The Future of Mouthguard Technology: How SYZMIK Is Pioneering Athlete Safety

SYZMIK Mouthguards Technology for Athlete Safety

SYZMIK mouthguards employ various technological solutions and rigorous testing to ensure they meet superior standards for athlete safety. Mouthguards serve as athletes’ first line of defense against impact and collisions, which is why it’s crucial that they are durable enough to withstand the impact. The best way to evaluate mouthguard safety is to assess the technology behind it.

Virtual Brain Scan Simulations

The research and development of SYZMIK mouthguards use brain scan technology to create simulations of head impact during sports collisions. They then tweak the mouthguard design based on the modeling of head impact, ensuring that the material and design can withstand the toughest impact. As a result, these mouthguards are proven capable of mitigating injury risks.

Another modeling technology used for designing mouthguards is the CAVEMAN model. This simulation technology was first used in the US Marine Corps. This technology allows mouthguard designers to create detailed geometric representations of the human body, predicting its effects when exposed to extreme events. Therefore, AES mouthguard designers can predict injury outcomes with higher accuracy, tweaking their designs using the results of their data analysis.

Finally, SYZMIK mouthguards are developed with real-life brain data. It is the first to apply this kind of technology in football, wherein they used it for MRI scanning of NCAA Division 1 athletes. Using this technology enables mouthguard designers to evaluate brain strain during impact and to use that data to create a design that would reduce brain strain by as much as 78%. Although this data was specifically used for designing headgear for football athletes, it can also prove valuable in designing mouthguards and limiting brain trauma or injuries.

Xf1 Performance Foam

In addition to using prediction technology and data analysis, AES mouthguards employ superior-quality materials that were specifically chosen for their ability to disperse impact and cushion blows. The Xf1 performance foam is an energy-dissipating material common in military and automotive applications. This material is developed using an engineered co-polymer composition that effectively absorbs impact.

Aside from its impressive impact absorption, the material’s lightweight construction does not make it feel awkward when worn. The dual-gas foaming process delivers an excellent weight-to-energy absorption ratio suited for high-impact sports. 

Lastly, this material offers immense durability with its robust composition. It effectively resists abrasion and has a high pull strength. Therefore, it can endure the toughest sports and ensure you can use it for a long time. 

Rigorous Field Testing

The technological advancements behind the development of SYZMIK mouthguards build the foundation for a high-quality mouthguard suited for high-impact sports. However, these are all based on theories and studies, and the best way to determine if they are effective in protecting athletes would be to conduct rigorous testing.

SYZMIK mouthguards have dedicated field research teams to ensure the materials and composition are specifically engineered for different sports. Since each sport is unique in impact frequency and intensity, various designs must be available to match each sport. This approach ensures that SYZMIK mouthguards can effectively safeguard athletes’ health so they can focus on performing best in their respective sports.

SYZMIK researchers analyze videos of various sports impacts and injuries to obtain critical data for designing and improving mouthguards. This is part of their ongoing efforts toward product improvement and risk assessment. 

Grant-Funded Research

SYZMIK utilizes grant-funded research studies to improve the effectiveness of its products. For example, AES partners with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to test its mouthguards in a tournament, allowing the athletes to determine their effectiveness. 

SYZMIK researchers continually strive to gather the latest data and tap the most advanced technologies to create high-performance solutions for athletes. They use real-world studies and data to evaluate their product and make the necessary improvements. 

Advancements in Mouthguard Technology for the Future

While SYZMIK has implemented advanced technologies in designing and manufacturing its mouthguards, the entire industry is moving in the right direction. Mouthguards have come a long way since they started in the sports industry, and more athletes are seen wearing them as they are proven effective in protecting against minor and severe injuries. 

SYZMIK isn’t alone in its commitment to producing high-quality mouthguards and sports protective equipment. Newer technologies have emerged and will continue to develop to enhance athlete safety and injury prevention.

1. 3D Printed Mouthguards for Custom Fit

3D printing technology has many applications, which include developing protective sports equipment like mouthguards. This technology captures detailed models of the mouth structure, allowing for a personalized mouthguard fit.

Utilizing 3D-printed mouthguards makes it easier to achieve personalized fit for maximum comfort and better fit. Customizing the mouthguard fit reduces the possibility of the mouthguard dislodging from the mouth, especially with intense movement or impact. It improves the wearability and safety of mouthguards because if they can easily fall off, then they won’t do a good job protecting the athlete from injuries.

In addition to 3D modeling, digital scanning is another technology that helps improve the design and manufacture of mouthguards. Intraoral scanners enable custom mouthguards to be created with maximum precision compared to traditional mold-fitting methods. They take into account the athlete’s dental structure to create a better fit. 

2. Superior Materials

An important tip for choosing the best mouthguards to protect athletes from injuries is to choose those made with superior-quality materials. With the advancement in technology, newer mouthguards are made with materials with improved impact absorption. Each material in a multi-layered composition features properties that allow it to effectively absorb and distribute forces. Dispersing the force avoids injury, such as dislocated jaw and tooth fractures. 

Another durable material is made with non-Newtonian materials. Advanced mouthguards that use this material harden on impact, although they are flexible enough to be comfortable when worn. This material delivers maximum protection for the teeth so that they stay comfortable even in high-intense activities like sports.

The final material used in modern mouthguards is lightweight and breathable foam, such as the SYZMIK mouthguards. This innovative material is a product of science, which creates a lightweight material without compromising comfort, impact resistance, and airflow. These reasons combine to make SYZMIK mouthguards innovative and effective.

3. Dual-Protection Design

The most effective mouthguards simultaneously protect the upper and lower teeth. Full-mouth protection is crucial because the type and source of impact in sports can vary greatly. The surprise nature of the impact also prevents an athlete from defending against it. Therefore, dual-layered mouthguards offer maximum protection that can reduce risks of injury in sports.

A dual-protection design has the added benefit of a more secure fit. Since it secures around the upper and lower jaw, your jaw is more stable and can withstand the impact without causing major damage to the dental arches.

4. Impact Sensors

New technologies in mouthguard manufacturing use micro-sensors to analyze the impact forces, providing reliable, real-time data. This data encompasses the impact's direction, frequency, and intensity to determine what level of protection is most suitable for a particular sport. 

The data obtained from the micro-sensors can be synced into a mobile device or app. This allows the medical team to assess the athlete’s real-time impact exposure, ensuring better monitoring of athlete health and safety. This technology is especially useful in protecting against concussions and ensuring that the athlete’s health and safety are always the priority. 

5. Antimicrobial Coating

Many new mouthguard materials utilize antimicrobial coatings to improve dental hygiene. Aside from impact protection, reducing the buildup of harmful bacteria is crucial in athlete safety. Using antimicrobial materials and coatings prevents bacterial growth and makes frequent mouthguard use sanitary for athletes. 

Furthermore, many modern mouthguards employ self-cleaning technologies, using UV light or other disinfection methods to help combat the risk of oral infections and diseases. 

Practical Tips to Get the Best Fitting Mouthguards

Understanding the technologies that drive mouthguards' health and safety benefits is a crucial step in choosing the best protective gear for sports. However, additional practical tips are also crucial in choosing the best-fitting mouthguards to promote better performance without compromising safety.

Match Impact Resistance Level with the Sport

Each sport differs in the level of impact and intensity that athletes are exposed to. Some sports pose some risk of impact (such as basketball), and others expect a direct hit (mixed martial arts or boxing). Therefore, it is crucial to begin by assessing the impact in every sport before choosing the right mouthguard that offers superior protection for the athlete. 

Sports with the highest impact require their athletes to wear durable, dual-layer mouthguards that effectively absorb impact and disperse force across the mouth. On the other hand, sports with lesser impact can use thinner designs that offer better fit, comfort, and flexibility. 

Use the ‘Talk Test’

Performing a ‘talk test’ is the best way to evaluate the proper fit of mouthguards. When trying on a mouthguard, the athlete must attempt to talk or shout with it on. A well-fitted mouthguard allows the athlete to perform these tasks without any trouble or uneasiness. However, if communicating using these methods proves difficult, then the athlete must adjust the fit or choose another mouthguard.

Assess Bite Comfort

Aside from the talk test, a bite test is another way to ensure you have the best-fitting mouthguards for any sports activity. Given the range of materials and designs available nowadays, there is no reason to compromise bite performance for injury prevention. 

The bite test is also linked to jaw fatigue. A well-fitting mouthguard facilitates the natural bite and does not cause any fatigue. So, if you feel any tension in the jaw area, it signifies something wrong with the mouthguard’s fit. 

Low-Temperature Molding

When choosing a mouthguard, pick the ones made with low-temperature molding, as it makes it easier to adjust the fit. Getting the fit right is crucial, as it takes into account any existing dental appliances or dental work. Needless to say, it is important to consider each athlete's unique dental structure to offer the best protection and secured fit.

Texture and Thickness

Consider the texture and thickness of the mouthguard interior. Textured sections give your teeth a better grip, reducing the possibility that mouthguards will accidentally slip upon impact. It is common to see athletes losing their mouthguards during action, which can be dangerous as it can expose your teeth, mouth, and jaw and leave the athlete vulnerable to impact. 

Aside from the texture, evaluate the mouthguard’s thickness at various points. Some parts require higher protection, so you want the walls to be thicker. But others, like the molar regions, can do well with thinner walls. 

Check for Temperature Responsiveness

Assess the mouthguard’s ability to adjust based on different temperature settings. This is crucial when athletes play in extreme weather conditions, which could vary from one sport to another. A temperature-adaptable material is the best choice to ensure that the mouthguard fits comfortably and conforms to the natural shape of your mouth and teeth.

Fit Guarantees and Warranty

Finally, check the manufacturer’s fit guarantee and warranty on mouthguards. It is a practical consideration to ensure that you can get your mouthguard adjusted for the best fit or custom-fitted ones. A satisfaction guarantee or warranty offer gives you more flexibility in choosing the design and fit that suits your needs.

Final Thoughts on Mouthguard Technology

The future is bright for the sports protective gear industry, especially with the recent developments in mouthguard technology. This protective gear is highly underrated in the sports industry. Still, it serves an essential purpose in protecting athletes from various injuries, even ones you wouldn’t normally associate with impact on the teeth and jaw.