Pure Power Mouthguard™
Who would have thought something like a mouth guard could improve the overall performance of all types of athletes? While it’s common to see football, hockey, and even basketball players wearing mouth guards, we don’t usually see golfers, gymnasts, marathoners, or those going through strength training with them. However, in an effort to give athletes already in peak condition an edge, as well as to help those hit their peak condition, comes the Pure Power Mouthguard (PPM)™.
The Science Behind PPM™
How does it work? This mouth guard is based on the principles of neuromuscular dentistry, and designed as a dental aid for athletes. Neuromuscular dentistry looks at the relationship between the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the muscles of the jaw, and the way the teeth are positioned.
It has been estimated that the lower jaw in most of the population is not in its optimal position due to postural problems, allergies and airway issues while growing up, and less than ideal orthodontic treatment. This in turn affects the position you hold your head in order to bring your teeth together effectively.
A forward head posture can affect the posture of your entire body due to local muscle inflammation that effect the nerves and blood vessels coming out of the base of the skull. This strain in the face, neck, and shoulder muscles leads to other muscles throughout the body to compensate for the imbalance leading to an ineffectual use of the body’s energy. But when your jaw is in its correct alignment and your jaw muscles relaxed, your spine is, too. This leads to improved balance and increases the way your upper body uses its strength.
How Does Pure Power Mouthguard™ Work?
PPM™ is custom-made to fit your mouth and its unique properties. It is fitted by Dr. Henry, who will use the same kind of procedure as he would in assessing TMJ disorders, such as Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (TENS), electromyography (EMG), and computerized jaw tracking.
A PPM™ Testimonial from an Actual Patient
"My name is Bret McCarroll and I have been training in Jiu-Jitsu for 4 years and competing for 3 years. With the nature of the sport, its necessary to wear a mouthguard to prevent any damage to my teeth. Before using the Pure Power Mouthguard that Dr. Henry made for me I used mouthguards that I purchased from sporting goods stores. They were never very comfortable, you couldn't really talk because it would fall out of place, and it seemed like I would get more fatigued when I wore it. Dr. Henry told me about a mouthguard he could make that was comfortable, stayed in place, and not only would it not restrict my breathing, but it would put my jaw in a position that would help my performance by increasing my endurance and strength. I thought this sounded like voodoo, but decided that if it worked it could give me a definitive edge when I compete so I thought I would give it a try. After wearing my new Pure Power Mouthguard I noticed a difference instantly. For one it was comfortable since it was fitted by a dentist rather than by me boiling a piece of plastic in hot water. And two it snapped into place, so you could speak without the mouthpiece falling out of place. But most importantly, I felt stronger and it did increase my endurance. Previously, when I trained I would usually do about 30 minutes of stretching, 30 minutes of drills, and 30 minutes of new techniques, followed by about 3 or 4 seven minute sparring sessions with another opponent. The reason I trained for 3 or 4 sessions is because that is all I was capable to do physically. After using the PPM mouthguard from Dr. Henry, I could go for 5 sessions and feel like I only trained for 3 sessions. When I train now the only reason I stop at 5 matches is because there is nobody left to spar with and my wife would like it if I came home before 9:00 pm. Another thing this mouthguard helped me do was win my first Jiu-Jitsu competition. I've entered five tournaments previously and my best placing was 3rd place. I believe that the extra 10% to 20% strength and endurance I feel from using the Pure Power Mouthguard gave me an edge over all my opponents. Thank you Dr. Henry!"
Pure Power Mouthguard™ Process
Dr. Henry is a specially trained neuromuscular dentist who is also certified to fit and apply PPM as he determines the best possible position your jaw needs to be in so you can perform at your absolute best. During your PPM evaluation, Dr. Henry use a TENS machine to find your optimal bite position. For most people, this jaw position is down and forward so that tension is released in the face, neck, and shoulders. This allows your airway to increase which allows greater oxygen intake. It also aligns your back and improves muscle recruitment.
Dr. Henry will then record your optimal bite position and take impressions of your upper and lower teeth. Your PPM™ will take around a week to be created, but when you return for a second visit, you will be fitted with your brand new mouth guard. While most people are candidates for PPM™, a small percentage may not, such as those who are missing teeth.
Athletes including Shaun Alexander, Jake Delhomme, golfer Garth McAdoo, marathoner Joe Lowden, and the Boston Red Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez have benefited from using PPM™. They have seen increased balance, strength, agility and overall performance in their athletic fields.
If you would like to learn more about how you can benefit from neuromuscular dentistry, please contact PPM™ certified dentist Dr. Henry in the Orange County area by calling (714) 385-1672 or completing the form on this page. He will be able to determine if you are a candidate for this technological breakthrough.
