Patterson Dental, based in St. Paul, Minn., announced that it has become the exclusive distributor of Under Armour Performance Mouthwear. The mouthwear was developed by Bite Tech Inc. and promises to not only protect the jaw from hits but to reduce stress to improve athletic performance.

The mouthpiece for non-contact sports such as baseball, running, golf
and tennis costs $495. The mouthguard for football, hockey,
lacrosse and other contact sports costs $450.

In a statement, Patterson Dental said ArmourBite Technology in UA Performance Mouthwear prevents teeth from clenching, relieves pressure on the temporomandibular joint, and helps prevent the excessive production of performance-sapping hormones.

“We're thrilled to bring such a compelling product and powerful brand name, Under Armour, into the dental practice,” said Scott Anderson, president of Patterson Dental. “Our mission is to drive innovation to the dental profession, and the latest offering brings the excitement of sports into the dental office in a way that's never been done before.”

Bite Tech, a Minneapolis-based company, has spent more than 15 years conducting research and science on developing mouthwear products that improve athletic performance.

“Throughout history, soldiers, warriors and athletes realized that by preventing their teeth from clenching together with a leather strap or bullet, they were able to gain the edge they needed to get through, or even excel at strenuous or punishing activities,” said Bite Tech founder Jon Kittelsen. “ArmourBite Technology brings this ancient concept to today's athletes with a comfortable, safe product.”

Bite Tech has conducted years of independent studies at some of the nation's top universities and research centers, including The Citadel and IMG Academies. These studies have proven the science behind UA Performance Mouthwear.

A premium alloy version of the mouthpiece will be added to the UA Performance Mouthwear product line-up in fall 2009.