A Consumer’s Guide To Selecting The Right Mouth Guard (NAPSA)—The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the American Association of Oral and Max- illofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), and the American Academyof Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) advocate the use of mouth guards for children and adults when cycling, in-line skating, skateboarding or playing any sport with the potential for facial injuries. Such sports include, but are not limited to, football, wrestling, basketball, baseball, volleyball, ice and field hockey, softball, and soccer. The chart below offers assistance in deciding which type of mouth guard to purchase. Type Description Pros Custom-made Dental professional makesimpression of entire Most protection & comfort. set of teeth, which may be sent fo a lab for fabrication using heat-moldedplastic. Coversall teeth, cushions jaw, reduceslikelihoodof concussions caused by blows fo the chin. No interference with speech or breathing. Cons More expensive than commercially-made guards. Adjustable for difficult sports. Mouth-formed, or “boil & bite” Madeof special rubber, modelis boiled,cooled, then placed in patient's mouth fo harden. Mostpopularstyle. Low cost. Brittle after prolongeduse. Betterfit than store-bought protectors. Ready-to-wear, commercial mouth guards Rubberorpolyvinyl. Sold in major department Stores. Inexpensive. Cannot betested for comfort. Least effective in termsof protection. Staysin place only when mouthis closed. The message orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons and pediatric dentists are emphasizing is to save face when playing sports. Protect yourself and loved ones from easily preventable injuries. For further information about facial protection, or about the AAO, the AAOMS or the AAPD, visit the asso- ciations’ Web sites at www.braces.org, www.aaoms.org or www.aapd.org.
