Willow Dental Care

Why a custom made mouthguard is better than a store bought or “boil and bite”

March 19, 2023
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Posted By: Dr Lyndall Gourlay
As a dental practice in Norwest, we are often asked about the best way to protect teeth during sports and physical activity. Our answer is always the same: custom-made mouth guards are the superior option. While store-bought and “boil and bite” options may seem convenient, they simply cannot match the level of protection provided by a custom mouth guard.

Here are three reasons why custom-made mouth guards are better than store-bought options:

1. Custom fit:

A custom-made mouth guard is designed to fit your unique dental anatomy perfectly. Our dentists take impressions or digital scans of your mouth and craft a mouth guard that is tailored for your best protection. This means that the mouth guard will fit snugly over teeth and the supporting bone, providing maximum protection against impact and reducing the risk of injury.

On the other hand, store-bought options are made to fit a variety of mouth shapes and sizes and never adapt closely to teeth. This means that they may not fit your mouth properly, leaving you vulnerable to injury.

 

2. Superior protection:

Custom-made mouthguards provide a higher level of protection than store-bought options. Our mouth guards are made from high-quality materials to withstand impact and protect your teeth and gums from injury. There are different levels of mouthguard from junior to elite and your dentist will help you decide what is right for you.

Boil and bite options are often made from lower-quality materials and may not provide sufficient protection for your teeth. Additionally, because they are not custom-made, they may not fit snugly enough to prevent injury.

 

3. Improved comfort for focus on your sport

Custom-made mouth guards are also more comfortable to wear than store-bought options. Because they are designed specifically for your mouth, they fit perfectly. This means that you can focus on your physical activity without the distraction of an ill-fitting or uncomfortable mouth guard.

Store-bought options, on the other hand, may require trimming or adjustment to fit properly, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. Additionally, they may be uncomfortable to wear due to their inferior fit or be loose and distracting and get in the way of breathing and talking during sport. A mouthguard that easily dislodges might not be where you need it.

 

4. Health funds typically provide a rebate on custom mouthguards 

Most health funds provide a rebate for custom made mouthguards, although not for store bought mouthguards. It is worth considering the value of good protection

At Willow Dental Care, we are committed to helping our patients protect their teeth and gums during physical activity. We offer custom-made mouth guards that are designed to provide superior protection and comfort. 

Contact us today on 8610 6697 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how a custom-made mouth guard can benefit you.