Australasian Dentist Issue 92

CATEGORY 118 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST LABS We’re working off the correct stones and everything else to make sure that we get it clean and accurate. It’s all temperature controlled and pressure controlled,” he explains. “This controlled process is what keeps everything as consistent as possible. The mouthguards are also moulded and cut by skilled technicians to ensure they conform specifically to each user’s dimensions.” Impacting your decision Andent offers three different types of mouthguards according to size and case use. PROFORM Professional Mouthguard: Suitable for ages 13 to adult, the advanced features including triple layer coverage of the dentition, offer a professional level of protection suitable for high impact sports including boxing, karate, kickboxing and taekwondo. PROFORM Double Laminate Mouthguard: Suitable for ball players aged 11 and above, this style offers dual coverage of the dentition. It is designed for all sports with medium-low impact such as AFL, rugby and hockey. PROFORM Single Laminate Mouthguard: Designed for ages 5 -10, this single layer mouthguard is suitable for all low-impact sports such as basketball, soccer and Auskick. All the above are professional grade Proform mouthguards prescribed for different users, but offering a high level of protection, retention, comfort and fit. The additional layers (double or triple) of laminated sheet vinyl significantly reduce the incidence of tooth breakage by distributing the stress of impact to the entire length of the tooth. Matter of form Offering the highest level of dental fit, Andent’s pressure laminated guards are thermoformed to provide outstanding protection. The layering of mouthguard material (known as lamination) helps to achieve a specific thickness under a high heat and pressure environment. According to Smith, this type of mouthguard fits tighter and last longer than vacuum formed ones. “Many dentists believe the vacuum formed product will do the job, but it tends not to have a tight fit that is suitable for sporting use,” he says. “We use the vacuum product for an occlusal splint when a super tight fit isn’t required – but we insist on pressure formed units when it comes to Proform mouthguards.” Perform with Proform? Thedesignof the custom-fittedmouthguard has shown to have practically zero effect on breathing. “Users are able to talk, breathe and focus on their game,” Smith adds, “Instead of worrying if their mouthguard will slip out.” Athletes often talk about having the confidence to make a play when it matters or the ability to focus during matches as crucial but sometimes elusivecommodities. Whether the factors are physiological or purely psychological, you would think they matter less than the perceived benefits from the player’s point of view. So if a mouthguard helps athletes perform or focus better because it gives them a firmer clench or the ability to breathe normally would it be fair to say the custom-made option enhances the athlete’s sporting output? Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m still a little fixated on the performance benefits. u