Braces

[dtstiachi]

Hey all,

This is some equipment that people struggle with. What type of mouthguard would you buy? Would you continue training or would you have a fear of your teeth getting knocked out or messed up somehow? Let me know your feedback. BTW, my braces are being removed in 3 weeks

later

[SevenStar]

shock doctor manufactures a mouthpiece that is geared toward people with braces. you can get it on ringside.com

https://www.ringside.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=SHOCK%204&variation=&aitem=8&mitem=25

[dtstiachi]

Thank you. I have used it in the past. I like it. Anyone else have any advice?

[Pacificshore]

I had my dentist make one for me. Best guard I've owned to date. Maybe you should look into that once your braces come off

[aefibird]

Yes, my custom made mouthguard is a zillion times better than the ones I've bought from the shops - better than a Shock Doctor one.

It cost me about £40 for my dentist to make my mouthguard. It's custom design with the Union Jack flag (UK flag) on it!

[danege]

Yeah, custom made mouthguards are the way to go.

I had one when i was little for playing footy with braces.

I'd tried the ones you buy that you can mould yourself and stuff, but they sucked. Then i got one custom fitted and made and it was very comfortable and i could breathe very easily.

If you can afford it, its the best option IMO

[June1]

I'm a little worried. I have the type that you have to mold yourself (provided by my dojo--it came with the sparring equipment), but I haven't used it yet out of fear of gagging... which I know I will.

How long does it take to become accustomed to the mouthguard, approximately?

[aefibird]

Some people don't ever get used to them. That's why some MAists don't wear them.

Buying a flavoured mouthguard (you can get them in mint and fruit flavours now) may help you.

I'd suggest that you try it out at home first, not at the dojo. practice wearing it for a short while every day until you get used to it.

Personally, I hate them but I'd hate losing/ damaging my teeth even more. The way I see it is that I don't wear the mouthguard for very long periods at a time, so it's better to be uncomfortable for a short while that to be uncomfortable for a long while if I got a tooth damaged.

[June1]

Good point! Thanks, aefibird!

Yeah, I had actually been thinking of doing that, the wearing of the guard everyday for a while. Haven't gotten around to it...

[Psilokan]

I had my orthodontist sell me one, which I have only ever used once. If I put it in, I gag like mad. However once my braces come of (2 months) I would like to get a custom one made. Although in our dojo we never wear any equiptment, rather we leave much distance. I just want it for when I'm sparring with friends, or if I ever go to a tournament.