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As a Canadian I didn't feel particularly comfortable paying all the shipping fees and potential duty fees on a mouthguard from the USA, even though I know that gladiator, protech, and opro all produce quality guards.
So, in my relentless pursuit I came across smartguards.ca and contacted Daren, the owner. Smartguards is located only an hour from my house, and prices their guards between $50-85 (Canadian/monopoly money)... which, without shipping, would be a huge savings over shipping from the USA... not only that, but he has a dental professional do the impressions for you - no more incorrectly mixed pastes
I met with Daren in Oakville to have my impression done, although I understand he's testing out a mail order kit. Everything went very smooth and Daren was very friendly and accomodating (including meeting me at 9am on a Saturday morning as it was the only time I had available). He showed me all of the different types of materials the guard could be made from - frosoft to hard as a rock, and I chose the material that he normally works with (sort of an in-between version).
In tribute to my Irish heritage I asked Daren to come up with a design that incorporated the Guinness beer colours (black, gold, and cream) as well as integrate the Irish harp... I provided him with a picture of a guinness can and he did the rest. Here is the result (image supplied by smartguards since I don't have a digicam):
I'm very pleased with the result - the metallic gold against the black looks really good... in all honesty the pictures don't do it justice.
As for performance - this guard is extremely well made. It's pressure laminated, which in my opinion is superior to vacuum formed. The rubber is soft, but not too soft, and very comfortable. It fits my mouth perfectly, has very nicely rounded edges, and suctions to my teeth like nobody's business. I also have no problems breathing or drinking with it in. After almost a month of usage (approx. 15 wearings), it is still in tip-top shape.
All in all I would say if you are Canadian - and particularly in the GTA/London/KW area, to check out Smartguards.ca and speak to Daren. His guards are the best I've seen in Canada, and better than what the dentist can make (which I was quoted $300 for!!).
Any questions please let me know.
So, in my relentless pursuit I came across smartguards.ca and contacted Daren, the owner. Smartguards is located only an hour from my house, and prices their guards between $50-85 (Canadian/monopoly money)... which, without shipping, would be a huge savings over shipping from the USA... not only that, but he has a dental professional do the impressions for you - no more incorrectly mixed pastes
I met with Daren in Oakville to have my impression done, although I understand he's testing out a mail order kit. Everything went very smooth and Daren was very friendly and accomodating (including meeting me at 9am on a Saturday morning as it was the only time I had available). He showed me all of the different types of materials the guard could be made from - frosoft to hard as a rock, and I chose the material that he normally works with (sort of an in-between version).
In tribute to my Irish heritage I asked Daren to come up with a design that incorporated the Guinness beer colours (black, gold, and cream) as well as integrate the Irish harp... I provided him with a picture of a guinness can and he did the rest. Here is the result (image supplied by smartguards since I don't have a digicam):
I'm very pleased with the result - the metallic gold against the black looks really good... in all honesty the pictures don't do it justice.
As for performance - this guard is extremely well made. It's pressure laminated, which in my opinion is superior to vacuum formed. The rubber is soft, but not too soft, and very comfortable. It fits my mouth perfectly, has very nicely rounded edges, and suctions to my teeth like nobody's business. I also have no problems breathing or drinking with it in. After almost a month of usage (approx. 15 wearings), it is still in tip-top shape.
All in all I would say if you are Canadian - and particularly in the GTA/London/KW area, to check out Smartguards.ca and speak to Daren. His guards are the best I've seen in Canada, and better than what the dentist can make (which I was quoted $300 for!!).
Any questions please let me know.
