Choosing the Right Mouth Guard: A Comparison of Types and Uses

Mouth guards play a vital role in protecting your teeth, whether you’re hitting the field or grinding your teeth at night. But not all mouth guards are created equal. At Wiand Dental Lab, we specialize in precision-made dental appliances, and that includes custom mouth guards that offer superior protection and comfort compared to over-the-counter options. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of mouth guards and how they compare.

Custom Mouth Guards

Best for: Night grinding (bruxism), TMJ, and athletes seeking the highest level of protection
Made by: Dental professionals using impressions or scans

Custom mouth guards are designed to fit your teeth precisely. Fabricated by a dental lab like Wiand, these guards provide the best fit, maximum comfort, and optimal performance. They’re especially ideal for patients with a history of dental work, jaw pain, or those who wear braces. For athletes, custom guards also allow for better speech and breathing compared to store-bought models.

Pros:

– Superior fit and comfort
– Long-lasting durability
– Effective protection for teeth and jaw
– Can be made from hard, soft, or dual-layer materials depending on the case

Cons:

– Higher cost (but often covered by insurance for medical conditions)
– Requires a dental appointment for impressions or digital scans

Hard Night Guards (Acrylic)

Best for: Severe bruxism, TMJ disorders
Made by: Dental lab from durable acrylic materials

Hard night guards are a type of custom mouth guard designed for nighttime use. They’re made from a rigid material to protect against heavy grinding and help align the jaw. Wiand Dental Lab’s hard night guards are fabricated for long-term wear and maximum effectiveness.

Pros:

– Excellent durability
– Precise fit
– Can relieve TMJ symptoms

Cons:

– Can take time to get used to
– May be more expensive upfront

Soft Night Guards

Best for: Mild bruxism and general nighttime protection
Made by: Flexible plastic or rubber material

Soft night guards are also custom-made but use a more flexible material. They’re easier to get used to and more comfortable for light grinders. However, they may not last as long as their hard acrylic counterparts.

Pros:

– Comfortable and easy to wear
– Ideal for light to moderate grinding
– Custom-fit for better protection

Cons:

– Less durable for heavy grinders
– May wear out faster

Stock Mouth Guards

Best for: Emergency or very occasional use
Made by: One-size-fits-most plastic, no customization

Stock mouth guards are the most affordable and widely available option—but they offer the least protection. Because they aren’t molded to your teeth, they tend to be bulky, uncomfortable, and may interfere with breathing or talking.

Pros:

– Inexpensive
– Easy to find

Cons:

– Poor fit
– Low protection
– Uncomfortable for extended wear

Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards

Best for:Casual sports players and occasional nighttime use
Made by: Thermoplastic material softened in hot water and molded in the mouth

Boil-and-bite guards are a step up from stock guards and offer a semi-custom fit. They’re available in most drugstores and are molded at home by boiling and biting into the softened material.

Pros:

– Affordable
– Better fit than stock guards
– Readily available

Cons:

– Fit can be inconsistent
– Material may wear down quickly
– Less comfortable and effective than custom guards

Why Custom Mouth Guards Matters

While over-the-counter guards may seem like a convenient option, custom mouth guards made in a professional lab like Wiand offer unmatched protection, fit, and comfort. For patients who need daily or nightly protection, the investment in a custom appliance pays off through fewer dental issues and a better quality of life.

Wiand Dental Lab: Your Partner in Quality Removables

Our lab partners with dental professionals across the country to deliver high-quality removables, including expertly crafted custom mouth guards. Whether your patients need protection from sports impact or relief from nighttime grinding, we provide reliable, lab-precise solutions tailored to their needs.

Looking to add mouth guards to your practice’s offerings?

Contact Wiand Dental Lab to learn more about our custom removable appliances and how we can support your patient care.