Mouth guards, also known as mouth protectors, are devices worn over the teeth to protect them from injury. Athletes commonly wear mouth guards to prevent injuries like chipped or knocked-out teeth, jaw fractures, and concussions when playing contact sports like football, hockey, or boxing. There are two main types of mouth guards – hard, custom-fit guards made by dentists, and soft, over-the-counter guards that can be bought at most sporting goods stores. But which type of mouth guard is actually better at protecting your mouth and preventing injuries? There’s debate over whether the firmness and fit of custom hard guards makes them more protective, or if soft guards absorb shock more effectively. We’ll compare the pros and cons of hard versus soft mouth guards to help you decide which is right for your needs.
What are the differences between hard and soft mouth guards?
Hard and soft mouth guards differ in their materials, how they are made, and how they fit in your mouth:
Materials:
– Hard mouth guards are made from acrylic or thermoplastic materials that form a stiff, durable guard.
– Soft mouth guards are made from softer, flexible materials like latex rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).
Custom vs. over-the-counter:
– Hard mouth guards are custom-made by your dentist to fit the unique shape of your teeth and mouth. An impression is taken of your teeth, and the mouth guard is fabricated from that model.
– Soft, over-the-counter mouth guards are pre-formed with a generic shape and size. You mold them yourself by submerging them briefly in hot water then biting down to imprint your teeth.
Fit:
– Hard mouth guards fit closely around the teeth and gums for a tighter, snugger fit since they are custom-molded.
– Soft mouth guards conform around teeth but generally have a looser fit. They are easier to talk and breathe with.
Benefits of hard, custom mouth guards
Here are some of the advantages that hard, custom athletic mouth guards provide:
Superior fit and protection:
The tighter fit of custom hard mouth guards is thought to distribute force more evenly. The rigid materials surround teeth completely and anchor firmly to resist hard impacts. This provides excellent protection against dental and mouth injuries.
May reduce risk of concussion:
Some research indicates custom hard mouth guards may be better at absorbing impact and reducing the likelihood of head injuries like concussions compared to over-the-counter soft guards.
Prevents dental injuries:
Hard acrylic guards form an incredibly sturdy barrier over teeth. Athletes who wear them are less likely to suffer injuries like cracked or knocked-out teeth and damaged dental work.
Protects alignment of braces:
For athletes with braces, a properly-fitted hard guard helps keep teeth protected and aligned correctly.
Breathability:
While the tight fit may take some adjustment, custom hard guards maintain good breathability if properly thinned out. Openings allow for airflow.
Durability:
The hard plastic stands up well to the rigors of contact sports over time. With proper care, a custom athletic mouth guard can last for years.
Clear speech:
With thinning and openings over the front teeth, custom hard guards allow for relatively clear speech compared to cheaper over-the-counter options.
Benefits of soft, over-the-counter mouth guards
Soft, ready-made mouth guards also offer some advantages including:
Affordability:
Soft guards cost just $10-$40 on average, while custom guards start around $80 and can be over $200. For those needing guards for a limited time or concerned about cost, soft guards offer a budget-friendly option.
Quick and easy to obtain:
Soft guards can be bought right off the shelf at sporting goods stores and mold within minutes. Custom guards require dentist visits for impressions and fitting.
Comfort:
The flexible materials and looser fit adapt to the mouth comfortably. Soft latex or EVA allows you to breathe, speak, and drink freely.
Absorbs shock:
Some evidence suggests soft materials like EVA absorb force slightly better. This may provide good protection, especially for low-contact sports.
Variety of designs:
With colorful graphics and variety of styles, soft guards may be more appealing aesthetically, especially for young athletes.
Can be remolded:
If the fit becomes loose over time, soft guards can be re-molded in hot water for a tighter fit. Hard acrylic guards require refabricating for optimal fit.
May reduce tooth grinding (bruxism):
Soft nighttime dental guards can cushion teeth and prevent damage from those who grind teeth in their sleep.
Which type of mouth guard is best for protection?
There is some debate over whether hard or soft guards provide superior protection against dental injuries and concussions. Here is some of the evidence comparing their effectiveness:
Protection against dental injuries:
Most dental experts recommend hard, custom mouth guards as the gold standard for protecting teeth and the mouth during contact sports. The stiff, molded plastic forms a protective barrier that firmly anchors to teeth and disperses intense impacts. One study found custom hard guards reduced dental injury risk by 82% compared to no mouth guard.
Concussion prevention:
Some research has found lower concussion rates among athletes wearing properly-fitted hard mouth guards compared to soft over-the-counter guards. The theory is the tighter fit and closer contact to the jaw may allow custom hard guards to better absorb rotational forces transmitted to the head. However, findings have been mixed, and more research is needed.
Shock absorption:
A few studies have shown soft mouth guards provide slightly better shock absorption. The flexible materials like EVA may allow the guard to flex and take in force rather than transfer it immediately to teeth and bone. However, soft guards may then bottom out after absorbing initial force.
Bite force:
Because hard guards allow you to fully clench teeth with force dissipated over the surface, some research suggests users can generate higher bite force compared to soft guards. This is beneficial in sports where grip strength aids performance.
Thickness of material:
Some research indicates mouth guard thickness and amount of material covering the teeth has a bigger impact on protection than firmness. However, custom hard guards allow for optimal thickness while staying retained in the mouth.
Choosing the right mouth guard
Considering the pros and cons of hard versus soft guards, certain types may be better suited for particular sports and athletes. Here are some factors to help determine the optimal mouth guard:
Level of contact in the sport:
For high-collision, high-risk sports like football, ice hockey, lacrosse, boxing, and mixed martial arts, a custom rigid mouth guard offers the most protection. They provide the greatest shielding against severe direct blows.
Player position:
Positions at highest risk of impacts often benefit most from the protection of sturdy hard guards – like linemen in football, defensemen in hockey, or strikers taking shots in soccer. Goalies also may opt for extra protection.
Presence of braces:
Those playing sports with braces should choose custom hard acrylic mouth guards that fit precisely over orthodontic hardware. Soft guards won’t prevent braces from cutting into the lips and cheeks.
Prior dental work:
For athletes with bridges, crowns, or dental implants, custom hard guards help protect dental restorations from damage. The acrylic can be molded carefully around vulnerable teeth.
Age and cost considerations:
Soft over-the-counter guards offer a more affordable option for younger athletes still gaining permanent teeth or only playing briefly. Hard guards make more sense for older athletes with mature dentition and a longer athletic career.
Nighttime tooth grinding:
Soft disposable guards or flexible rubber guards work well for protecting teeth from grinding during sleep, especially since they don’t constrain breathing or speaking at night. Hard acrylic night guards are also an option.
Personal preference:
Comfort, breathability, appearance, and ease of use should factor into decisions. Try on different types to see which style suits you best. Some tolerate hard guards well, while others favor the flexibility of soft guards.
Tips for care and use of mouth guards
To get the most protection and longevity from athletic mouth guards, proper care and wear is crucial:
Have guards professionally fitted:
Even with soft over-the-counter guards, visit a dentist to ensure proper sizing and evaluate fit. Ill-fitting guards offer limited protection.
Wear guards for all practices and games:
It’s critical to wear mouth guards consistently during athletic activity, not just occasionally. Accidents can happen any time.
Follow design recommendations:
Don’t trim or cut plastic guards on your own or make adjustments that could compromise structure and protection. Ask dentists to recommend any changes.
Use retainers when not competing:
Remove mouth guards when not actively competing or practicing since overuse can displace teeth over time. Wear retainers as advised.
Clean regularly:
Brush guards with non-abrasive toothpaste and rinse after each use. Disinfect monthly by soaking in antibacterial solution. Replace when worn.
Avoid chewing:
Don’t chew on mouth guards to avoid breaking down materials. Remove guards when eating or drinking.
Store properly:
Keep guards in sturdy cases when not in use, and don’t expose them to heat or direct sunlight which can distort shape.
Get used to breathing and talking:
Practice breathing deeply and speaking clearly while wearing a new mouth guard to speed adjustments in performance.
Are custom professional mouth guards worth the cost?
Given the price difference, many athletes rightly wonder if the higher cost of custom hard acrylic mouth guards from dentists is really necessary. Here are reasons they can provide good value:
Enhanced protection:
The research shows properly-fitted hard guards reduce risk of serious mouth injuries significantly better than generic soft guards. Preventing expensive dental treatments outweighs the upfront cost.
Proper fit:
Ill-fitting boil-and-bite guards don’t stay in place and fail to protect. A dentist ensures the custom hard guard offers 360° coverage.
More durable:
With care, professionally-made hard plastic mouth guards can last up to 5 years or more of consistent athletic use. Soft guards require replacing more frequently.
Better performance:
Guards that fit and feel right mean athletes can focus on competition, not discomfort. Hard guards allow full jaw and mouth function.
Ongoing adjustments:
Dentists can periodically realign and adjust custom hard guards over years of use and dental changes at low added cost.
Warranties:
Many dentists provide warranties against breakage or defects with custom guards, provided athletes follow proper use guidelines.
Hygienic:
Custom hard guards only fit the intended athlete’s mouth versus soft generic guards exposed to many mouths. This reduces bacterial transmission.
Teeth impressions:
The same impressions done for custom athletic guards can also provide dentists with baseline records of the teeth’s structure for monitoring any future changes.
Final recommendations
To summarize key findings in the hard versus soft mouth guard debate:
For highest level of protection: Professionally-made, custom-fitted hard mouth guards provide the most complete shielding for high-impact collision sports like football, hockey, and lacrosse.
For versatility: Soft, over-the-counter mouth guards offer a more affordable option with ease of use that may work well for some athletes and sports like basketball, wrestling, or volleyball. They can complement custom hard guards.
For young athletes: Soft guards are a smart starting choice for children still gaining permanent teeth and needing to replace guards regularly as mouths grow. Transition to custom hard guards through adolescence.
For extensive dental work: Those with orthodontics, veneers, implants, or other vulnerable restorations do best with custom hard acrylic protection molded precisely to teeth.
When in doubt: Consult dentists and athletic professionals to evaluate your risk factors and recommend the most appropriate mouth guard. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to costly dental injuries.
In the end, all youth and adult athletes in collision sports should wear some form of mouth guard. Compare options and choose the high-quality guard that best fits your needs and budget. Protect those pearly whites – you only get one set of adult teeth!
