Prepare Your Mouth Properly Before Molding
Getting your mouth ready before molding your Sisu mouthguard is a critical first step for achieving a perfect fit. Start by thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth to remove any food particles or plaque buildup. Be sure to brush your tongue, roof of mouth, and gums as well. Any debris left in your mouth can affect the molding process and final fit. Next, rinse your mouth out several times with an antimicrobial mouthwash to sanitize your mouth before molding. This helps prevent mold and bacteria growth on your custom mouthguard later on. You may also want to use a mouth moisturizing rinse or spray to coat your gums and teeth prior to molding. This aids in creating a smooth, comfortable fit. Just before molding, avoid eating, drinking, or chewing anything for at least an hour. This ensures your teeth are back to their natural positions for the molding process. Finally, make sure your hands are clean before handling the Sisu mouthguard as you get ready to mold. Following these simple pre-molding steps allows you to achieve a precise, hygienic fit every time.
Use Hot (Not Boiling) Water When Molding
The temperature of the water used when molding your Sisu mouthguard is crucial for achieving a proper fit. Many people mistakenly believe boiling water is best for molding mouthguards. However, water that is too hot can actually damage the material and compromise the fit. For Sisu guards, it’s recommended to use water heated to 145-160 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows the ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer material to become optimally soft and pliable for molding, without getting too hot. Start by bringing water to a rolling boil, then let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Test the water temperature before submerging your Sisu guard. It should feel very hot, but not scalding to the touch. If needed, allow the water to cool another minute or two. Use a digital thermometer to verify the temperature is in the ideal 145-160 degree F range before molding. Keep the water in a cup deep enough to submerge the entire guard during molding. Don’t be tempted to microwave the water, as this heats unevenly. And never use cold or room temperature water, as the guard won’t mold properly. Taking the time to use hot – but not boiling – water is a simple step that ensures your Sisu mouthguard molds perfectly to your teeth.
Follow The Molding Instructions Closely
To get the ideal fit from your Sisu mouthguard, it’s critical to carefully follow the provided molding instructions. While the process may seem simple, failing to adhere to each step properly can result in a poor fit that feels uncomfortable, slips around, and offers inadequate protection. Start by reviewing the Sisu molding directions included with your guard so you understand each part of the process before beginning. Have the instructions handy as you mold to ensure you don’t miss any important details. Key steps to focus on include submerging the guard in hot water for an adequate amount of time, making sure to firmly press the guard against your teeth during molding, holding it securely in place without shifting for the full molding time, and avoiding touching the guard with your fingers during the process. Rushing through molding or improperly performing any part of the process can affect the end results. Take your time and mold methodically, double checking that you are adhering to the instructions at each step. This attention to detail as you follow the directions ensures your Sisu guard will come out fitting like a glove. A perfectly fitted Sisu provides maximum protection and comfort thanks to properly executing the molding process.
Don’t Skimp On Molding Time
One common mistake people make when molding their Sisu mouthguards is not allowing enough time for the molding process. The provided instructions note the guard should be molded for at least 90 seconds to properly form to your teeth. However, extending this molding time can result in an even better, more comfortable fit. Plan to keep the Sisu firmly pressed against your top teeth for 2-3 minutes without shifting or adjusting it. Be patient during this process and don’t pull the guard out early. Use a stopwatch or timer to track the molding time accurately. The extra time allows the ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer material to become fully pliable and adapt closely to your teeth’s shape. Rushing this step means the guard won’t fully conform to your dental anatomy. You can test if the guard is ready by carefully removing it briefly after 2 minutes of molding. If the material still seems stiff, place it back and continue molding. The guard should easily retain the molded shape. Don’t worry about over-molding, as extra time simply enhances the fit. Taking those extra moments to hold the molding position ultimately results in a Sisu that feels like it was custom made for your mouth.
Mold With Your Mouth Slightly Open
Proper mouth positioning during the molding process is key for achieving a comfortable, well-fitted Sisu mouthguard. One of the most common mistakes is molding the guard while your teeth are clenched shut. This can result in a poor fit that feels too tight when wearing the guard during activity. Instead, mold the Sisu with your mouth slightly agape, creating a small 1-2mm gap between your top and bottom teeth. This allows just enough space for your tongue and lips to move naturally with the guard in place. Be sure not to open your mouth too wide either, as that will affect the molding. Practice the right mouth position in a mirror before starting. During molding, periodically check that your mouth remains slightly open by glancing in the mirror or sliding a finger between your teeth. Avoid shifting your jaw or chewing motions when molding. Keeping a subtle space between your upper and lower teeth as you mold enables the Sisu material to adapt to your natural bite alignment. This produces a comfortable, well-fitted guard allowing easy speech and breathing when worn.
Clean Your Teeth Thoroughly Before Molding
Ensuring your teeth are completely clean before molding your Sisu mouthguard is an important preparatory step. Any plaque, food debris, or saliva coating your teeth can get imprinted into the guard material, leading to hygiene issues down the road. Start by brushing your teeth vigorously using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Focus on scrubbing all tooth surfaces as well as your gums, tongue, and roof of mouth. This removes any built-up plaque and food residues. Next, thoroughly floss between all teeth to dislodge any stuck particles. Be sure to floss below the gumline as well. After brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth out several times using an antibacterial mouthwash. This helps sanitize your mouth for molding. Avoid eating, drinking, or chewing anything for 60 minutes prior to molding to keep your teeth pristine. Right before molding, inspect your teeth in the mirror and pick out any last bits of food with a toothpick or dental floss. Taking the time to meticulously clean your teeth ensures the finished Sisu mouthguard has a smooth, debris-free fit for better performance and oral health.
Relax Your Face During The Molding Process
Molding your Sisu mouthguard requires keeping the facial muscles relaxed in order to achieve the proper fit. Many people unintentionally tense up their face, clench their jaws, or wrinkle their nose while focusing on the molding process. This can lead to a finished guard that feels too tight or puts pressure on the wrong areas when worn. Be aware of any excessive muscle tension in your cheeks, lips, or brow as you mold the Sisu. Make a conscious effort to relax these parts of your face completely. Periodically check in with each area to ensure no tightness has crept back in. It can help to apply a warm compress or massage the muscles beforehand to make relaxing easier. Molting in front of a mirror can also help you monitor your facial muscles and make adjustments in real time. Avoid squinting, scrunching your nose, or making expressions. Keep your jaws slightly parted without clenching. Proper molding requires a neutral facial posture. The guard material will pick up even subtle muscular tensions. Taking the time to consciously relax allows your Sisu to form perfectly around your teeth unimpeded, resulting in a comfy, customized fit.
Don’t Trim Too Much Material After Molding
When trimming and smoothing your custom molded Sisu mouthguard, it’s important not to be overzealous in removing material. The ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer used in Sisu guards is precision-fitted to your teeth during the molding process. Eliminating too much material after molding can compromise the fit and protection. Go slowly when using scissors to trim excess material, only removing 2-3mm at a time. Test the guard’s fit after each round of trimming, being careful not to trim past the gumline. The guard should fully cover all teeth surfaces without impeding your tongue or lips. Avoid the temptation to over-trim for a slimmer guard. This risks exposing your teeth’s sides or reducing shock absorption. Use a Sisu fit verification tool or make an imprint of your teeth to ensure you haven’t removed too much material. When in doubt, be conservative with trimming. The excess can be gradually trimmed down over time but material can’t be added back. Taking a meticulous approach ensures your Sisu retains maximum protection after trimming.
Smooth Sharp Edges Carefully After Trimming
After trimming your custom molded Sisu mouthguard, it’s important to gently smooth any rough or sharp edges. The ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer material can become jagged when cut. Sharp edges left untreated can irritate your gums and lips when wearing the guard. Run your finger slowly over the edges of the guard to feel for any rough spots or snags. Use a nail file, sandpaper, or emery board to carefully smooth these areas down. Start with a finer grit sandpaper and work down to super fine for polishing. Avoid using scissors or clippers for smoothing, as these can inadvertently notch the edges. Work methodically around each tooth impression, feeling for imperfections between strokes. Smooth until no sharp spots remain and the edges feel beveled. The guard should glide smoothly across your teeth without catching. Take care not to over-smooth or thin down the edges excessively. Remain patient and work slowly to carefully refine the edges for comfort. Proper finishing ensures your Sisu mouthguard has a polished fit free of irritation or abrasion when worn.
Don’t Mold More Than Twice To Avoid Damaging Material
When custom fitting your Sisu mouthguard, resist the urge to remold repeatedly if the initial fit isn’t perfect. The ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer material can begin to break down if molded too many times, compromising protection. Limit molding to one or two times max for best results. Properly following the instructions on water temperature, molding time, mouth position, and other tips will typically produce a great fit on the first try. If the initial fit is slightly off, you can attempt to remold once more after carefully reheating the guard. However, remolding more than twice risks over-manipulating the material. The guard may become too thin, develop weak spots, or lose its ability to rebound. If issues with the fit persist after two molding attempts, contact Sisu support for guidance rather than attempting to remold again. Don’t forget,you can make minor adjustments after molding by carefully trimming and smoothing the edges as needed. Taking a patient approach avoids damaging the guard during the molding process.
Let The Sisu Cool Fully Before Removing From Mouth
After molding your custom Sisu mouthguard, it’s important to let it cool completely before attempting to remove it from your mouth. The ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer material needs time to set in its new shape after being formed to your teeth. Removing the guard too soon can cause distortion. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and allow the guard to cool in your mouth for at least 60 seconds after completing the molding process. Set a timer and resist the urge to remove the guard prematurely. You can help speed cooling by breathing through your mouth and keeping your lips parted. This allows air to circulate and stabilize the material. Test the guard by gently pinching the edges between your fingers before removing – it should feel fully hardened and hold its form. Don’t place the guard into cold water, as sudden temperature changes can affect the impression. Be patient during the cooling process. Allowing proper setting time ensures your Sisu won’t get warped or loose its fit when removing it after molding.
Store Sisu in The Provided Case To Retain Shape
To keep your custom molded Sisu mouthguard maintaining its fit, it’s important to store it properly when not in use. Sisu guards come with a protected case designed to preserve the shape of the guard when not being worn. Always place the guard back into its case after use rather than leaving it out or storing it loosely. The case is rigid and precisely holds the guard in the molded position. Loose storage can allow the ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer material to gradually deform over time, negatively affecting the fit. Keep the case in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight when not using your guard. Avoid keeping it in hot places like a car that can soften the material. Inspect the fit periodically by putting the guard back into your mouth to check it still feels accurate. Refrain from clenching down tightly or chewing on the guard when storing. Letting the Sisu retain its molded shape in the case ensures it’s ready to provide a perfect comfortable fit each time you take it out to wear.
Contact Customer Support If Major Fit Issues Persist
If you continue having significant issues getting your Sisu mouthguard to fit comfortably after multiple molding attempts, don’t hesitate to reach out to customer support for guidance. The Sisu company provides helpful customer service by phone and email to troubleshoot tricky fitting problems. They can offer personalized advice on remolding strategies, material adjustments, or determining if a replacement guard may be needed. Provide details on what part of the fit feels off – whether certain teeth aren’t lined up, the guard feels too loose or tight, or it’s pinching parts of your gums or palate. Include information on what troubleshooting steps you’ve tried already. Customer service can assess the situation and provide specific tips tailored to your unique fitting challenges. With their expertise molding thousands of guards, they can identify potential mistakes causing suboptimal results. Working together with support helps get your Sisu fitting just right. Don’t struggle unnecessarily – timely assistance can get your guard feeling great.
Compare Your Fit To Photos Of Properly Fitted Guards
An easy way to evaluate the fit of your custom molded Sisu mouthguard is to compare it visually to examples of properly fitted guards. Sisu provides photos and videos on their website and social media showing how a well-fitted guard should look. Check that your guard uniformly covers all of your upper teeth with no gaps in coverage. The material should completely encase each tooth equally without bulging or sagging areas. There should be 1-2mm of material covering your gumline without impinging on your gums. View the guard from both the front and side to inspect the fit. The guard should follow the natural arch and shape of your dental anatomy without sections that flare out. If needed, mark any problem spots on your guard that differ from proper examples. This makes it easier to focus your trimming or remolding efforts. Ensuring your guard has the same characteristics as an ideal fitting helps achieve protection and comfort. Aim to have your Sisu appear indistinguishable from a perfectly fitted guard when examining the fit.
Practice Talking With The Sisu In Before Using In Competition
Before relying on your custom Sisu mouthguard for protection in sports competition, it’s wise to practice talking normally while wearing it. The ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer material can initially feel foreign in your mouth, making speech difficult. Spend time prior to your event wearing the guard while going about regular activities. Talk out loud while watching TV, read passages from a book, and have casual conversations. This helps train your tongue and lips to maneuver naturally. Focus on proper pronunciation and enunciation. You want crisp, clear speech that’s easily understandable, not garbled. Try different mouth positions and tongue placements as you talk to find the technique that maximizes clarity. Also practice projecting your voice, breathing techniques, and smiling/frowning with the guard in to get facial muscles accustomed to it. Breaking the guard in ahead of time ensures you can communicate, hear play calls, and breathe freely when it matters most. Don’t wait until game time to try talking with your Sisu in.
