What Are Mouth Guards Made Of?

If you've ever been involved in a contact sport, you've definitely worn a mouth guard. They help to protect your teeth as well as defend you from other injuries, but you may not know that the materials they are made of can make a difference in keeping you safe.

  1. Identification

    • More often than not, a mouth guard will be made of a thermoplastic, basically a polymer that can be shaped upon heating. The material is considered an "amorphous" plastic, meaning it's moldable, and is less subject to cracking or splitting under stress than other substances within the same classification, making it an ideal feature for this type of protective gear.

      A number of mouth guards also are made from polyurethane, another polymer. This material possesses a great deal of elasticity and flexibility as well as being extremely durable. When polyurethane is used in the production of a mouth guard, it will typically feel and act like rubber, but is slightly more resilient in its properties. Other than that, you can find mouth guards made of straight plastic, which was, at one time, the most popular material in use.

    Types

    • Essentially there are three types of mouth guards: stock, "boil and bite" and custom. Each has its benefits, but some are definitely better than others. The stock is your more "standard" mouth guard, meaning it's the one that's been around for years. The only real benefit of this type of mouth guard is its cost; typically, you can buy it for anywhere between $2 and $10. Generally, your stock mouth guards are made from plastic, and provide a minimal amount of protection. The "boil and bite" are the most popular mouth guards as they basically are fitted to your teeth, yet still reasonably priced, usually between $15 and $40. These are made of the thermoplastic that is soaked in hot water until the material becomes pliable and is then placed into the mouth to shape to your needed specifications. The custom mouth guards are considered the best protective gear as they are made specifically for you from a casting (or impression) of your teeth. They are commonly made with either poly copolymer or thermoplastic. Depending on where you have them made, these mouth guards can run you anywhere from $100 to $400.

    Effects

    • Of the three types, you'll obviously get the most protection from the custom mouth guards as they not only are made specifically for your teeth, but can also be crafted for the particular sport you're involved with on a day-to-day basis. Due to the price, only about 10 percent of people use this precise protective gear; the rest will opt for the "boil and bite" and the stock, though the stock is really the least beneficial as far as your mouth is concerned.

    Considerations

    • Where can you pick up a mouth guard? The stock you can pretty much buy anywhere. For the "boil and bite," you'll need to head to your sporting goods stores and other department stores that stock sports equipment. For the custom, you'll need to set up an appointment with your dentist to secure one of these. It'll take awhile, so leave some time before the start of your chosen sport to have this type of mouth guard made.

    Warning

    • No matter what material the mouth guard is made from, be it plastic or poly copolymer, it needs to be cleaned regularly. Ordinarily a good wash with soap and water will do the trick, yet you can always give it a soak in mouthwash (antiseptic) to rid it of any germs. Neglecting your mouth guard will not only shorten its life but also lead to infection. A mouth guard can be a hotbed for bacteria, so keep it clean.