Ensure it Offers Full Protection With a Custom Fit
When selecting a mouthguard for lacrosse, one of the most important factors is making sure it provides complete protection for your teeth. This is where custom-fitted guards really stand out from generic “boil and bite” options. A custom mouthguard is molded specifically to the unique shape of your teeth by your dentist. This tailored fit allows the guard to evenly distribute impact forces throughout your mouth. A loose-fitting boil and bite guard can shift around, leaving certain areas more vulnerable to shock from checks and collisions.
With a properly fitted custom mouthguard, you’ll avoid painful pressure points on your gums while reinforcing vulnerable front teeth. It acts as a protective barrier, absorbing and deflecting energy away from your teeth, reducing the chance of fractures, trauma, and concussions from strong blows. Studies show custom-fitted mouthguards provide up to 50 times more protection than over-the-counter versions.
The customization process begins with your dentist taking precise impressions of your teeth using dental putty. This ensures every contour is accounted for in the final product. The impressions are sent to a dental lab that creates a plastic guard molded specifically for your teeth. Options like a harder EVA polymer material or integrating a shock-absorbing gel liner provide even better protection. Though more expensive than generic versions, averaging $40-$75, a custom guard is a smart long-term investment that can save you thousands in dental repair costs down the road.
For lacrosse players wanting full-contact protection, a properly fitted custom mouthguard is the best line of defense. The tailored molding ensures comfortable wear and evenly distributed shock absorption to protect vulnerable teeth. Though the upfront cost is higher, the long-term dental health benefits make them well worth it. With a dentist-molded custom guard, you can play aggressive lacrosse with confidence knowing your smile is protected.
Find One That’s Barely Noticeable For Uninterrupted Play
When you’re playing intense, fast-paced lacrosse, the last thing you want is a bulky, uncomfortable mouthguard distracting you. This is why finding a low-profile mouthguard that’s barely noticeable is key.
The best lacrosse mouthguards integrate seamlessly into your mouth, allowing you to communicate, breathe, and most importantly – play at your highest level. Large, bulky guards can make talking a chore and may need to be taken out frequently for drinks or breathing room. This interrupts your focus and leaves you vulnerable during critical game moments.
That’s why thin, streamlined designs like the SISU NextGen AeroGuard are growing in popularity. Weighing just 2 grams, these integrated mouthguards sit flush along your teeth. The thin yet strong polyethylene construction adds just 1.6mm thickness, leaving plenty of room for your tongue and lips to maneuver naturally. You’ll be able to communicate clearly with teammates, shout commands, and easily drink water without removing it.
Perforations in the guard enhance breathability as well. This increased airflow prevents that stifled, claustrophobic feeling other bulky models create. When sized and fitted properly, it should be virtually undetectable while wearing it. No more constantly tonguing or biting a distracting chunk of plastic in your mouth!
The streamlined, integrated design also eliminates movement while playing. A proper custom mold keeps it locked in position for consistent protection. No more needing to push it back into place after hard checks and hits. Set it and forget it.
For lacrosse players who value uninterrupted play and communication, a low-profile, custom fitted mouthguard is essential. Barely noticeable options like the SISU integrate seamlessly into your mouth, allowing you to call commands and breathe freely. Stay focused on the game, not your mouthguard.
Choose a BPA and Latex-Free Option For Safety
When researching the best lacrosse mouthguard options, be sure to look for ones made from BPA and latex-free materials. Avoiding exposure to these potentially harmful substances is crucial for maximizing safety.
BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical commonly found in plastics used to make cheap mouthguards. Research links BPA exposure to endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers. The chemical can seep out of mouthguard materials and be swallowed or absorbed into the bloodstream through oral tissues.
Choosing a guard made from BPA-free plastics like EVA or polyethylene limits this risk of exposure. Brands like SISU, Shock Doctor, and Under Armour highlight their use of non-toxic materials. Look for “BPA-free” on the label or product description to ensure safety.
Latex allergies have also become more prevalent, making latex-free guards necessary for many players. Latex sensitivity can develop over time with repeated exposure. Reactions range from mild itching and rashes to life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
Most mouthguard companies now manufacture their products without latex to accommodate latex allergies. But it’s still smart to verify before purchasing. The FDA requires labeling for products containing latex proteins. However, manufacturing processes can introduce trace latex contamination. Checking company websites for “latex-free” confirmation is recommended.
Goalies with extended mouthguard wear time face increased risks from BPA and latex. Choosing options clearly marketed as free from these substances minimizes health concerns. You spend too much time worrying about saves and wins to be concerned over hazardous mouthguard materials!
By making BPA and latex-free mouthguards a priority, lacrosse players of all positions stay protected both on and off the field. Seek out reputable brands that avoid plastics containing BPAs. And verify latex-free claims from the company website or customer service for total peace of mind.
Consider Your Budget When Selecting a Mouthguard
One of the biggest factors in choosing a lacrosse mouthguard is cost. With options ranging from $5 for generic “boil and bite” guards to $200+ for premium custom fitted ones, you’ll want to find the best protection your budget allows.
At big box sporting goods stores, you can find basic mouthguards that soften when boiled then bite down to mold your teeth imprint. These offer minimal protection, often less than 2mm thick, but have an affordable price tag around $5.
Mid-range “custom-fit” guards like Shock Doctor or SISU fall in the $25-$40 range. You still get a boil and bite fitting, but the advanced laminate materials give more impact absorption. These strike a good balance for rec league athletes on a budget.
For top protection, fully custom guards made by your dentist provide the gold standard. Your dentist makes a mold of your teeth, then the guard is precision crafted with an exact fit. Prices start around $80 and can exceed $200 for options with special features like orthodontic channels or multi-layer shock absorption.
Compare your playing level and dental insurance coverage when factoring cost. Occasional rec leaguers can get by with a basic guard. But for competitive high school, college, and pro players, a custom guard is a wise investment to avoid expensive dental repair costs.
You may also find package deals on the club or team level, where custom mouthguards are offered at a group discount rate. Talk with your coach to learn about any special pricing available through team connections.
With lacrosse mouthguards, you often get what you pay for in terms of fit and protection. Set a budget that fits your needs and resources. But don’t let cost compromise quality – your dental health is priceless!
Ensure Breathability When Selecting a Mouthguard
Having a mouthguard that allows proper airflow and breathability is a key factor for lacrosse players. You want maximum protection without compromising your breathing during intense game action.
Many generic, non-custom mouthguards severely limit airflow due to their bulky size and tight fit. This can make breathing feel restricted and stifled, especially during high-exertion moments on the field. Constantly removing your mouthguard to get fresh air reduces protection.
Advanced designs like the SISU Aero NextGen optimize air circulation even with full-contact protection. The slim profile takes up minimal mouth space. And strategically placed perforations along the guard enhance overall breathability.
You get the same durable polyethylene construction but with small airflow channels built in. This allows for better oral ventilation, reducing the suffocating feel of bulkier designs. With more room for your tongue and lips to maneuver, breathing feels natural.
The perforations also reduce mouthguard material for greater comfort, while reinforcement along the teeth maintains protection. Less material means you avoid choking sensations and don’t need to frequently remove it to get fresh air.
Proper fit is also key for breathability. A custom-molded guard eliminates excess material and creates a seamless feel across your teeth. This tailored fit enhances your oxygen intake during play.
For lacrosse athletes who wear their guard for hours of high-intensity play, breathability is a big perk. Look for perforated, low-profile designs that feel like a natural extension of your mouth. With the right guard, you get robust protection without sacrificing the airflow so vital for peak performance.
Pick a Mouthguard with Quick Molding Capabilities
When selecting a lacrosse mouthguard, look for ones that can be easily molded to your teeth right out of the package. Options like the SISU NextGen allow custom fitting in just 30 seconds with hot water.
Rather than having to make a dentist appointment for imprints, these guards can be fitted at home. Simply heat it up in hot, not boiling, water. The hot water makes the polymer material pliable and soft for molding.
Next, remove and gently bite down on the mouthguard to imprint your teeth marks. The material will rapidly cool and harden within seconds, creating a tailored fit unique to your dentition.
Quick home molding kits are included with some guards, featuring bite trays and fitting tools. You can continually remold and refit the guard as needed until achieving your desired fit and comfort.
Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s molding instructions carefully. Proper sizing and thickness in key areas like the front incisors are vital for protection. Don’t aggressively bite down, which can thin the material.
A quick DIY molding also allows you to periodically remold your guard as teeth shift. As opposed to a one-time professional dental fitting, you can tweak and adjust it from home when necessary.
Guards with instant molding make sizing easy and let you ensure a comfortable, non-distracting fit. No more waiting weeks for dental impressions and lab fabrication. Just boil, bite, and mold for custom protection in seconds.
Find a Mouthguard With Antimicrobial Properties
When researching lacrosse mouthguard options, be on the lookout for ones with antimicrobial properties. Guards treated with microbial inhibitors help prevent harmful bacteria growth.
The warm, moist environment inside a mouthguard can allow odor and stain-causing germs to thrive. This leads to increased plaque buildup on teeth and fouled mouthguard odors. Not very appealing!
Advanced antimicrobial treatments create an inhospitable environment inside the guard that deters microbial colonization. Silver nanoparticles are commonly used as antimicrobial agents in sports guards and athletic wear.
The silver ions penetrate and destroy cell walls of bacteria and fungi on contact. This disruption prevents microbes from multiplying, reducing smells and stains. Brands like SISU infuse nano-silver into guard materials during manufacturing for built-in antimicrobial action.
Other options apply antimicrobial coatings to guard surfaces. BioCote contains silver salts that leach out slowly to kill microbes at a steady rate. Guards treated with BioCote have shown a 99.5% bacterial reduction in lab testing.
Antimicrobial technologies are especially useful for young athletes prone to grind their teeth at night. Wearing treated guards while sleeping limits harmful bacteria that can enter the bloodstream through micro-abrasions.
By inhibiting microbial growth, antimicrobial mouthguards keep your gear fresher for longer. Don’t settle for a smelly, bacteria-laden guard – look for antimicrobial protection!
Consider Taste and Odor When Selecting a Mouthguard
An often overlooked aspect of mouthguard selection is how it will smell and taste during extended wear. Finding options to minimize foul odors and tastes can improve your on-field experience.
Inferior quality plastic materials used in cheap mouthguards can leach BPA and chemicals, creating a bitter taste. These chemicals combined with bacteria buildup lead to bad breath and aftertastes.
Higher-end guards use medical and dental grade plastics free from BPA and latex. This prevents leaching of chemicals into the mouth. Antimicrobial treatments also inhibit odor-causing germs inside the guard.
Some guards also integrate odor neutralizers or mint flavors for a fresher feel. Shock Doctor offers a “Mint Flavor” formula containing mint oils that leave a cleaner taste and smell. This helps eliminate the grimy sensation after extended wear.
Proper cleaning is equally important for taste and odor control. Brush guards with antibacterial soap and soak them in denture cleaner regularly to avoid bacteria and buildup. Consider using toothpaste containing zinc citrate, which binds to the guard plastic to prevent compound odors.
Don’t settle for a foul-smelling mouthguard ruining your game. Seek out quality construction with antimicrobial treatments. And be diligent about cleaning to maximize freshness. Because oral odor and taste shouldn’t hinder your performance.
Look for Mouthguards With Bright Colors for Visibility
When researching lacrosse mouthguard options, consider selecting a brightly colored model for high visibility. Vibrant colors make guards easier to spot if they get knocked out during play.
With all the fast action and physical contact in lacrosse, mouthguards can easily get displaced from hits and checks. A small clear or white guard lying on the turf or field can be difficult to see and retrieve.
Going with a color like bright green, orange, or yellow gives your guard increased visibility if it goes flying. This makes identifying and finding it quicker and easier from the sidelines or team box.
Bright hues also make mouthguards easier to spot if a player accidentally spits it out in the heat of competition. You avoid situations of desperately scanning the ground searching for a nearly invisible clear guard.
Highly visible colors are great for youth leagues too. Young players are still perfecting keeping their guard securely in their mouth throughout games. Bright colors make it simpler for refs and coaches to help players identify their guard if it gets displaced.
Custom mouthguards can be fabricated from colorful materials versus standard clear plastics for no additional charge. Or you can find vividly colored stock mouthguard options from brands like Shock Doctor.
Don’t lose precious game time looking for a bland mouthguard that blends into the surroundings. Go bright for high visibility and quick recovery!
Look for Mouthguards With Adjustable Straps for Secure Fit
When researching lacrosse mouthguard options, look for ones with an adjustable retention strap. Straps help provide a tighter, more secure fit during intense gameplay.
Even with a custom mold, mouthguards can still become dislodged from high-impact hits and contact. Constantly having to reposition your mouthguard mid-game is distracting and leaves you vulnerable.
Integrated retention straps create an additional anchor point to keep the guard locked in place. Straps fasten behind the back molars and adjust for the perfect tightness via a sliding clip or ring.
This extra friction and anchoring helps the mouthguard stay put despite hard checks. Advanced designs like the SISU NextGen also have micro-adjustable straps. These unique straps deliver up to 30 pounds of retention force while remaining flexible and comfortable.
Adjustable straps also allow you to tweak the mouthguard’s snugness as needed. Options with metal-reinforced straps provide maximum durability as well.
For players wanting to avoid spending half the game repositioning their guard, straps make a difference. The customized anchor and tension keep it secured in the ideal spot at all times. Set it and forget it!
So for lacrosse athletes seeking a locked-in, stay-put fit, look for a mouthguard with an adjustable retention strap. You’ll protect those pearly whites without annoying slippage interrupting your game.
Ensure Your Mouthguard Allows for Clear Communication
Being able to communicate clearly with teammates on the field is a vital consideration when selecting a lacrosse mouthguard. Bulky guards can muffle your speech and calls.
In the fast flow of lacrosse gameplay, clear communication is crucial. You need to be able to shout audible commands, rally cries, and warnings to teammates in quick time.
Some generic mouthguards severely inhibit this ability to talk freely. Their thick, cumbersome construction fills the entire mouth, limiting tongue and lip movement.
Advanced thin-profile guards like SISU provide a solution. Their slim perforated design takes up minimal space in your mouth, allowing natural tongue maneuverability for clear enunciation.
With the SISU Aero NextGen, for example, you get full-contact protection at just 1.6mm thickness. This allows your tongue and lips to articulate freely to produce clear speech. Teammates will have no trouble understanding your cues on the field.
The slim profile also enhances airflow for easy breathing between commands. Plus, the streamlined fit eliminates need to constantly re-seat a shifting guard.
For lacrosse players who fill pivotal leadership roles on the field, speech-friendly guards are a must. Models with slim profiles and bite pads for tongue clearance empower you to communicate at your best.
So when choosing a mouthguard, speech and breathability should be priorities. Because being heard and understood is too important for muffled, obstructed guards.
Look for Mouthguards with FDA Approval for Safety
When selecting a lacrosse mouthguard, an important mark of quality to look for is FDA acceptance. Guards that meet FDA regulations have been rigorously tested for player safety.
The FDA regulates mouthguards and other sports protective equipment as medical devices, with specific requirements for materials, construction, and labeling.
Manufacturers must submit data from independent lab testing showing their guards provide effective protection from impact injuries. Testing verifies properties like material thickness, shock absorption, and durability.
Accepted mouthguards receive the FDA designation code “LPN” or 510(k) clearance number on packaging or marketing. This assures players and coaches that protection claims have been independently verified.
The American Dental Association also grants its ADA Seal of Acceptance to guards proven safe and effective through clinical evaluations. Between the FDA and ADA, these seals give credence to a guard’s protection capabilities.
Established brands like Shock Doctor, SISU, and Nike all tout FDA compliance for their guard lines. Newer brands should have paperwork available documenting FDA acceptance as well.
For superior safety and injury prevention, insist on an FDA-cleared lacrosse mouthguard. With the physical demands of the sport, trusted protection that meets stringent standards is no luxury!
Read Lacrosse Mouthguard Reviews to Learn from Other Players
When researching the best mouthguard options for lacrosse, take advantage of online lacrosse forums and reviews. Fellow players can provide insights on different guards’ real-world performance.
Player testimonials and user reviews on sites like Amazon reveal how certain mouthguard models hold up under actual game conditions. This on-field perspective is invaluable when selecting protection.
You can learn about comfort factors – does the guard irritate gums or impede breathing and talking? Veterans offer tips on ideal fit and sizing for different positions and ages too.
Experienced players also report on durability and longevity over multiple seasons of use. And you can discover which specific features like vent holes or strap types provide the most secure in-game fit.
Online lacrosse communities like forums on Reddit are great for soliciting direct feedback as well. Ask about pros and cons of your top guard choices to guide selection.
With high injury risks in lacrosse, gaining insights from those who’ve logged many games using a particular mouthguard takes guesswork out of the decision. Their real-world perspectives provide clarity.
So leverage online reviews and forum posts to make the most informed mouthguard choice. Your teeth will thank those generous players for generously sharing their wisdom!
Ask Your Lacrosse Coach for Mouthguard Recommendations
When trying to choose the best lacrosse mouthguard, don’t overlook your coach as an insightful resource. They likely have plenty of firsthand experience with different guard models.
Coaches observe mouthguards in action at practices and games constantly. They can provide feedback on which designs and brands they’ve seen perform well for players over time.
Experienced coaches have often tried multiple guard options for their own teams too. They can give guidance on benefits and drawbacks they’ve noticed for certain models regarding comfort, play communication, and durability.
Ask your coach for input on proper sizing and fitting too. Their tip on ensuring full incisor and molar coverage could save you dental trauma.
Coaches may also have connections with preferred mouthguard companies or dental labs that offer team discounts. Taking advantage of a team savings plan makes guards more affordable.
Your coach wants you injury-free out on the field. So tap into their firsthand knowledge during research. Players who ignore good coach guidance often regret it!
For lacrosse athletes unsure where to start choosing a mouthguard, check with your coach first. Their experience-driven insights will help you make a selection you won’t regret.
Ask Your Dentist for Recommendations on Lacrosse Mouthguards
Your dentist is an invaluable resource when selecting the right lacrosse mouthguard. They can recommend the best protective options based on your unique dental needs.
Dentists take impressions and create custom guards, so they have firsthand experience with different materials and designs. Describe your position and playing style, and they can suggest ideal models to withstand those impacts.
For example, midfielders may need more shock-absorbing thickness up front for frequent checks. While goalies require broader palate coverage and clenching ability. Your dentist can tailor recommendations around your needs.
Dentists also know which mouthguard properties complement different orthodontic appliances like braces or retainers. They can advise on customizations for the most comfortable fit.
For players with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, dentists recommend ideal thickness and materials to avoid aggravating this condition.
And if you have an urgent dental injury, your dentist may suggest special features like a wire brace or니
As dental experts, your dentist wants you protected. Tap into their knowledge when choosing a lacrosse mouthguard. A dentist-approved guard gives confidence you can play hard while minimizing dental risk.