The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and Shock Doctor, Fountain Valley, Calif, a mouthguard manufacturer, have signed a multiyear marketing collaboration designed to help athletes and their parents understand how to protect teeth and jaws when playing sports.

“It’s a pleasure to announce this relationship with Shock Doctor,” says DeWayne B. McCamish, DDS, MS, president of the American Association of Orthodontists. “I know from personal experience when I broke a front tooth during my high school football days, that not wearing a mouthguard has meant the need for dental attention for the rest of my life. When today’s athletes make the commitment to wear a mouthguard, they are playing smart, and helping to prevent or reduce injuries to the teeth and mouth. A mouthguard is the first line of defense for anyone involved in sports. In addition to common contact sports such as hockey and football, mouthguards should also be worn for basketball, wrestling, and soccer—really any time there is the possibility for the face and teeth to come in contact with a hard surface or another player.”

As part of the multiyear agreement, Shock Doctor will use the AAO logo on designated retail packaging and point of sale displays. Shock Doctor will sponsor a photo booth at AAO’s “Your Smile Is Your Best Fashion Accessory™” fashion event in New York City on September 7, 2016, the eve of New York’s Fashion Week. In addition, Shock Doctor and expert AAO spokespersons will educate consumers about the importance of mouthguard use among athletes of all ages.

“It is a privilege to partner with this highly respected group of dental specialists,” says Tony Armand, United Sports Brands CEO, parent company of Shock Doctor. “Working with the American Association of Orthodontists will amplify both organizations’ commitment to promoting safety to everyone involved in sports.”

Shock Doctor makes mouthguards for athletes including those designed for people in orthodontic treatment, and can be purchased in over 5,000 retail stores and at shockdoctor.com.