Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Mouthguards have come a long way since their early days. Did you know the first mouthguards were made from cotton, tape, and even small pieces of wood? Ouch!
Thankfully, we’ve evolved past that. Whether you’re an athlete, someone who grinds their teeth, or have a child starting sports, you may be wondering: Is it worth getting a mouthguard from a dentist, or is a store-bought one good enough?
In this blog, we’ll dive into the differences between store-bought mouthguards and custom-fit options from your dentist. By the end, you’ll have all the info you need to make the best choice for your dental protection.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
A custom mouthguard from a dentist offers superior protection, comfort, and durability. Whether you’re playing sports or need protection from teeth grinding, a custom-fitted mouthguard provides a personalized fit and maximum protection that simply can’t be matched by over-the-counter alternatives.
Store-Bought Mouthguards vs. Custom-Fit Mouthguards
Store-bought mouthguards are widely available at most sporting goods stores or pharmacies. But do they actually offer the protection you need?
- Cost-effective: Store-bought mouthguards are affordable, with most options ranging from $10 to $30.
- Easy to find: You can pick one up almost anywhere, whether you’re looking for an athletic mouth guard for basketball or a guard for teeth grinding.
- One-size-fits-all: They are designed to fit a wide range of mouth shapes and sizes. But that’s where things get tricky.
- Boil-and-bite options: Some allow you to heat them in hot water and bite down to form a semi-custom fit, but it’s never quite perfect.
Disadvantages:
- Bulky and uncomfortable: Store-bought mouthguards tend to feel bulky, which can make it hard to breathe or speak.
- Less effective protection: Because they don’t fit snugly, they don’t offer the level of protection you need for serious sports or teeth grinding.
Custom-Fit Mouthguards from Your Dentist
A custom mouthguard from your dentist offers superior protection, here’s why:
- Custom fit: Your dentist will take a dental impression or use a 3D scan to create a mouthguard that perfectly fits your teeth.
- Maximum protection: Custom-fitted mouthguards are designed for superior protection, whether you need an athletic mouthguard for football, basketball, or Jiu-Jitsu, or a dental guard for teeth grinding.
- Comfortable wear: With a perfect fit, you’ll hardly notice the mouthguard is there. Plus, you can breathe, speak, and drink water with ease.
- Durable and long-lasting: Custom-made mouthguards are made from high-quality materials designed to last much longer than store-bought ones.
Disadvantages:
- Cost: A custom mouthguard is more expensive than store-bought versions. However, the protection and comfort it provides will be well worth the investment.
The Procedure: What to Expect from Your Dentist
Getting a custom mouthguard from your dentist is straightforward. Here’s what the process looks like:
- Dental impression or 3D scan: Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth or use a 3D scan to capture your mouth’s exact shape.
- Design and customization: Once the impression is made, the lab will create your mouthguard with options like graphics and color choices.
- Final fitting: You’ll return to try on the finished mouthguard, ensuring it fits comfortably and offers complete protection.
Why a Custom-Fit Mouthguard Is the Best Choice
When you consider the level of protection, comfort, and personalization a custom mouthguard provides, it’s hard to argue against it.
- Maximum protection: A custom mouthguard is designed for your exact mouth, offering dual-layer impact protection and a level of comfort you won’t get with a store-bought option.
- Top-notch durability: These mouthguards are built to last, giving you better protection over time.
- Tailored fit: Whether you have braces, need a custom college football mouthguard, or want a personalized mouthguard with your team’s logo or custom text, the options are endless.
- Professional athletes’ choice: Many professional athletes choose custom mouthguards for a reason—they offer the best protection and comfort.
Sports and Activities That Require a Mouthguard
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends wearing a mouthguard for a wide range of activities to protect your teeth and prevent injuries. Here are the activities where the ADA strongly suggests using a mouthguard:
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Hockey (Ice and Field)
- Martial Arts
- Boxing
- Jiu-Jitsu
- Wrestling
- Rugby
- Lacrosse
- Baseball
- Softball
- Bicycling
- Skateboarding
- Gymnastics
- Skiing and Snowboarding
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
- Racquetball
- Handball
These sports and activities involve either high contact, a risk of falling, or fast-moving objects that could result in dental injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard is a key piece of protective equipment for any of these activities.
| 💡Did you know? Custom mouthguards reduce the risk of dental injuries by up to 60% compared to standard options. That’s protection you can trust! |
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Mouthguard
When deciding between a store-bought and custom-fitted mouthguard, ask yourself the following:
- What level of protection do I need?
- Do I want a personalized design?
- How often will I be using the mouthguard?
- Am I looking for long-term durability or a short-term solution?
Your Smile Deserves the Best Protection
Is a custom mouthguard worth it? Absolutely! Whether you’re gearing up for your next big game, training in martial arts, or just trying to protect your teeth at night, nothing compares to a dentist-made, custom-fitted mouthguard.At Power Road Dental Care, we offer custom athletic and occlusal mouthguards tailored to your teeth. Book an appointment at our dental office in Mesa today! Call (480) 664-1438 or complete the online inquiry form.