It’s important to have a mouthguard when playing sports. It protects your teeth and jaw from injury, which is especially helpful if you’re playing contact sports.
You can find many different types of mouthguards for sale – some are custom-made, while others are boil and bite type.
What should you choose? Let’s explore the benefits of each before making a decision on what to buy.
Custom Mouthguard vs Boil and Bite
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a mouthguard. This is especially true if you’re looking into getting one that’s custom-made.
There are two main types of mouthguards – boil and bite or custom. Let’s look at both options in detail, before coming up with some conclusions on which type might work best for you.
Boil and Bite Mouthguard
Boil and Bite mouth guards are usually made of thermoplastic. To use it, you simply boil them in water for 1-2 minutes, then put them in your mouth and bite down. The material will conform to the shape of your jaw when it cools, giving you protection when playing sports or exercising.
The main drawback of these mouthguards is the fact that they do not provide an accurate fit. This makes them be less secure and therefore less protective.
Boil and bite mouth guards are great for people that don’t play combat sports even though there are many designed to handle high-impact forces. They offer decent protection but a custom mouthguard offers even more protection.
If you want a mouthguard that is cheap and is ready to be used in a few minutes then a boil and bite guard is the best for you.
Custom Mouthguard
A custom-made mouthguard is more expensive than the boil and bite. However, you will get maximum protection due to its accurate fit. It is made of thermoplastic or even acrylic material. You first make an impression of your teeth by using a putty-like material (usually alginate), which is then sent to a laboratory. A technician there will send you back your custom-made mouthguard a few days after you’ve made the impression.
Custom mouthguards are more expensive than boil and bite and. It also takes more time to get one made for you. However, you will enjoy maximum protection because the mouthguard fits perfectly.
All pro athletes prefer custom mouthguards because they provide more protection.
If you play sports and want a maximum level of protection for your teeth and jaw, then a custom mouthguard is the best choice for you. Plus, if you have braces or any other dental work done, a customized mouthguard also ensures there won’t be any problems with it.
Custom vs Boil and Bite?
Now that we know a little bit more about both types of mouthguards, it’s time to make a decision as to which one is best for your needs. Here are some things you must consider before buying:
1. The material used – if you are looking for maximum protection, then custom-made is the way to go.
2. Your budget – both types of mouthguards vary in price, depending on where you buy them. Custom mouthguards are more expensive than other types of mouthguards.
3. The sport or activity you play – you need a mouthguard for contact sports due to the risk of injury to your teeth and jaw. If this is not a concern for you, then go ahead and buy one of that boil and bite mouthguards.
4. Time – a boil and bite mouthguard can be boiled in a few minutes while a custom mouthguard can take a few days to be made and shipped to you.
It is best to consult your dentist when it comes to choosing between custom-made and boil and bite mouthguards, as he or she can recommend which one will work best for you. Also, remember that you need a good fit in order to enjoy the full benefits of any type of mouthguard, whether custom or boil & bite.
Where to get a custom mouthguard?
You can talk to your dentist about the type of mouthguard and get a customized one made for you. You can also buy them from certain sports stores or online from Amazon.
Impact Custom Professional is a great choice if you decide to buy one online. It works great for all contact sports like MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Martial Arts, Hockey, and more.
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The mouthguard offers maximum protection and a minimalist design that makes it more comfortable.
It has a 6-7mm thickness, which ensures high impact absorbance and allows for optimum oxygen circulation, allowing you to easily converse with ease.
Many people that have tried this custom mouthguard have said that is a big improvement over boil and bite mouthguards.
If you are looking for an affordable custom mouthguard, then the Impact Mouthguards Professional MMA Custom Mouth Guard is definitely one to check out.
Does custom mean better than boil and bite?
The short answer is yes.
But let’s consider this question more thoroughly. Most mouthguards on the market these days are boil and bite, but if you’re playing contact sports like football, you should use a professionally made mouthguard by your dentist or an orthodontist (if you’re wearing braces). These mouthguards are different than store-bought boil and bite ones.
Having a custom-fitted mouthguard can make a big difference when it comes to protection.
For example, if you’re playing football or rugby, there is a very good chance that your mouthguard will be knocked out during play. If this happens and you don’t have an accurate fit or one at all, then the result could be serious damage to your teeth (and jaw).
Boil and bite guards come in many shapes and sizes. But most of the time, the fit is not accurate enough to provide you with optimum protection.
Final thoughts on Custom Mouthguard vs Boil and Bite
Ultimately, you need to decide what will work best for your situation. If you’re playing contact sports and want the extra protection of a custom-made mouthguard, then one is worth considering.
But if you don’t play a contact sport or are on a budget, boil and bite type may be a more affordable option that still does an excellent job at protecting teeth from injury.
What kind of protective gear do you wear when participating in sporting activities? Let us know by commenting below!
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