Mouth guards - making them fit.

[Buff]

I've done some googling and some talking to "experts" at the stores and now it's time to use the power of the CP collective.

I just can't seem to find a mouth guard that works for me. I want to protect myself from an accidental puck to the mouth or from another concussion from an accidental collision. My problem? I gag on the mouth guard, but I'm fine when I'm fitting them, it's when I'm playing when I start to gag. I've wasted probably close to $200 trying to find the right mouth guard. A few years ago I had one that wasn't too bad, I didn't gag very much, but I forgot about it after my last game of the year, left it my bag over the summer, and it was a bit moldy when I discovered it at the start of the next season. I can't find that same model anymore.

So what do you guys do for mouth guards? I know I'm not the only one who has an active gag reflex, what kinds of tips do you have to deal with a gag reflex from using a mouth guard?

Help me Obi-wan Cal-Pucky, you're my only hope! <--

[Buff]

Somehow I knew you would be the first to reply.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Boil and bite?

[saskflames69]

Well first off, you boil the damn thing so it conforms to your teeth.

[uofaflamesfan]

you can get one molded made specifically for your mouth at the dentist

[Buff]

Yes, boil and bite. I can get them to fit quite well. I don't gag on them when I'm fitting them or trying it out while I'm sitting around doing nothing. The gag reflexes usually happen once I start getting active while wearing the mouth guard.

[jar_e]

Dentist is the only way to go. Nothing else is even close. I get a free one from my dentist each year.

[Buff]

How do you get it for free? I had always decided not to bother with a dentist because of the cost... and because I haven't been to a dentist for nearly 15 years.

[killer_carlson]

go to a dentist and ask for a "Space Maintainers" high end mouth guard.

THey will take an impression of your teeth and send it to the Lab on 17th Ave SW. I also had problems getting a retail mouthguard to fit and custom was the only way to go. I think it cost me about $300, but the thing is awesome and super high quality. The only reason I don't wear it is that I had dental work to cap teeth I smashed as a kid which changed the shape of the teeth at the front of my mouth. If I go into contact sports again, I will not hesitate to get another customized one.

Be sure to ask for the SPace Maintainters brand though. Seriously.

[jar_e]

Originally Posted by Buff

How do you get it for free? I had always decided not to bother with a dentist because of the cost... and because I haven't been to a dentist for nearly 15 years.

No idea how i get it for free, but I've gotten two from them, get to choose the colors and everything.

I'm at Dr. Springhetti on 8 Street/9 Ave SW.

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by Buff

How do you get it for free? I had always decided not to bother with a dentist because of the cost... and because I haven't been to a dentist for nearly 15 years.

You have just surely opened the floodgates of CP's peanut gallery.

[killer_carlson]

Originally Posted by jar_e

No idea how i get it for free, but I've gotten two from them, get to choose the colors and everything.

I'm at Dr. Springhetti on 8 Street/9 Ave SW.

THose are probably ones he makes right there on site. Those would be more entry level and they may bill your insurance company for them.

If you're into a sport with a higher risk of concussion, spend the money on a custom made one from the lab.

[Flabbibulin]

I just got a mouthguard from my dentist a couple weeks ago. My work dental plan!!! (Lisa needs braces) paid for it, so I can't be sure on the final price, but I think it was between 500 and 600 for everything- lab work, the moulding, and the mouthguard.

And if you haven't been to the dentist in 15 years, you can expect one hell of a scaling session when you do go... if you're concerned about protecting your mouth, going back to the dentist is probably a good idea.

Edit- i guess this price might be misleading as I got a nightguard and a sports mouthguard.

[jar_e]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

THose are probably ones he makes right there on site. Those would be more entry level and they may bill your insurance company for them.

If you're into a sport with a higher risk of concussion, spend the money on a custom made one from the lab.

They only do the impressions on site and they're not billed to my insurance company. I was shocked to be honest...really impressed. They've changed their website recently and i can't find what the brand is for them.

[Sr. Mints]

Originally Posted by jar_e

Dentist is the only way to go. Nothing else is even close. I get a free one from my dentist each year.

The only thing I've ever gotten for free from a dentist were bouncy balls and plastic rings, and they stopped when I was about eight.... okay, 17.

[saskflames69]

Originally Posted by Sr. Mints

The only thing I've ever gotten for free from a dentist were bouncy balls and plastic rings, and they stopped when I was about eight.... okay, 17.

That's the only reason I visit the dentist nowadays..

[Brewmaster]

I've had a couple made by the dentist and they've been great. The first time they make the mould I remember it costing between $100 - $200, then to get new ones with the same mould I think around $50. It's been awhile since I've had one made so those prices might be a little off, but I don't remember them costing a huge amount.

[Nage Waza]

Originally Posted by Buff

How do you get it for free? I had always decided not to bother with a dentist because of the cost... and because I haven't been to a dentist for nearly 15 years.

Sounds like you don't need a mouth guard?

[worth]

Can likely get it done at a dentist for $100. 1 bill isn't a lot to spend to keep your teeth in place. The ones you buy in sportchek are garbage.

If you're using the home made ones, cut the back ends of it off. Like one or two molar widths. Then it doesn't go as far back into your mouth.