaws;
- neurological diseases (severe);
- severe course of somatic diseases;
- not erupted tooth;
- the presence of implants and bridge structures.
Why is it important to wear mouthguards after braces are removed?
Most patients are unaware that straightening teeth using braces is only the first stage of complex restorative treatment. However, being encouraged by the results should not prevent you from continuing treatment.
If you neglect the need to resort to wearing removable orthodontic structures, the teeth will again begin to occupy their previous incorrect position.
And then all the work done, money and time spent on straightening teeth will be in vain.
Overconfidence will result in such a patient having to have braces installed again to realign the teeth.
Reasons for the risk of recurrent malocclusion
To understand why you need to wear mouthguards after removing braces, you need to know the basics of the anatomy of the maxillofacial apparatus. Many ignorant patients do not understand why this step cannot be avoided. After all, all the problems are behind us, those around us admire the attractive smile of the owner of straight and white teeth. And then, it turns out, everything can change again for the worse. So what is the reason?
It's all about the structural features of the teeth. The teeth are surrounded by a space in which the ligaments and vessels that hold them in the jaws are located. With the help of braces, the ligaments are stretched and the teeth move in the jaw in the right directions. This is associated with a feeling of pain in the area of the fixed teeth during the period of bite correction. Stretched ligaments strive to return the teeth to their original position, but dental structures interfere with them. However, after removing the braces, nothing prevents the ligamentous apparatus of the teeth from taking their original positions. It is to inhibit this natural process that special devices or mouth guards are used.
Cost of dental trays
The price of mouth guards depends on the method by which they are made and for what purpose they are used.
- The most inexpensive are standard healing and whitening ones. Their price in Moscow and St. Petersburg is no different and starts from 2 thousand rubles.
- Individual systems for correcting bites cost from 6 thousand rubles.
- Mouthguards for professional athletes are more expensive – from 8 thousand rubles.
The price of the structure also depends on where and by what technology it is manufactured. The higher the prestige of the dental clinic, the higher the price tag for a dental guard.
Boxer teeth protection is an indispensable equipment accessory.
Sports equipment is specially designed to improve the athlete’s comfort during competitions and training. You can safely discard many attributes, leaving only the most necessary ones. Protection for a boxer's teeth in the form of a mouthguard or caps is a mandatory attribute.
Removable dental appliances perform a protective function. Before their creation, boxing was an extremely dangerous sport. According to statistics, with a strong uppercut to the chin, many boxers lost several teeth at once, and in some cases even received more severe injuries: dental fragments getting into the trachea, serious cuts to the mucous membrane, etc.
- Effective protection of teeth and jaw;
- Maintaining stability and reducing the likelihood of jaw fracture;
- When a tooth is knocked out, the air flow does not stop flowing and it is possible to eliminate tracheal obstruction;
- Lacerations are less likely to form in the oral cavity;
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of mouthguards compared to braces:
- Wearing comfort. Mouthguards do not rub mucous membranes, do not cause pain, do not spoil diction, and do not scratch the tongue;
- Invisibility when talking and smiling. This is especially important for those who do not want to make any adjustments to their appearance;
- Short adaptation period;
- The ability to perform simultaneous teeth whitening (when filling trays with a special product);
- Ease of care for structures and dental hygiene. The aligners can be removed and cleaned at any time, for example, if food accidentally gets under them, which is impossible to do with braces;
- No food restrictions. Wearing braces involves a number of restrictions and prohibitions. Mouthguards do not require a change in your usual diet, since the structure is removed before eating.
Aligners have only 2 significant disadvantages:
- Ineffective for complex and advanced dental deformations.
- High cost compared to braces. The more serious the bite problem that needs to be solved, the higher the cost will be, since more pairs of aligners will have to be made.
