Custom vs Over-the-Counter Mouth Guards: Which is Best?

In the battle to keep your teeth safe from grinding and during high-impact sports, the choice of an appropriate mouth guard becomes critical. With a multitude of dental night guard options in the market today, you may find it difficult to pick between a custom mouth guard and an over-the-counter (OTC) mouth guard.

This article compares both types of night guards for an in-depth evaluation, helping you find solutions according to your requirements.

Understanding Mouth Guards: Purpose and Function

Mouth guards are dental devices designed to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw from excessive force. They are most commonly used in two scenarios: during sports activities to prevent dental injuries, and at night to manage teeth grinding and clenching. The primary goal of a night guard for teeth grinding is to create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, minimizing wear and preventing fractures or alignment issues.

Types of Mouth Guards

Before diving into the comparison, it's essential to understand the main types of mouth guards available on the market:

• Custom Mouth Guard: Designed and fabricated by a dental professional based on a precise mold of your teeth.
• Boil and Bite Mouth Guard: A type of OTC mouth guard that you soften in hot water and bite into for a semi-custom fit.
• Stock Mouth Guard: A pre-formed and ready-to-wear mouth guard that comes in standard sizes and offers the least comfort and fit.

In this article, our primary focus will be on the custom mouth guard vs. the boil-and-bite (OTC) mouth guard, as these are the two most commonly chosen for nighttime use.

Custom Mouth Guard: A Closer Look

A custom mouth guard is professionally crafted in a dental lab using impressions taken by your dentist or via a mail-in kit. This process ensures the guard fits snugly and comfortably against your unique dental structure.

Benefits:

• Precise Fit: The personalized mold allows for maximum comfort and retention.
• Superior Protection: It evenly distributes bite forces and cushions jaw impact.
• Durability: Made from high-quality, medical-grade materials.
• Adjustability: Dentists can fine-tune the design to address issues like jaw alignment or breathing concerns.

Drawbacks:

• Cost: Can be expensive.
• Time-Consuming: Requires at least one dental appointment or mail-in time for impressions.
• Not Always Insurance Covered: Though some plans may contribute, most treat it as an elective device.

Ideal For:

• Chronic teeth grinders or clenchers
• TMJ sufferers
• Individuals looking for long-term dental protection
• Serious athletes

Boil and Bite Mouth Guard: A Closer Look

A boil-and-bite mouth guard, commonly available at drugstores, is made from a thermoplastic material. You place it in boiling water to soften, then bite into it to create a mold of your teeth.

Benefits:

A sports guard is of immense importance to athletes. By wearing a mouth guard, an individual can enjoy the following benefits.

• Prevents Orofacial Trauma: Cushions the impact to prevent tooth fractures and displacement, and soft tissue injuries.
• Stress Reduction: Reduces the stress of delta injuries, allowing athletes to focus on their game.
• Lowers the Risk of Concussion: Effectively absorbs the forces transmitted to the skull and face while playing, which helps to mitigate the severity of a concussion.

Drawbacks:

• Less Durable: Wears down faster with heavy use.
• Fit Limitations: May not align perfectly, leading to discomfort.
• Potential Safety Issues: Poor fit can lead to jaw misalignment or further damage.

Ideal For:

• Occasional teeth grinders
• Budget-conscious users
• Temporary or short-term athletic use

Custom vs Store-Bought Mouth Guard: A Comparative Analysis

Let’s explore key differentiating factors between custom and boil-and-bite mouth guards in detail:

Fit and Comfort

• Custom: Offers a tailored fit that contours perfectly to your teeth and gums.
• Boil and Bite: Provides a better fit than stock guards, but is often bulky or uneven.

Protection and Effectiveness

• Custom: Designed to provide optimal protection against grinding and impact.
• Boil and Bite: Offers basic protection, but may fall short under intense grinding pressure or high-impact sports.

Material Quality

• Custom: Medical-grade, BPA-free materials with superior resilience.
• Boil and Bite: Often made with lower-quality plastics that degrade faster.

Durability

• Custom: Can last 3-5 years depending on grinding severity.
• Boil and Bite: Usually lasts 3-6 months before needing replacement.

Ease of Use

• Custom: Ready to use once received; hassle-free wearing experience.
• Boil and Bite: Requires correct boiling and molding technique for proper fit.

OTC Mouth Guard Pros and Cons

Over-the-counter stock mouth guards may seem like a good option, but they’re not always a great idea.

Pros

• Inexpensive and widely available
• No dental visit required
• Quick and easy setup

Cons

• Poor long-term durability
• Risk of discomfort and jaw misalignment
• It may not fully prevent bruxism effects

Dentist-Made Night Guard vs DIY: What Experts Say

Many dentists recommend dentist-made night guards for patients suffering from moderate to severe bruxism or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Here’s why:

• A professional guard ensures proper jaw alignment and even distribution of bite forces, minimizing damage to teeth.
• Dentists can assess the bite and adjust the mouth guard accordingly.
• Regular check-ups allow early detection of wear and tear.

DIY boil-and-bite guards may serve as an entry-level solution, but most dental professionals caution against long-term reliance due to the increased risk of uneven bite force and discomfort.

Choosing the Best Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding

If your primary concern is teeth grinding at night, selecting the best mouth guard depends on severity and frequency:

• Mild or Occasional Grinding: An OTC boil-and-bite mouth guard may suffice for short-term use.
• Moderate to Severe Grinding: A custom-fitted night guard is a more effective long-term solution.
• Associated Jaw Pain or TMJ: A dentist-made custom mouth guard is strongly recommended.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Mouth Guard

Before making your final decision, keep the following in mind:

• Grinding Severity: Are your teeth showing signs of wear or flattening?
• Comfort and Fit: Can you comfortably wear the guard through the night?
• Longevity: Are you looking for a temporary fix or a long-term solution?
• Budget: Does your dental insurance cover custom guards?
• Dental Supervision: Would you benefit from periodic dental reviews?

Final Thoughts: Which Mouth Guard Should You Choose?

Both custom and over-the-counter mouth guards serve a purpose, but they cater to different levels of need. If you're dealing with light, occasional grinding and need a quick, budget-friendly solution, an OTC boil-and-bite mouth guard might work for you. However, for long-term oral health, superior protection, and optimal comfort, a custom mouth guard remains the gold standard.

In the ongoing debate of custom vs store-bought mouth guard, consider your personal needs, lifestyle, and dental health priorities. Investing in the right mouth guard can not