Ensure a Snug Fit with Your Shock Doctor Mouthguard for Hockey

Ensure a Snug Fit with Your Shock Doctor Mouthguard for Hockey

Start with a Properly Sized Mouthguard

Having a mouthguard that fits correctly is crucial for comfort and protection. When trying on a new mouthguard for the first time, it’s common for it to feel a bit large and bulky in your mouth. Resist the temptation to trim and adjust it right away. The mouthguard will adapt to the shape of your teeth and mouth over time. Give yourself at least 2-3 rigorous practices to break it in first.

With that said, if after several uses the mouthguard is still too tight or causes pain, it likely needs some adjustments. Ill-fitting mouthguards often don’t stay in place well and can cause speech impediments. This defeats the entire purpose of wearing one during your hockey games and practices!

First, check the sizing guidelines on the packaging or consult your dentist. Shock Doctor provides a sizing chart based on age ranges. There are options for youth, junior, and adult sizes. Finding the right fit is important, as an improperly sized mouthguard is unlikely to be comfortable or provide sufficient protection.

Next, follow the molding and fitting instructions precisely. Immerse the mouthguard in hot water to soften the material before inserting it into your mouth. Bite down firmly to imprint your teeth into the guard. Use your fingers and tongue to press it into place, molding it to all your teeth. Trimming, filing, or otherwise adjusting the size should be a last resort.

If it still feels too loose or tight, minor modifications may help improve the fit. File down areas that are too bulky or irritating, but avoid over-trimming. The guard should cover all upper teeth. Try reheating and refitting it first before cutting away material. With some time and small tweaks, you can achieve a customized fit.

Starting with the right size shock doctor mouthguard and patiently allowing it to adapt to your bite are key first steps. A properly fitted mouthguard should feel snug but not constricting. It will protect your teeth while allowing you to talk, breathe, and drink normally. Don’t rush the break-in period. With some adjustments, your Shock Doctor mouthguard can provide a secure, comfy fit all season long.

Heat the Mouthguard Before Fitting

Getting a comfortable, well-fitted mouthguard requires taking the time to properly mold it to your mouth. Shock Doctor mouthguards are made from thermoplastic materials that soften when heated. This allows them to be custom fitted to your unique bite and tooth alignment.

Before inserting a new Shock Doctor mouthguard, it is crucial to first immerse it in hot water for around 30 seconds up to a minute. This heating process softens the thermoplastic material, making it pliable. Avoid boiling water, as excessive heat can damage the guard. Just use hot tap water around 120-140°F.

Test the softened guard carefully before inserting to ensure it has reached an optimal molding temperature. It should be warm, flexible, and pliant – but not uncomfortably hot. You want it malleable enough to easily imprint your teeth.

Next, remove it from the water and shake off any excess. Make sure to dry both the outer and inner surfaces, so it doesn’t burn your hand or mouth. Quickly insert the heated mouthguard and bite down firmly to imprint your teeth into the softened material.

Molding the heated mouthguard properly is crucial for maximum protection. Cover all upper teeth with equal pressure. Use your tongue and fingers to press the thermoplastic material into all the nooks and crannies. Focus on getting it to form snugly around back molars too.

Proper heating allows the Shock Doctor mouthguard material to flow around each tooth like putty. This custom fit will lock it securely in place. After imprinting your bite, remove any excess material if needed. Reheat and repeat the molding process until achieving a comfortable, personalized fit.

Allow the fitted guard to fully cool and harden before wearing it during play. The cooling process sets the thermoplastic material into your molded shape. Fitting a heated Shock Doctor mouthguard takes patience but is worth the time invested. Done properly, you’ll gain superior protection and comfort all season long.

Rinse with Cold Water Before Inserting

Fitting a new Shock Doctor mouthguard involves softly heating it and then imprinting your teeth into the malleable material. An important intermediate step is to rinse it with cold water before inserting it into your mouth.

After heating the thermoplastic guard in hot water to soften it, give it a quick rinse under cold tap water. This rapid cooling helps stabilize the material and bring it closer to body temperature. It prevents the heated guard from being uncomfortably hot in your mouth.

Shock Doctor recommends cooling the heated mouthguard with cold water for just a few seconds. You don’t want it to become too stiff and unpliable. The key is bringing the temperature down to a tolerable level for insertion into your mouth.

Rinsing under cold water also removes any debris or residue from the heating process. This clears away any hot water droplets or food particles that may have clung to the guard. Inserting a clean mouthguard allows for proper molding.

The time spent rinsing with cold water is also a good window to inspect the mouthguard before fitting. Look for any defects or unusual wear. Check to ensure you have the correct size guard selected. Give it a test flex to confirm it is still soft and pliable after cooling.

Proper temperatures are crucial when imprinting the pliable thermoplastic material. If the mouthguard is too hot, you risk burning your mouth. If it’s too cold and stiff, it won’t mold correctly to your teeth.

Rinsing under cold water after heating brings the Shock Doctor mouthguard to the ideal temperature for fitting. Thequick cool-down stabilizes the material, while making it safe and comfortable to insert directly into your mouth.

Taking this simple step of rinsing with cold water enables you to mold the mouthguard precisely to your bite. Just be sure not to cool it so much that you have to reheat it again. With the right technique, you’ll achieve a custom dental fit for protection and performance.

Bite Down Firmly When Inserting

Getting the perfect custom fit with your Shock Doctor mouthguard requires imprinting it with your bite. After properly heating and cooling the thermoplastic guard, the next step is inserting it into your mouth and biting down firmly.

With the mouthguard in place, bite down with even pressure from your upper and lower teeth. Clamp down steadily, imprinting your teeth into the material. Avoid chomping too aggressively, as you don’t want to damage or warp the guard.

Maintain solid pressure on the mouthguard for 30-60 seconds as it molds. Keep your teeth embedded as the thermoplastic material cools and hardens. This imprints your upper teeth’s shape, alignment, and spacing.

Use your tongue to press the softened material into all the contours of your teeth. Focus on getting it to flow into hard-to-reach spots like your back molars. The goal is evenly molding the Shock Doctor mouthguard around all upper teeth.

You can also use your fingers to press and smooth the heated thermoplastic. Form it around the front teeth and anywhere you can reach inside your mouth. Just be careful not to distort or stretch the material too much.

The firm bite-down is key for capturing an accurate imprint. Maintain solid pressure until the mouthguard fully cools and sets in place. Don’t remove it too soon or the molding may get disrupted before taking shape.

If needed, you can also make small bite adjustments after the initial mold by briefly heating the mouthguard again. But focus on getting it right on the first insertion by really sinking your teeth in.

Biting down firmly embeds your teeth for a custom fit. With an evenly molded Shock Doctor mouthguard, you’ll gain superior protection and comfort. Just be patient during the imprinting process for optimal results.

Suck out Air Pockets

After firmly imprinting your teeth into the heated Shock Doctor mouthguard material, small air bubbles can become trapped. It’s important to suck out these air pockets to achieve a tight, streamlined fit.

Air gaps are a common issue when fitting a new mouthguard. As you bite down, the thermoplastic material can seal in bubbles against your teeth. This not only affects comfort, but can impact protection.

Examine the molded mouthguard once cooled to check for air pockets. Look for any gaps or hollow sections along the chewing surfaces or sides of teeth. Also run your tongue over the surface to feel for air bubbles.

To remove them, start by gently biting down on the mouthguard to force out some of the air. Slowly continuing closing your jaw until you feel pressure buildup. Avoid fully clenching so as not to shift the molded shape.

Next, use your tongue or fingers to press inward on areas with air gaps. Compress the pocket while sucking in air through your teeth. This draws the trapped air out through the thermoplastic material.

You can also use the handle of a spoon to push and flatten areas with air bubbles. Heat spots as needed with warm water to soften and re-fit.

Take your time removing all air pockets for maximum comfort and protection. Even small gaps or hollows can lead to irritation. Fully eliminating trapped air gives a flush fit.

If air pockets persist after repeated sucking and molding, the mouthguard may need more heating and imprinting. But with patience, you can smooth out all those pesky bubbles.

Sucking out air pockets takes a bit of work, but results in a bubble-free custom fit. Your Shock Doctor mouthguard will mold to your teeth like a second skin.

Use Your Tongue to Settle the Mouthguard

After firmly imprinting your teeth into the heated Shock Doctor mouthguard, use your tongue to help settle it into place. This ensures a flush fit with no gaps.

Your tongue is an invaluable tool when fitting a new mouthguard. After the initial molding, use it to press and smooth the thermoplastic material. Focus on conforming the guard to the intricate contours of your teeth.

Run your tongue along the gumline, pushing the material upward into tight spaces. This helps imprint the nooks along your teeth for a seamless seal. Pay extra attention to the back molars and hard-to-reach spots.

Use a sweeping motion to press the mouthguard upwards, sealing it along the full gumline. Concentrate on areas that feel loose or have small gaps. You want to eliminate any spaces between the guard and your teeth.

In addition to sealing the edges, use your tongue to mold the biting surface. Press down firmly on the flat plateau of the guard where your upper and lower teeth make contact.

You can also use your tongue to check for any remaining air bubbles in the guard. Feel for pockets and smooth them out by pressing inwards and upwards.

Take a few minutes to use your tongue to tweak and perfect the fit. The thermoplastic will slowly harden as you work it into place. Your tongue ensures a natural, flush feeling fit.

Let the mouthguard fully cool and settle before wearing it during any contact. With a properly integrated fit, it will feel like part of your mouth, not an obstacle.

Trim Excess Material if Needed

Your new Shock Doctor mouthguard is designed and sized to fit most dental alignments right out of the package. However, some minor trimming may help optimize the fit.

After thoroughly molding and settling the heated mouthguard to your teeth, check for anyexcess material. Bulky sections can cause discomfort and speech impediments.

Examine areas around the back molars and leading edges along the gumline. These are common spots where extra thermoplastic may overflow during the imprinting process.

Use scissors to carefully trim away any noticeable excess material. Make small, conservative cuts rather than hacking away large chunks. You can always remove more if needed.

Filing the edges can also help reduce bulk and smooth rough spots. Use light pressure and smooth, even strokes when filing. Rotate the guard during filing to prevent weak spots.

Focus on relieving pressure points that rub or pinch your gums and cheeks. The goal is enhancing comfort, not radically altering the fit.

When trimming your Shock Doctor mouthguard, less is more. Remove conservatively, then test the fit. You want to maintain full tooth and gum coverage. If needed, briefly reheat and remold sections that still feel tight or awkward after trimming.

With cautious care and minor adjustments, your mouthguard will feel like a natural extension of your bite. The perfect balance of protection without pesky excess material.

Follow the Fitting Instructions Closely

Achieving a comfortable, custom fit with your new Shock Doctor mouthguard requires closely following the molding instructions.

Shock Doctor mouthguards come with detailed fitting guidelines to help you accurately imprint your teeth. Take time to carefully read and understand each step before starting.

Key steps include:

• Heating the mouthguard in hot water to soften it
• Rinsing with cool water before inserting
• Biting down firmly to imprint upper teeth
• Using fingers and tongue to mold material
• Sucking out any air pockets
• Letting it fully cool before removing

Rushing through the process or skipping vital steps can result in a loose, ill-fitting guard. Taking it slow ensures the thermoplastic material molds precisely to your bite.

Don’t trim or adjust the sizing until after the initial mold. The mouthguard may feel bulky at first, but will settle into place. Prematurely cutting or filing can undermine fit.

If needed, gently reheat and remold sections that don’t conform well after initial imprinting. Repeating steps helps fine-tune the fit.

Follow each fitting instruction exactly, resisting the temptation to take shortcuts. Proper technique takes patience but is crucial for safety and performance.

With an optimized custom fit, your Shock Doctor mouthguard will feel like a second set of teeth. Just be sure to closely follow the step-by-step fitting guide.

Practice Talking with the Mouthguard In

A well-fitted mouthguard shouldn’t severely obstruct speech or breathing. Take time practicing talking with your new Shock Doctor mouthguard in place.

The bulk and fit of a mouthguard can initially feel foreign. You may notice a temporary lisp or mumbling when first trying to talk.

Work on speaking out loud while wearing the guard during training and practice drills. Start with simple phrases and words. Over-enunciate each syllable until you adapt.

Gradually build up to full sentences at normal volume. Focus on opening your mouth wider when articulating troublesome words.

With practice, your tongue will learn to make subtle adjustments in positioning. This counteracts the new obstruction and improves clarity.

If certain words or letters continue giving you problems, try readjusting the guard alignment using light reheating and remolding.

Talking through your mouthguard also gets you accustomed to the feel. The more you wear it during low-risk drills, the more second-nature it becomes.

Clear speech is crucial on the ice for communicating with teammates. Don’t wait until game time to test out your talking abilities.

Practicing speaking skills with your mouthguard makes a huge difference. You’ll gain confidence and adapt to the feel, improving safety and performance.

Wear It Consistently to Get Used to the Feel

A custom fitted Shock Doctor mouthguard only provides full protection if you wear it consistently. Get used to the feel by using it during all practices and training.

The best way to break-in your new mouthguard is through regular wear. Using it only occasionally during games won’t help you adapt.

Aim to wear it every time you take the ice for hockey activity. Keep it in during scrimmages, drills, and warm-ups. This allows your mouth to acclimate.

At first, you may feel tempted to take it out or chew on it between drills. Try to resist these urges as you adjust. Wear it properly the full session.

Speaking, breathing, drinking – practice all essential motions with the mouthguard in place. It will quickly start to feel more natural.

Consistent wear each practice decreasing distractions during games when protection matters most. If it starts to feel loose, you can gently reheated and remold as needed.

Don’t wait until your first face-off to break it in. Get accustomed to the bulk and sensation of having a guard in your mouth.

Regularly wearing your Shock Doctor mouthguard makes it feel like part of you. Stay diligent during practices to ensure you perform at your best when it counts.

Don’t Chew on the Mouthguard

It’s tempting to absentmindedly chew and gnaw on your mouthguard, but this can damage the material and alter the fit.

Chewing motions apply concentrated force in one small area of the guard. Over time, this can distort the molding and create weak spots.

The thermoplastic material is designed to withstand the forces of play – impacts from pucks, sticks, and bodies. Random chewing puts more focused stress in the wrong places.

It also encourages small tears and cracks to form. Damaged areas quickly grow worse. Before long, you’ll have embedding and fitting issues.

Chewing and biting down harder on one side can also throw off your dental alignment. Subtle changes make the guard less comfortable and protective.

When you feel tempted to gnaw or fidget with the mouthguard, try focusing that energy elsewhere. Tap your stick, adjust gloves, stretch your neck – find a better outlet.

If it helps, remove the guard briefly between drills or shifts to give your mouth a break. Just avoid chewing motions.

Protect your investment by reserving your mouthguard for its intended purpose. Save the chewing and grinding for food, not your protective equipment.

Store in a Ventilated Container

Properly storing your mouthguard between practices and games will help maintain its shape and durability.

Shock Doctor recommends keeping your mouthguard in a well-ventilated protective case when not in use. Avoid sealing it in plastic bags or airtight containers.

Ventilation allows moisture to fully evaporate after each use. This prevents bacterial growth and minimizes bad odors.

Letting the guard dry out between uses also maintains the integrity of the material. Trapped moisture can warp and degrade the thermoplastic over time.

Storage cases also protect the mouthguard from damage when tossed in your hockey bag. Choose a sturdy case that cushions blows and prevents cracking or chipping.

When at home, don’t just toss your mouthguard in a drawer or on a shelf. Keep it safely contained in its case.

Clearly label your storage case so you don’t confuse your mouthguard with a teammate’s. This also helps ensure you don’t misplace it.

With proper storage and care, a well-fitted Shock Doctor mouthguard will provide seasons of reliable protection. Just be sure to let it fully dry out between uses.

Replace Every Season or When Worn

While Shock Doctor mouthguards are durable, expect to replace them at least annually or when showing signs of wear.

The thermoplastic material is designed for rugged use, but gradually loses resiliency over time. About every 12 months, you’ll notice fit and protection starting to suffer.

Replace sooner if you observe any cracks, tears, or embedded dirt and stains. Damage leads to bacteria and reduced structural integrity.

Ill-fitting guards with looseness or gaps also demand replacement. If reheating and remolding no longer improves the fit, it’s time for a fresh one.

Don’t wait until it fully breaks to get a new mouthguard. At the first signs of decline, begin shopping for a replacement.

When trying a new mouthguard model or brand, keep your old one as a spare. Phase in the new guard during practices before relying on it for games.

While mouthguard longevity varies based on frequency of use, err toward annual replacement. Your dental health and safety is worth the investment.

With proper care, you can safely get a season or two out of a Shock Doctor mouthguard. But don’t risk worn-out protection – replace it proactively.

See Your Dentist Annually for a Check

Schedule an annual dental check-up to monitor your oral health and the fit of your Shock Doctor mouthguard.

A dentist can assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaws. They may spot issues like enamel wear, gum disease, or orthodontic shifting.

This is a good chance to get professional feedback on your mouthguard’s fit. Your dentist can check for gaps indicating looseness or lack of full tooth coverage.

They may be able to heat and remold areas that are pinching or rubbing. Or recommend trying a different size or style of guard.

A quick cleaning and fluoride treatment from your dentist enhances the mouthguard’s protective effects. This strengthens enamel to better withstand impacts.

You can also inquire about adding a strap to your guard to prevent spit-outs. Or discuss custom-fit options for maximum comfort.

Address any discomfort or speech issues with your dentist as well. They may suggest adjusting the guard alignment or thickness in certain spots.

An annual dental visit provides a chance to optimize your mouthguard’s effectiveness. Help ensure many years of safe hockey ahead.