Input Checklist
Rate each domain from 0 to 10 based on quick checks below. The formula combines these ratings with clinically inspired weights to compute an overall fit score from 0 to 100.
How to Use This Calculator
- Seat your mouthguard fully and wait sixty seconds for material to settle.
- Perform quick checks: gentle tug test, open mouth test, speak a short phrase, and take several deep breaths.
- Move each slider to reflect your observations from 0 to 10. Tick any adverse flags that apply.
- Review the live score and status. Read the tailored suggestions shown below the score.
- If advised to adjust, consider remolding with hot water following manufacturer directions or smoothing edges with safe tools.
- Retest and re enter scores to see improvement and track fit over time.
Formula and Weights
The overall Fit Score is computed as a weighted sum of the six domains, each scored from 0 to 10, then scaled to a 0–100 range:
FitScore = 10 × (
0.25 × Retention
+ 0.20 × Coverage
+ 0.15 × Breathing
+ 0.15 × Speech
+ 0.15 × Comfort
+ 0.10 × Occlusion
)
Penalty adjustments are applied if any adverse flags are checked: gag reflex −10 points, ulcer or cuts −8 points, drops on open mouth −12 points. The score is then clamped between 0 and 100.
Status thresholds: ≥ 85 Game ready · 70–84 Usable but adjust · 50–69 Needs remold · < 50 Replace or seek professional fitting.
Retention and Suction Check
Retention reflects how well the guard resists pull during light tug and open mouth tests. Good retention means gentle suction and stability without rocking. Insert the guard and open widely then speak a phrase and nod. If it remains seated you score high. If it drops or shifts the score falls. Reheat and remold may help. Teeth should feel hugged along front and back surfaces without sharp edges or gaps. Retention protects against impacts and reduces jaw fatigue during play.
Coverage and Border Quality
Coverage refers to how fully the guard extends over teeth and gum line landmarks. The front should reach just short of the movable tissue while the back should cover molars without impinging. Check that borders are smooth and even. Run your tongue along edges for rough spots. Short borders reduce protection while overextended borders can trigger gag. Trim carefully after cooling. Round any sharp areas. Balanced coverage supports load distribution and improves comfort in sustained use. Test again after adjustments.
Breathing and Speech Evaluation
Breathing and speech are practical signs of correct fit and volume. You should breathe through nose and mouth without strain. Say a series of syllables and count aloud. Only slight slurring is acceptable. If breath feels restricted or speech becomes difficult the channel height may be low. Reheat and refit to improve clearance. A guard that allows crisp calls and steady airflow supports performance and safety. Track these checks across sessions to confirm reliable day to day results. Under stress.
Occlusion and Bite Alignment
Proper occlusion ensures even contact when you close teeth lightly then firmly. Uneven spots create focal pressure that can cause soreness or poor stability. Place articulating paper if available and check for balanced marks. Lacking paper you can feel for hot points with gentle chewing. High spots can be reduced by remolding or cautious edge trimming. The jaw should rest naturally without forced protrusion. Symmetry promotes muscle relaxation and reduces risk of headaches after training or competition. Repeat checks periodically.
Pressure Points and Comfort
Comfort reflects absence of sharp spots pressure ridges and tissue blanching. After seating the guard hold for a minute and scan cheeks lips tongue and palate. No region should sting or go numb. Red lines or soreness signal edge problems. Mark areas with a food safe pen before removing. Refit or smooth edges using careful warm water softening and sanding tools. A comfortable guard encourages consistent wear and better protection because athletes keep it in place at critical moments. Always.
Remold Decision and Risk Management
Deciding whether to remold replace or keep the current guard depends on score thresholds and observed issues. If retention and coverage are weak or speech and breathing suffer choose remold first. If repeated attempts fail consider replacement. Minor edge discomfort often needs only smoothing. Track age of the guard and exposure to heat. Old or distorted guards lose integrity. A structured checklist limits risk by guiding timely action and helps you document progress for coaches trainers and dental professionals. Clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What score is considered acceptable for everyday sport?
A score of 85 or higher indicates strong retention comfort and function for most activities. Scores between 70 and 84 are serviceable but consider adjustments to borders or remolding.
2) How often should I reassess fit?
Reassess at the start of each season and after any dental changes orthodontic movement or visible wear. Heat exposure or warping also warrants a new check.
3) Can trimming improve a gag reflex?
Often yes. Shortening overextended posterior borders by small amounts after cooling can reduce contact with soft palate tissue. Refinish edges smoothly and retest.
4) Why do penalties lower the Fit Score?
Flags like gag reflex ulcers or dropping during the open mouth test indicate safety or comfort risks. Penalizing highlights urgency and prioritizes corrective action.
5) Do these weights fit every situation?
Weights reflect common clinical priorities but you may adjust them for sport demands or personal tolerance. Professional assessment is recommended for contact heavy disciplines.
6) Will braces change the results?
Yes. Brackets alter retention and border tolerance. Use guards designed for orthodontic use and follow guidance from your dental professional when rating fit.
Fit Summary
Suggestions
- Improve retention with a careful remold focusing on canine and molar contours.
- Smooth or trim borders to reduce sharp edges or gag reflex.
- Increase channel height if breathing or speech is restricted.