Shock Doctor Joins Forces With The American Association Of Orthodontists

Exclusive promotional relationship to encourage mouthguard adoption among youth athletes in orthodontic treatment

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Jul 29, 2016, 12:00 ET

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading athletic protection and performance brand Shock Doctor announced today an official relationship with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). As exclusive promotional partners Shock Doctor will work extensively with the AAO to promote mouthguard adoption among youth athletes in orthodontic treatment.

Wearing a mouthguard is important for any youth athlete's health, as hard hits can occur in any organized or recreational sport. According to the American Dental Association about 80 percent of traumatic dental injuries occur to the two front teeth. Despite the risk of orofacial injuries, mouthguard adoption remains low, with 67 percent of parents who responded to an AAO survey stating their child does not wear a mouthguard.¹

"Mouthguards are critical for all athletes but they're especially important when you're being treated by an orthodontist, because a blow can damage any fixed or removable orthodontic device as well as the teeth, mouth and face," said DeWayne B. McCamish, DDS, MS, president of the AAO. "As orthodontists we see patients who suffer injuries that could have been prevented by mouthguards. Preventing trauma is a commitment both Shock Doctor and the AAO share."

As part of the multi-year agreement, Shock Doctor will use the AAO logo on designated retail packaging and point of sale displays. Shock Doctor will also participate in 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.

"The health and safety of athletes, especially at the youth level, is our top priority across all our brands," said Tony Armand, CEO of United Sports Brands, the parent company of Shock Doctor. "The AAO and its members are dental health experts, and our association with them reaffirms our commitment at the highest levels."

ABOUT SHOCK DOCTOR

Shock Doctor is the global leader in mouthguards, along with core protective equipment and apparel, performance sports therapy, sports insoles and performance compression and recovery – designed to protect and enhance the performance of athletes across a wide range of sports including football, basketball, hockey, baseball, lacrosse, MMA, fitness and more. For more information please visit www.ShockDoctor.com.

ABOUT UNITED SPORTS BRANDS

United Sports Brands is a global leader in sports performance and protective products designed to help athletes perform at their personal best. Brands within the company's impressive portfolio include Shock Doctor, the #1 global leader in mouthguards; McDavid, a brand at the top of the recommended lists of pro athletes, sports medicine professionals and athletic trainers for more than 30 years; Cutters, the innovative leader in the athletic glove market and high performance glove grip technology; and, XO Athletic, a premium, game-changing developer of athletic cups and sports protection. And its newest addition Nathan, the running essentials market leader in athletic hydration, visibility and performance gear. United Sports Brands is also a portfolio company of Bregal Partners, a private equity investment firm.

Media Contact for Shock Doctor
Mary Horwath
[email protected]
P: (657) 383-4404 M: (612) 916-0430

ABOUT THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ORTHODONTISTS

Founded in 1900, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is the world's oldest and largest dental specialty organization. It represents more than 18,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. The Association encourages and sponsors key research to enable its members to provide the highest quality of care to patients, and is committed to educating the public about the need for, and benefits of, orthodontic treatment. For more information about orthodontics or to find AAO member orthodontists in your area, please visit mylifemysmile.org.

Media Contacts for the American Association of Orthodontists

Pam Paladin

American Association of

Orthodontists

(314) 993-1700, ext. 524

[email protected]

Priscilla Visintine

Visintine & Ryan

(314) 422-5646

[email protected]

Janet Ryan

Visintine & Ryan