Key Takeaways
- Dental injuries from sports are common and costly—custom-fit mouthguards significantly reduce the risk.
- Custom mouthguards provide the best protection, comfort, and performance compared to stock or boil-and-bite options.
- Material selection matters—the right mouthguard depends on your sport’s impact level.
- Athletes with braces need specially designed guards to protect both teeth and orthodontic appliances.
- Proper care and annual replacement are essential for hygiene and effectiveness.
- AQR Orthodontics in Jumeirah provides expert, tech-driven custom mouthguards tailored for all levels of athletes.
- Starting at AED 599, it’s a smart investment for long-term dental health and athletic confidence.
Why This Matters to You
Did you know that sports-related activities account for 13–39% of all dental injuries, and nearly 80% of those injuries involve the front upper teeth? That means a significant portion of athletes—even those in seemingly benign sports—face real dental risk.
In Dubai’s thriving sports scene—ranging from school soccer leagues to professional boxing—protecting your smile isn’t just smart; it’s essential. Every year in the U.S. alone, over 5 million teeth are knocked out during athletic activity, costing nearly $500 million in dental care.
Custom-fit mouthguards stand out as the gold standard for protection. They provide superior fit, shock absorption, and comfort compared to store-bought options—and athletes wearing them significantly reduce their risk of serious dental injuries.
At AQR Orthodontics in Jumeirah, Dubai, our focus is on advanced custom mouthguard solutions that blend effective safety with athletic performance—because a protected smile is a winning smile.
Why Does Every Athlete Need a Mouthguard?
- Chipped or lost teeth: Common in contact sports, these injuries can be costly and painful.
- Jaw fractures & concussions: A well-fitted guard absorbs severe impacts.
- Soft tissue injuries: Cuts to cheeks and lips are prevented with proper protection.
- Long-term effects: One dental trauma can lead to lifelong problems or expensive fixes.
Athletes are 60X more likely to suffer orofacial injuries without protection, making mouthguards crucial for safety, performance, and peace of mind.
Which Type of Mouthguard Is Best?
- Stock (boil-and-bite)
- Pros: Inexpensive, ready-made.
- Cons: ill-fitting, bulky, less protective.
- Boil‑and‑bite:
- Pros: Better customisation than stock.
- Cons: Still limited fit and comfort.
- Custom-fit (premium):
- How it’s made: Impressions or digital scans are sent to a lab. The result is a snug, precise fit.
- Pros: Superior performance, comfort, speech, and breathing.
- Why Dubai athletes love it: Seamless fit enhances confidence and competitive edge, no matter the sport or climate.
What materials are used to make sports mouthguards?
- Modern mouthguards are typically made from materials such as EVA (ethylene‑vinyl acetate), thermoplastic polymers (like TPU or acrylic resins), and silicone.
- For high-impact sports such as football, hockey, rugby, or martial arts, multi-layer custom guards fabricated with a soft outer layer (like polyurethane or stiff thermoplastics) and a hard inner core (polycarbonates, etc ) are recommended. They offer maximum shock absorption and durability.
- For moderate-impact sports like basketball, soccer, or baseball, EVA-only guards or dual-layer guards offer a good balance of comfort and protection.
- For low-impact recreational activities or as a comfortable alternative, soft silicone grips may suffice, though they provide less force absorption.
Does material choice matter?
- The material directly affects shock absorption, durability, comfort, and fit performance. EVA offers lightweight flexibility and moderate cushioning. TPU or custom thermoplastic constructions resist wear and impact better, while silicone prioritises comfort at the expense of maximum protection.
- Optimal labial thickness (e.g., around 3–4 mm at the front) combined with multilayer design ensures the best distribution of force. Choosing the correct material ensures the right balance of protection and comfort specific to the athlete’s sport and safety needs.
Which Sports Need Custom Mouthguards?
- High-impact sports (e.g., rugby, boxing, martial arts): Dual-layer protection with a foam core is essential.
- Contact sports (soccer, water polo): Custom shields safeguard against collisions and ball strikes.
- Braces wearers: Special designs protect both teeth and orthodontic appliances.
At AQR Orthodontics, Dr. AQR tailors each guard for the sport and individual needs—from boxing sparring to swimming competitions.
How to Care for Your Mouthguard
- Clean daily: Rinse under cold water, brush gently. Use non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damage.
- Store safely: Dry thoroughly and keep in a ventilated case to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Inspect regularly: Replace every season or if signs of wear appear. A poorly fitting guard loses effectiveness.
Why Choose AQR Orthodontics for Custom Sports Mouthguards in Jumeirah?
- Dr. AQR’s expertise: Advanced sports dentistry and orthodontic care in Dubai’s heart.
- Hi‑tech solutions: 3D scans and precise lab work ensure a perfect fit and maximum comfort.
- Athlete-centred care: Tailored guards—including club/team-branded options—with bulk packages for schools and academies.
- Exceptional aftercare: Ongoing checkups for fit, hygiene, and adjustments across seasons.
Ready to Protect Your Smile and Performance?
Don’t risk your smile—elevate your game instead! Book your custom sports mouthguard fitting at AQR Orthodontics in Jumeirah today—or arrange a team or school package to equip your entire squad. Protect hard, play hard—your winning smile depends on it!
Contact AQR Orthodontics now and let Dr. AQR safeguard your smile with elite sports care and custom-fit technology.
FAQs
- Can a mouth guard reduce the risk of concussion?
Studies show custom guards lower dental injury rates, though concussion prevention is limited.
- How much does a custom mouthguard cost in Dubai?
Pricing starts around AED 599, including digital scanning and personalised fitting. Upgrades are available for athletes requiring extra protection and branding/customisation.
- Can kids get fitted guards?
Definitely! Custom guards protect growing smiles and can be adjusted or refitted as needed.
- Do I need a new guard every season?
Yes—new guards ensure perfect fit and hygiene. We recommend annual replacements for active athletes.
