Gumshields
What is the difference between a custom made gumshield and a gumshield you can mould yourself?
A self moulded or boil ‘n’ bite gumshield are not nearly as reliable or protective as a custom made gumshield. The custom fit gumshield is made using impressions of your teeth, so it fits you perfectly. They are also comfy to wear, whilst being tight enough to hold in your mouth. Boil ‘n’ bite gumshields can fall out very easily and sometimes they can become hazardous – for example, they can be swallowed or impede breathing. Custom fit gumshields also carry the recommendation of major sporting bodies, like the Rugby Football Union, as well as companies such as the British Dental Association.
How do I get a custom made gumshield?
Our gumshields are available at more than five thousand dental surgeries in the UK and also in Eire. All you need to do is to ask for our product by name and they will take your impression and send it to us. If you like, you can order a brochure from us and take it with you to show your dentist what you would like. You can do this on the ‘contact us’ page on this website. Once we receive your impression, we will pour plaster into them, make models and then construct your gumshield .
How long does it take to make a gumshield?
It takes approximately 10 working days for it to be ready for fitting by your dentist.
Can a gumshield be made over a fixed brace?
Yes. Our laboratory will block out the brace on the model, to allow you to wear a gumshield, but the teeth are moving rapidly and so your gumshield will not fit for long. If a brace is due to be fitted later in the year, you will require a new gumshield once it has been fitted. We recommend that you do not wear a removable brace, as it could break in the event of an impact.
What if milk teeth are still present or teeth are erupting?
No problem. The technicians will use special material to block out erupting teeth to give the patient a few more months wear.
Is there a mouthguard available to protection both upper and lower teeth?
Yes. It is commonly called a fused gumshield. It has a hole in the middle for breathing and is only available in plain colours.
Can all designs be made for any age group?
Most designs are easily made to fit your dental model, but if patients are younger than 9 or 10 years old, the more complicated designs can be difficult because the teeth are so small. You can email us first to check if you are unsure.
Can I request a thicker gumshield for high impact sports like rugby, boxing or martial arts?
Yes, just ask your dentist, they will be pleased to advise you.
I already have a model of my teeth, do I still need an impression?
Not usually. If you have had any orthodontic treatment, teeth taken out or your dentition has changed in any way, you should have a new impression taken, because otherwise the gumshield may not fit. You can send your model into us directly, just request an order form using the ‘contact us’ page on this website.
I am a member/coach of a sports team and would like some gumshields made for my team, can you help?
Yes. We make 1000’s of gumshields every year for sports teams. Simply request some info by filling out your details on the contact us form and one of our team will either call or email you back with details.
Some further information about our gumshields:
- We do not put logo’s on the front of our gumshields. We believe that this ruins the design of the gumshield. Why have a company logo when you could have your name or a flag instead?
- Every technician in our laboratory meets the new legislation for 2006, stating that all technicians must be qualified or qualifying. No casual worker will ever make a gumshield in our laboratory.
- We are DAMAS registered, meaning that we undergo professional audits every year to ensure standards are kept high.
- All gumshields carry the CE mark.
- Because the impressions for gumshields are taken by a dentist in their own surgery, the impressions are much more accurate than if they were taken by the patient themselves using a home kit.
We finish all of the gumshields by hand and not by machine, ensuring a quality fit.
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