Mouthguards are critical for protecting teeth, gums, and jaws during high-impact activities and sports. The American Dental Association notes that mouthguard users are between 82 and 93% less likely to suffer dentofacial injuries than nonusers.
When deciding on a mouthguard, your choices are over-the-counter (OTC) guards or custom-fitted guards made by a dentist. The best option for you will depend on several factors, such as fit, comfort, budget, and the level of protection needed.
In this article, we’ll explore both OTC and custom-fitted mouth guards, examining the differences in cost, durability, and overall effectiveness so you can select the best option for your needs.
What Are Over-the-Counter Mouthguards?
Over-the-counter mouthguards can be found in sporting goods stores or some pharmacies. They are available in two different styles: universal or boil-and-bite.
Universal guards offer a one-size-fits-all approach. While these will be the least expensive option, they can often feel bulky or loose. Since they are not fitted to your mouth, these guards won’t provide the level of protection that custom-fitted or boil-and-bite guards deliver.
Boil-and-bite guards serve as a middle ground option between universal and custom-fitted guards. They allow for a small amount of customization to your specific mouth by heating and molding to your teeth. However, the precision of boil-and-bite guards is still limited, and they may still be uncomfortable for some athletes.
Understanding Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
Unlike OTC guards, custom-fitted guards are molded to directly fit your mouth for maximum protection and comfort. They are designed by your dentist, use digital scans of your teeth for a precise fit.
Custom-fitted guards are typically made with higher-quality materials than OTC guards, meaning they provide better shock absorption and are able to withstand heavier blows, reducing your risk of severe injury.
The professional fabrication of custom-fitted guards ensures comfort, stability, and more reliable protection against impact than OTC guards. However, they do come at a more substantial cost and are less convenient than over-the-counter options.
Comparing Costs and Convenience
The primary benefit of OTC mouthguards is that they are easily accessible and less expensive upfront than custom-fitted guards. That might make them appealing to some users, particularly those who only need a mouthguard for occasional use and don’t participate in regular high-impact physical activity.
Custom-fitted guards involve dental visits and lab fees, which can lead to a higher initial cost, and require careful scheduling with your dental provider. However, investing in a custom guard may save you money long-term by preventing the high expense of treating severe dental injuries or tooth replacements.
Comfort and Compliance of Mouthguards
Simply put, custom-fitted guards are far more comfortable than OTC mouthguards. Custom-fitted guards are designed to carefully fit your specific teeth snugly, reducing the risk of injury while also feeling more comfortable and natural.
OTC guards, meanwhile, can often feel bulky or loose, causing speech and breathing difficulties while playing sports. Boil-and-bite guards are a slight improvement in this regard over universal guards, but still don’t come close to matching the protection provided by custom mouthguards.
Custom-fitted guards also reduce distraction during gameplay or training. Some users may even feel a desire to remove loose-fitting OTC mouthguards during play due to discomfort or irritability. This leaves them unprotected against collisions or facial contact from the ball.
Durability and Maintenance
OTC mouthguards wear out faster than custom-fitted guards, meaning they will typically require frequent replacements. Custom guards, meanwhile, use sturdier materials that last longer.
Regardless of what type of guard you opt for, proper cleaning and storage are key. Keeping your mouthguard clean prevents bacterial growth and removes debris that can contribute to bad breath. Storing your guard properly ensures it will maintain its effectiveness and fit for each use.
Which Mouthguard Is Right for You?
Now that you understand the key differences between OTC and custom-fitted mouthguards, it’s time to determine which is the right fit for you.
Over-the-counter guards don’t provide the same level of protection as custom guards, but they still may be the best choice in some situations. For instance, casual athletes who are looking for an inexpensive guard they will only use every once in a while, may be better off going with a universal or boil-and-bite guard than spending the money and time on a custom-fitted protective guard.
However, for athletes who regularly partake in high-contact sports such as football, basketball, wrestling, skateboarding, soccer, and hockey, custom-fitted guards are a must. Custom-fitted models will help ensure your teeth and gums remain protected and will substantially reduce your risk of serious injury should a collision occur.
If you’re still unsure about what mouthguard is best for you, consult with your dentist to go over the pros and cons of each option.
Custom Mouthguards Available at Your Local Ideal Dental
If you’ve decided a custom-fitted mouthguard is right for you, we are here to help. Contact your local Ideal Dental location today to schedule a consultation and get fitted for a mouthguard that will keep you protected.