Are boil and bite mouthguards good? Are they worth the money, or is it just a waste of time and effort to try out these mouthpieces?
The truth is that every person’s teeth are different. There are some people who will find that boil and bite mouthguard works for them, while others may not be able to get one to fit properly in their mouths. We’re going to discuss some of the things you need to know about this type of product before you make up your mind on whether or not you want one.
What is a boil and bite mouthguard?
A boil and bite mouthguard is a type of mouthpiece that you can fit your teeth by boiling in hot water, then putting the softened product into your mouth so you can mold it around the shape of your teeth. While this may seem easy enough, there are some things that need to be considered before making use of one.
Are boil and bite mouthguards good?
The most-used type of sports protector is boil-and-bite mouthguards. They are worn by about 90% of all sports participants.
The fit of this sort of equipment is determined by the user (at-home), as the name implies. This function helps them to deliver a greater degree of security than a stock guard, but not as good as a custom-made one.
Protection
When it comes to protection, boil-and-bite mouthguards are the most popular sports protector in America. They usually have a good ability to absorb impacts and protect teeth, but they do not manage to keep them totally safe from injuries.
If you want optimal protection then you have to get a mouthguard that is specifically designed for the sport you play.
Custom mouthguards are always going to offer better protection when compared to boil and bite. They are usually made by dentists, so they fit your mouth perfectly. This will give you far more protection than a boil and bite protector. The reason for this is because custom guards are designed especially for the shape of your teeth.
For most people boil and bite mouthguards are going to work. They offer decent protection at an affordable price.
Price
Boil and bite mouthguard is definitely more cost-effective than other types of guards. Custom mouthguards range from around $100 to over $300. For around $10 to $15 you can get a decent boil and bite guard.
If you are an amateur sports player then boil-and-bite mouthguards are good enough for your needs. They may not offer the best protection but they will do their job well in most cases.
Comfort
Boil and bite mouth guards are usually very comfortable. They also have a good ability to stay in your mouth without being too noticeable. So you can play sports with them for hours at a time.
While not as comfortable as custom-made ones, boil and bite guards can still provide an adequate amount of comfort thanks to their soft material.
Benefits of using a boil and bite mouthguard
One of the main benefits of using a boil and bite mouthguard is that you can get one in most sports shops. They are also very affordable. So if yours gets damaged or worn out then it will not cost too much to replace them.
Another benefit of this type of protector is the fact it can be used for multiple purposes depending on what sport you play.
You should also keep in mind that these mouthguards are very easy to clean. You can wash them with water and soap, or you could even put them in the dishwasher.
Disadvantages of using a boil and bite mouthguard
One of the most common problems with boil and bite guards is that they do not fit well. This can be a major problem when you are playing sports because it will cause them to move around in your mouth, which could prevent you from being able to talk properly or breathe.
Another issue with this type of mouthguard is that they cannot provide the same level of protection as custom guards. Even though most people do not really need this when it comes to non-contact sports like baseball.
Are boil and bite mouthguards safe?
Yes, boil and bite mouthguards are safe. The only thing about them that isn’t perfect is their fit, but this can be improved by using the right technique to create it.
Since you are going to make the decision to purchase a mouthguard you have to make sure you know what you need. For example, if you need a mouthguard for boxing you must look for one that can withstand high impact forces. Even though boil and bite mouthguards are good enough for most sports, they might not offer the same level of protection in some cases.
Making sure the fitting process is done correctly is also very important when using these types of mouthguards. You can always ask a dentist to do it for you. But if you want to save some money and learn how to mold one yourself then there are plenty of guides available online that will teach you the proper technique.
Read: Custom Mouthguard vs Boil and Bite – What to Choose?
How long do boil and bite mouthguards last?
Boil and bite mouthguards usually last for 6 months to a year. There is no guarantee they will survive that long. But it’s pretty safe to say you can expect good results from them at least for this period of time.
The most important thing about the life span of boil and bite mouthguard is how well do you take care of it. You have to make sure you put it away in a safe place after removing it. So that nothing happens to the material.
Mouthguards are designed to be durable and survive most of your activities regardless if they are recreational or not. However, accidents can still happen at any time with this type of equipment. The best thing about them is that they are inexpensive, so if you lose or break one it won’t be a big deal.
Read: How Often Should Mouthguards Be Replaced
Final thoughts
In the end, it really depends on your teeth. If you have a hard time finding a mouthpiece that fits well or is comfortable in your mouth, then this may not be for you.
However, if these are things that don’t bother you, then boil and bite might just be what you need!