[Teedub]

I'm looking to invest in decent long-term gumsehield. I used to just use a single, back perhaps 8 years ago, but I've been reading about double ones. I'm looking to get back into the sport, so some advice in this arena would be helpful

The plus is it protects your lower teeth

Downside is, it's harder to breathe.

Does anyone know if any pros use double ones?

[KC4]

I used single ones in mma and submission wrestling, very flexible and the ones I used were comfortable and I could still breath when I got chocked or something similar. Protected against punches,Kness and elbows fairly well.

Double ones made it harder to breathe as you said but they offered more protection.

[ColSpanker]

I use a single one, but it has breathing holes so you can talk with it. There again, in my sport I wear a helmet so my head already has some protection around it.

[ColSpanker]

I should also add that before I started using one I was constantly going to the dentist for root canals. So do wear a mouth card if you do any full contact sport.

[Teedub]

Haha Col, I'd never spar without one! You must have been crazy to do so!

[ColSpanker]

(02-20-2014 11:44 AM)Teedub Wrote:  

Haha Col, I'd never spar without one! You must have been crazy to do so!

When you have a solid helm around your head and face, it's not so much of an issue. But the chronic problems from getting your world rocked- and it happens, no matter how good you are- can add up.

[CaptainChardonnay]

The best mouthguard will be a one specifically made for your mouth by a dentist. I had one made for me by a family friend who's a dentist. They'll take a moulding of your teeth.

I used it for Muay Thai

[Kieran]

I've always used the cheap single ones and they've done the job okay. After I have my dental work done though, I'll be having one made by a dentist for extra safety.

[Teedub]

I don't doubt a bespoke one is best, but I mean if your only choice is a 'boil and mould' one from the store, would you use a double or single?

I just don't seem to recall many pros (in boxing) using double ones. Although I could be wrong. I used to use a single, but that was back in 06-07 and I don't know if things have changed or not.

[Kieran]

Just use a single one, like you, I've never seen any boxer use a double one either. I know of several pro boxers that only use the cheap mould yourself ones.

[MikeCF]

Get a gladiator mouth guard.

Forms to your teeth.

Anything else is unacceptable.

[Duke Castile]

Get one custom made. They will take a plaster like mold of your teeth and it doesnt get any better.

Single is fine.

[Tail Gunner]

(02-20-2014 04:48 PM)Teedub Wrote:  

I don't doubt a bespoke one is best, but I mean if your only choice is a 'boil and mould' one from the store, would you use a double or single?

I just don't seem to recall many pros (in boxing) using double ones. Although I could be wrong. I used to use a single, but that was back in 06-07 and I don't know if things have changed or not.

You actually have three options:

1. Cheap boil and mold.

2. Expensive doctor's visit.

3. Company ships mold kit to your door, then you ship it back. A custom mouth guard that costs about one-third of the price of a dentist's mold.

This is the company that I used. Very high quality.

http://www.smartguards.ca/

[MikeCF]

This is the one I had. Amazing. Stays in your mouth and actually gives a slight boost to cardio since you don't lose air between your teeth. (It makes your breathing more aerodynamic, Google that shit, it's true.)

http://www.gladiatorguards.com/guards/gladiator-pro

They send you some putty/molding kit, return shipping box, everything. (A dentist would charge 5-10 times as much.) You mold your teeth, ship it back, and then you have a guard that'll last a lifetime.

[Vroom]

All you need is a single - I can't even imagine why a double would even be made. If they provide any extra protection, it'd be negligible and they will only inhibit your ability to breath and talk. Not a good trade-off in my opinion. I can find myself gagging with 'boil and bite' ones, they'll fly out with the first decent hit, and nobody can understand what you're saying.

But whatever you go for, make sure it's custom moulded by a dentist. I think mine cost about $200, but it's absolutely worth it. It provides great protection, stays in firm and doesn't inhibit breathing or talking.

Just make sure you always remember to wear it - forgetting to put it back in between rounds cost me about $2000 in dentistry.

[Teedub]

Thanks chaps.

[Seanchaí]

To reiterate what everyone else has said do not get a double mouth guard, the benefits of having supposedly more protection are far outweighed by the fact that you cannot fucking breathe freely through that small opening.
Opro is the only way to go.
http://www.opro.com/

[Teedub]

^

I went with an Opro Shield Platinum in the end. It's a self-fit one, but it will do for now. Will get a dentist/proper moulded one if decide to take it up a level. Yeah I went with single, I'd used single in the past but just thought I'd sound everyone out as to whether double's were some kind of step up or whatever.