The Makkar Pure Power Mouthguard (PPM) is a custom-fitted mouthguard used to align the lower jaw in its most comfortable and stable position; increasing one’s strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. Based on decades of neuromuscular dental research, the Makkar PPM is based on the premise that the position of the lower jaw can have a tremendous effect on the lower body.
The PPM is different from the traditional mouthguard that can be purchased at sporting goods stores, and even from the custom-fitted ones dentists often make. In order to fabricate a PPM, a neuromuscular dentist will relax the muscles of the jaw (more on this later)/ to find a "verifiable position" that usually results in a joint socket position that's typically more down and forward. When worn, the PPM will position the lower jaw into this most relaxed position; allowing the brain to focus more on coordinating the lower body instead of coordinating the numerous facial and jaw muscles that are used to stabilize the jaw.
Neuromuscular dentist Dr. Shirley Cheong describes this concept:
Popular Science explains how the jaw position is determined for the PPM and discusses a recent blind crossover study:
“The optimal location [of the jaw] for each athlete is determined by delivering a low voltage through the jaw and monitoring the muscles in the face via EMG. The bite is captured at the point of a lowest resistance and the mouth guard is built to those specifications….
[A recent] blind crossover study took 22 male collegiate and professional athletes and tested their vertical jump, bench press and put the athletes through the Wingate Anaerobic Test. Each athlete sat through the detailed fitting procedure for a PPM. For the vertical jump (highest of three) there was a significant increase with the PPM of 67.6 vs 65.3 cm. Bench press showed no significant difference while the Wingate test showed a significant increase in peak power but no difference in average power.”
At a cost of approximately $2000, you need to find a neuromuscular dentist, who has the proper training and equipment, in your area to be fitted for a PPM.
Since it is not being widely used at the moment, the PPM could serve as a legal alternative to gaining a physical edge against your competition in THE GAME .
Etc.: An interview with the creator of the PPM, Dr. Anil Makkar where he explains how he came up with the idea for the PPM (the interview starts on page 17). Shaquille O’Neal, Terrell Owens and Scott McCarron give their video testimonials. Other PPM wearers: Wanderlei Silva (page 12) and the New Orleans Saints.
