Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouth Guards: What Is Best for Athletes?

Whether playing a contact sport or not, athletes are at risk for dental injuries such as chipped teeth, jaw fractures, and soft tissue damage. A properly fitted mouthguard can mitigate this risk. However, custom and store-bought options offer differences in fit, comfort, and protection. Knowing these differences can help athletes choose the mouthguard that best suits their needs and provides the necessary level of protection.

Why athletes need mouthguards

Contact sports — like football, basketball, hockey, and wrestling — have a high likelihood of collisions and impacts that can damage the teeth, gums, and jawbones. Even non-contact sports, such as gymnastics or skateboarding, carry risks of falls or accidents that can harm the mouth. This is where a mouth guard comes in: This protective dental appliance can turn what would otherwise be a serious dental injury into a typical fall.

A mouth guard acts as a cushion, absorbing and dispersing the force of impact to prevent injury. It not only protects the teeth but also helps prevent soft tissue injuries to the lips, cheeks, and tongue. Additionally, wearing a mouth guard can reduce the risk of concussions by cushioning the jaw during sudden impacts. The importance of this protective appliance cannot be overstated for athletes at any level of play.

Types of mouthguards: Custom vs. store-bought

Custom mouth guards are created by a general dentist or cosmetic dentist using molds or digital scans of the athlete’s teeth and bite. These mouthguards are designed to fit the exact contours of the mouth so that they fit snugly and securely. The precision of custom mouthguards makes them exceptionally comfortable, allowing athletes to breathe and speak more easily during use. Since they are tailored to the individual athlete, they offer superior protection compared to store-bought options. During a consultation, we will review the options to help patients determine the best choice that meets their needs. 

That said, store-bought mouthguards are convenient. Also known as stock or boil-and-bite mouth guards, they are widely available at sporting goods stores and pharmacies. Boil-and-bite guards offer a better fit than standard stock guards because they can be molded to the teeth to some degree. However, they simply do not offer the same level of comfort and protection as those custom-made by a dentist.

Pros and cons of custom mouthguards

Custom mouthguards offer several distinct advantages. To start, their precise fit ensures maximum comfort and makes them less likely to cause irritation or distract the athlete during use. The tailored design also provides superior protection, which reduces the risk of injuries from impacts. Further, these mouthguards contain durable materials that can withstand frequent use, often lasting three to five years with proper care.

As for the cons, custom mouthguards take time to make. The general dentist or cosmetic dentist will send the mold or scans of the teeth to a dental lab, where the mouth guard is created. This process can take one to two weeks. In addition, the athlete will need two dental appointments: the first to have molds or scans taken, then a second for a fitting.

How store-bought mouthguards compare

Store-bought mouthguards are appealing due to their affordability and accessibility. They are a good option for athletes who need a quick solution or participate in sports infrequently. For example, an athlete can use a store-bought mouth guard to protect against injury until their custom mouth guard is ready. 

Despite these benefits, store-bought mouthguards have notable limitations. Their fit is often less precise, leading to potential discomfort or difficulty breathing and speaking during use. This is because it takes training for dentists to be able to make an accurate mold of the smile. In addition, the materials used in these guards are generally less durable, so they may wear out quickly and need frequent replacement. Many find that they save more in the long run with custom mouthguards. Lastly, the lower level of protection provided by store-bought guards makes them less suitable for athletes in high-impact sports, such as football and soccer.

Get a mouthguard custom-made for you

Custom mouthguards offer unparalleled fit, comfort, and protection. Thus, they are the ideal choice for athletes seeking long-term safety. Store-bought options may be suitable for occasional use but lack the precision and durability of professionally made mouthguards. Consult our team at River Falls Family Dental to learn more about the benefits of custom mouthguards and take the first step toward protecting your smile. We serve patients in New Albany and the surrounding communities.

Request an appointment here: https://riverfallsfamilydental.com or call River Falls Family Dental at (812) 962-7342 for an appointment in our New Albany office.

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