Three Types Of Mouthguards: Which One Is Right For You?

Posted on: 8 November 2017

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As a sports player, especially in more aggressive sports, such as lacrosse, football, and hockey, you are going to want to consider the use of a mouthguard. In fact, most of these types of sports require them. However, it's up to you to decide which type of mouthguard to choose. Here are the three different types and which you should consider based on your specific needs:

Stock Mouthguards: Stock mouthguards are the least expensive of all the options; however, this isn't without reason, since they are the least protective of them all. They are already pre-formed, so you can use them as soon as you purchase them. This usually means that they are not going to be the proper fit for your mouth, though, so it could be challenging keeping them in place when you need to wear them. In fact, if you find that you need to clench your jaw to wear them, then this is a major problem because it could lead to damage of the jaw muscles. They are a great way to save money, but not ideal if it means harming your oral health in any way. 

Bite Mouthguards: Bite mouthguards are extremely popular since they are also inexpensive and can be purchased off the shelf. However, the reason they are more popular than stock mouthguards is because they are also more form fitting. This is because they are placed inside of boiling water before you put them in your mouth so that they can conform to the shape of your mouth. From here, the mouthguard hardens, and you most likely will have a well fitted mouthguard in no time. However, you need to be careful when you boil and then one in your mouth. If you bite too hard, for example, it won't form right and it will thin out too much, thus not providing much protection. 

Custom-Fit Mouthguards: Finally, you could consider investing in a custom-fit mouthguard, which is definitely the best option because your dentist will custom fit it to your mouth with no problems. This provides the most comfort and protection for your mouth. While it's more expensive, it's definitely worth considering, especially if you regularly or professionally participate in an aggressive sport that could damage your teeth. 

While all the options aren't horrible, it's extremely important that you consider whether or not it's worth it to invest in the more expensive mouthguards that provide the most protection over the cheaper ones.