How to Mold a Mouth Guard
Learning how to mold a mouth guard is simple to do, and wearing a mouth guard offers protection to athletes when playing certain sports such as football, baseball and hockey. It is much more affordable than going to a dentist or other specialist to get one custom made.
First: Boil a pan of water
To begin, bring a pan of water to the boiling point. Carefully place the mouth guard into the pan, and allow it to simmer for 30 seconds. To avoid melting the mouth guard, do not boil it for more than 30 seconds. To ensure that it is sufficiently malleable, leave it in the hot water for the entire 30 seconds.
Second: Switch to cold water
Using a pair of tongs, carefully take the mouth guard out of the boiling water, and immerse it in a cup of cold water for approximately three to five seconds. This cools the mouth guard just enough to comfortably insert it into your mouth.
Third: Conform it to your mouth
Take the mouth guard out of the cold water, and put it into your mouth while it is still warm. Bite down for approximately one minute to allow the mouth guard to mold to the shape of your mouth and your teeth. Take the mouth guard out of your mouth out after one minute, and put it back into the cup of cold water. Let the mouth guard cool and set for approximately five minutes.