Custom vs Over-The-Counter Mouth Guards: What’s Better?

When it comes to dental protection, whether you're protecting your teeth from night grinding or from impact during sports, all mouth guards are not equal. You've probably seen them at pharmacies in boil-and-bite mouth guard versions, but what about custom mouth guards that are made by a dentist? Which is better? Most importantly, whom can you trust with your dental health?

Let's get into it and see what the real difference is between a custom dentist-made mouth guard and something from a pharmacy, and why thousands are choosing Smilepath to get a custom mouth guard experience.

What Are the Main Types of Mouth Guards?

There are three basic types of mouth guards for teeth grinding:

Stock Mouth Guards

These are one-size-fits-all. You can’t adjust them, and they’re usually bulky and uncomfortable. They’re cheap but offer minimal protection. Think of them as the fast food of mouth guards.

Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards

These are slightly better. You boil them, then bite into them to shape around your teeth. While somewhat customizable, they rarely offer a snug or lasting fit.

Custom Mouth Guards

Made from a dental impression of your teeth, these are lab-designed for a perfect fit. They provide superior comfort and better protection, and are designed based on your needs, be it grinding, clenching, or sports.

Why You Might Need a Mouth Guard

There are several reasons why you might need a mouthguard. Below are a few that will require a mouth guard to protect your teeth and jaw from damage.

• Night grinding (bruxism)
• Jaw clenching
• TMJ discomfort
• Sports injuries
• Snoring or sleep apnea (in some cases)

Ignoring these issues can lead to cracked teeth, gum damage, headaches, or even costly dental procedures.

The Hidden Benefits of a Custom Mouth Guard

Here are some custom mouth guard benefits:

Precision Fit

A lab-made dental guard hugs every groove of your teeth. This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protection. A poor fit can irritate or worsen your bite over time.

Durability

Custom guards last longer. While boil-and-bite versions may wear out in months, Smilepath’s custom guards are crafted with long-term use in mind.

Targeted Protection

Need a night guard for grinding? Or a sports guard for impact? Smilepath offers guards tailored to your issue, not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Comfort = Consistency

Most people stop wearing boil-and-bite guards because they’re bulky, fall out during sleep, or make it hard to talk. Smilepath guards are slim, breathable, and discreet, meaning you’ll actually use them.

Night Guard vs Sports Guard: Know the Difference

Be careful not to confuse them.

• A night guard is a device to relieve pressure as you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep.
• A sports guard is thicker so that it can absorb physical contact to your teeth from a sporting activity or workout.

Smilepath offers both a night guard and a sports guard, specifically designed for your level of protection.

The Cost Comparison: Is It Worth Paying More?

Let’s talk money. Here’s how the cost of custom dental guards and over-the-counter mouth guards compares:

A Smilepath custom guard gives you dentist-level protection without the dentist price tag. We ship our kits directly to your door, cutting out the middleman and passing the savings on to you.

How Smilepath Works (Yes, It’s That Easy!)

• Order your kit online – No appointments, no waiting rooms.
• Take your dental impression at home – We’ll guide you every step of the way.
• Mail it back – Our dental lab custom-builds your guard.
• Get your perfect-fit mouth guard delivered – Right to your doorstep.

It’s that simple. And if the fit isn’t perfect? We’ll work with you to make it right.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

If you're serious about protecting your teeth, improving your sleep, or just want something that feels good to wear, custom is the only real choice. Smilepath makes that choice affordable, accessible, and 100% dentist-approved.

Custom Mouth Guards vs Over-The-Counter Mouth-Guards: Choose Wisely

Boil-and-bite mouthguards may be able to work in a pinch, but when it comes to long-term protection, comfort, and value, nothing beats a custom. With Smilepath, however, going custom is easier than ever, no clinics, no fuss, and no compromises.

Choose the protection that fits. Choose the comfort that lasts. Choose Smilepath.

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