Structured around development of a smart mouthguard, the Writeguard Innovations Corporation (TWGIC) initially drew the attention of the sports world. The firm's founders had noted that - though typically overlooked in the sports arena - the mouthguard can help protect against concussions, jaw fracture, teeth fracture, as well as head and neck injury. Work on the initial protective pieces grew out of the efforts of Baltimore-based University of Maryland School of Dentistry alums responsible for treating NFL players: a league that does not require mouthguards. In fairly short order, when the idea of aa smart mothguard became known, calls began to come in from athletes of all sorts with requests to make custom mouthguards but - given the time required and issues of affordability - those involved determined the custom-type approach was not a feasible option by which to fulfill the requests. Evaluation of the range of (entirely inadequate) mouthguards available at sporting goods stores, led to decision that there was a market need for something better. In partnerships with two dentists, The WrightGuard Innovation Corporation was formed to commercialize the technology, and licensed technology from the university. The developed smart mouthguard is embedded with sensors that can monitor biometrics, such as force of impact, levels of hydration and body temperature. The capabilities include transmitting signals to the smartphone of a parent, trainer or coach that can serve as an indicator an athlete may need attention. For an injury like a concussion, use of the device can mark a shift from needing to rely on the athlete for warning signs. Likening their developed product to a seat belt, management note that protective measure might not completely prevent harm, it can certainly help
