There are four types of mouthguards according to the dental literature. Stock, Boil and Bite, Vacuum Custom made, and Pressure Laminated Custom made. First of all, it is essential to educate the public that stock and boil and bite mouthguards bought at sporting good stores do not provide the optimum treatment expected by the athlete . These ill fitting mouthguards cannot deal with idiosyncrasies athletes and children may have. This is the precise reason why mouthguards bought at sporting good stores, without the recommendation of a qualified dentist, should not be worn.
Idiosyncrasies are to be noted during mouthguard design and fabrication.
These may include jaw relationships where mouthguards may have to be designed on the mandibular arch such as a Class III prognathic bite. Boil and bite mouthguards do not allow for this eruption space. For patients with braces, special designs for the mouthguards are essential to allow for orthodontic movement without compromising on injury prevention and fit. These injuries may include cerebral concussion, head and neck injuries, and drug use. We are NOT suggesting that dentists treat these injuries, but as health professionals dentists should be able to recognize these entities and refer these patients to the proper medical personnel.