Should You Get a Custom Mouthguard?
Mouthguards are helpful in protecting your teeth from breakage or getting chipped and cracked during any sport or adventure activity. Mouthguards are meant for reducing the risk of injuries to your gums, tongue, lips, jaw, teeth, and face. However, the pertinent question is should you get a custom or over-the-counter mouthguard?
Candidates for Mouthguards
There is always a risk of dental injuries such as fractured jaws with contact sports. It’s important to make the mouthguard a part of your athletic equipment kit for people who are involved in sports such as boxing, Ice hockey, Soccer, Football, Lacrosse, Football, Basketball.
Braces and Mouthguards
Even people with braces can wear Mouthguards as; a hit on the face when the child is playing sports can damage the braces and injure the mouth.
Custom vs. over-the-counter mouthguard: which is best for me?
It’s a personal choice which depends on factors such as your comfort level, price range, the material preference or the desired preference level. However, the Custom-made Mouthguards are recommended by dentists as they fit quite well and also prevent teeth grinding during sleep.
How are custom-fit Mouthguards made and fitted?
The dentist takes an impression of the mouth and teeth. He may sue dental putty for making a mold of your smile. The mold is then sent to lab for creating a mouthguard.
What are the benefits of a custom guard?
- Proper fitting
- Added protection
- More comfort
What are the drawbacks of a custom guard?
The higher price can only be the drawback of a custom mouthguard.
Over-the-counter (otc) Mouthguards
These Mouthguards are chosen for:
- Protecting teeth from injury during sports
- Protecting teeth from grinding while sleeping
Over-the-counter Mouthguards are fitted by customized using the ‘boil and bite’ method.
What are the benefits of an over-the-counter mouthguard?
- Affordable
- Easy to buy
- Very quick to fit
What are the drawbacks of an over-the-counter mouthguard?
- Fitting issues
- Lack of optimal protection
- May interfere with breathing
How effective are over-the-counter Mouthguards?
Efficiency depends on:
- Amount of force applied to your face
- Thickness of Mouthguard
- How are they molded
- The intensity with which you clench or grind teeth
Which makes the most sense for me?
You need to consider the pros and cons of both and determine which one you wish to choose. No matter which Mouthguard you choose, caring for your Mouthguard is a must.