Download MOUTH PEACE DENTAL PRACTICE

01202 888000
ORTHODONTIC GUM SHIELDS
FOR PATIENTS WITH FIXED APPLIANCES
In Mouth Peace Dental Practices we are now able to provide gum shields for protection
during sports activities. These are of American construction and are designed to fit
over orthodontic brackets.
This gum shield has to allow the movement of the teeth underneath it, which is
impossible in a normal gum shield. It also has to cover the orthodontic wires and
brackets, from which it is impossible to take an accurate impression.
The gum shield is hinged and covers upper and lower jaws, in order to keep it in place.
The Americans would normally use a helmet in their American football/rugby and the
chin strap would attach to the gum shield. We suggest therefore that in normal English
rugby games the chin strap attachment to the gum shield is cut away using a pair of
scissors.
There are different sizes of the orthodontic gum shield, but please remember that they
will never fit as well as a custom made one.
When orthodontics has been completed then it may be necessary to provide the
patient with a proper gum shield made to extremely high specification.
Obviously we cannot be responsible for the actual protection that an orthodontic gum
shield gives. However, if a young person is going to be involved in contact sports,
whilst having orthodontic treatment, then it is better to wear a gum shield than not.
The normal cost of these gum shields is currently £15.00.
Dr H R Fardell B.Ch.D