Grinding your teeth at night, playing contact sports, or dealing with jaw pain can take a serious toll on your oral health. A custom mouth guard can help protect your teeth and improve comfort — but are they really worth it?
Are Custom Mouth Guards Worth It?
A custom mouth guard is more than just a mouthpiece—it’s an investment in your long-term oral health and comfort. Below, we’ll walk through how custom mouth guards compare to over-the-counter options, what benefits they offer, and if they’re right for you.
Why Consider a Mouth Guard at All?
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is one of the most common reasons for a mouth guard. Along with constant jaw clenching and sports-related impact, this habit can lead to long-term damage. A mouth guard helps by creating a protective buffer between your upper and lower teeth, reducing strain and preventing enamel damage.
In some cases, mouth guards can also help with mild obstructive sleep apnea and ease snoring by keeping the airway clear, facilitating better breathing.
How Custom Mouth Guards Differ from Store-Bought Options
When it comes to protecting your teeth, not all mouth guards are created equal.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Mouth Guards
OTC guards offer a quick and affordable option. Stock mouthguards can be worn as-is or right out of the box. “Boil-and-bite” mouth guards are typically made of a moldable thermoplastic material that becomes pliable when heated, creating a semi-custom fit. However, their generic design often results in less stability and lower protection with frequent use. OTC mouth guards wear out much faster, distort over time, and can sometimes hinder breathing or speaking clearly. Ill-fitting mouth guards can often cause soreness, too.
Custom Mouth Guards
In contrast, custom mouth guards are professionally fitted to your anatomy and exact bite. This provides a secure, stay-in-place fit. Custom mouth guards are made from a variety of high-quality materials, each selected for specific properties, such as durability and targeted use. The most common types include:
- Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) is used for most contact-sport mouth guards due to its shock-absorbing and lightweight properties.
- Acrylic resins are a good option for teeth grinding because they are durable, long-lasting materials that effectively absorb pressure and prevent enamel damage.
- Medical-grade silicone offers a softer option for those with sensitive teeth, providing gentle cushioning that reduces pressure and enhances comfort during sleep.
While OTC mouth guards may be a temporary solution for many individuals, custom mouth guards deliver the advantages of comfort, protection, and longevity.
When Is a Custom Mouth Guard Especially Worth It?
So, when is a custom mouth guard really worth it?
You Suffer From Bruxism or Chronic Clenching
Nighttime teeth-grinding is incredibly common — and highly damaging. Without proper protection, constant grinding can wear down enamel, cause chips or cracks, and lead to jaw pain and painful migraines.
You Have Dental Restorations or Orthodontics
If you have dental work such as veneers, implants, crowns, or braces, OTC mouth guards can actually create more problems than they solve. Poorly fitting guards can dislodge brackets, interfere with wires, or place uneven pressure on restorations.
You Play a Contact Sport
From hockey and football to martial arts and boxing, athletes in contact sports are at high risk of oral injuries. OTC mouth guards can be bulky, uncomfortable, and prone to slipping out mid-play. A custom mouth guard designed for sports provides enhanced shock absorption, helping reduce the risk of broken teeth.
You Experience Jaw Pain, TMJ Symptoms, or Sleep-Disordered Breathing
If you suffer from TMJ discomfort, jaw tension, or sleep-related breathing issues, a custom mouth guard can offer relief. A well-fitted mouthpiece can help stabilize the jaw and ease the strain on muscles and joints, improving alignment and reducing overall pain. In mild cases of sleep apnea or heavy snoring, a custom mouth guard can help by moving the tongue and jaw forward to keep the airway open, helping with a smoother night of rest.
You Want a Long-Term, More Comfortable Solution
If you have already tried OTC mouth guards and found them uncomfortable, ill-fitting, or irritating, then it is time for a more custom option. One of the most overlooked benefits of a custom mouth guard is its comfort. With a mouthpiece molded to you, the fit feels seamless, and you are more likely to wear it consistently. With proper care, custom mouth guards can last for years. Which means this option is more cost-effective in the long run.
What to Expect with a Custom Mouth Guard?
The process begins with a thorough consultation to assess your jaw alignment and any relevant symptoms. Next, precise impressions and digital scans are taken to capture the exact shape of your teeth. Once ready, the mouth guard will be fitted to you, and any necessary changes or adjustments will take place to ensure comfort and proper fit. Follow-up visits are recommended to monitor wear and fit over time and to make any necessary replacements due to potential changes in dental structure.
The Bottom Line: Are Custom Mouth Guards Worth It?
Yes – especially if you suffer from grinding, TMJ pain, or play collision sports. Custom mouth guards provide superior comfort, long-term protection, and long-term oral health that over-the-counter options can’t match.
Protect Your Smile at My Dentist Anaheim
Need help deciding? If you’re considering a custom mouth guard, schedule an appointment with My Dentist Anaheim to see if it’s right for you.