Brushing, flossing, and regular checkups with your dentist are great ways to keep your smile in check. But avoiding dental emergencies is another way to preserve your smile. Sports mouthguards are an excellent way to prevent injuries to your teeth and avoid emergencies. But which kind should you buy? Keep reading to learn the differences between mouthguards you buy over the counter and mouthguards custom-made by your dentist.
What Are Over-the-Counter Mouthguards?
Over-the-counter mouthguards can protect teeth from being injured during sports or other physical activity. They are made of plastic and can be bought at most drugstores. Some are designed to be “one size fits all,” meaning they often don’t fit anyone just right. In order to work effectively, a mouthguard must be fitted to your specific bite. Usually, they are shaped with a “boil and bite” method. This means that the mouthguard must be placed in boiling water for a certain amount of time in order for the plastic to soften. Then you place it in your mouth, where it molds to the shape of your teeth.
How Well Do They Work?
The efficacy of over-the-counter mouthguards depends on a few factors:
- The amount and type of force applied to the mouth during activity
- The thickness of the mouthguard
- Whether it was molded correctly after boiling
- Its ability to stay on the teeth
Pros of Over-the-Counter Mouthguards
The advantages of over-the-counter mouthguards include:
- Affordable
- Can be found at most drugstores
- Relatively quick to fit
Cons of Over-the-Counter Mouthguards
The drawbacks of generic mouthguards include:
- Not lasting very long
- Not fitting very well
- Less able to protect against injury during sports
What Are Custom-Fit Mouthguards?
Custom-fit mouthguards are made from impressions that your dentist takes of your mouth using a special putty. They are designed to fit all the exact shapes and crevices of your teeth, and can be adjusted. If you are playing a heavy contact sport, for example, your dentist can make the mouthguard thicker than someone who uses it to protect against grinding at night.
How Well Do They Work?
Because they are designed to fit your mouth, custom-made mouthguards provide a more accurate and comfortable fit than their generic counterparts. They are less likely to slip out during sports, so they can provide you with more protection. They also last much longer.
Pros of Custom Mouthguards
There are many benefits of custom mouthguards, such as:
- Fit better
- Provide greater level of protection
- Very durable
- Can protect against injury and grinding
Cons of Custom Mouthguards
There are a couple drawbacks to custom mouthguards, including:
- Much more expensive
- Requires a visit to your dental office
The clear choice is to invest in a custom-made mouthguard from your dentist. However, both options can still protect your teeth against injuries. If you are still in doubt, you can always do more research and ask your emergency dentist which option would be best for you.
About the Author
Dr. Aliana Henkin earned her doctorate degree at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, and is an active member of the American and New Jersey Dental Associations. If you call her office in Springfield, NJ with a dental emergency, her staff will do everything in their power to see you the same day and get your problem treated as soon as possible. To learn more about how to protect your teeth from injury, click here or call (973)-564-0564.