Affordable. Convenient. Made for You.
Straighten your teeth without clinic visits or hidden costs.
Start NowTable of Contents
Key Takeaways
|
Generally, custom mouthguards are a better choice for regular use during sports or other activities. They are designed to fit your teeth for more stability, comfort, and complete protection. On the other hand, store-bought mouthguards are used for occasional and less risky situations. Custom mouthguards are specifically designed according to your digital teeth scan or impressions for a perfect fit. When choosing a mouthguard, consider your needs, budget, comfort, and the severity of your dental problems.
In this blog, we will discuss store-bought vs. custom mouthguards and which one is the best.
What is a Custom Mouthguard?
A custom mouthguard is a protective dental appliance made to fit the shape of your teeth and mouth. Unlike store-bought mouthguards that come in standard sizes, a custom mouthguard is created using dental impressions or a digital scan for a more personalized fit.
A custom mouthguard is designed around your teeth; it can stay securely in place during sports and other activities without feeling unnecessarily bulky or loose. A well-fitted guard can also make it easier to speak and breathe comfortably while wearing it.
Custom mouthguards are particularly useful for athletes who regularly participate in contact or high-impact sports. They provide a personalized layer of protection over the teeth and surrounding oral tissues and can be made from durable materials designed for repeated use.
The main benefits of a custom mouthguard include:
- Personalized fit: Made according to the shape of your teeth for a more secure fit.
- Comfort: Designed to reduce unnecessary movement and bulk compared with some standard mouthguards.
- Protection: Provides coverage to help protect the teeth and oral tissues from sports-related impact.
- Durability: Quality custom mouthguards are designed for regular use when properly cared for.
What is a Store-Bought Mouthguard?
Store-bought guards are less expensive than custom ones. But they are also less effective than custom-made guards against sports-related injuries. There are two main types of store-bought mouthguards:
Stock Mouthguard
Stock mouthguards are ready to wear straight from the package. However, a drawback of these mouthguards is that they are not molded to your teeth, so they may not fit perfectly. They may feel loose or tight, or cause discomfort. Sometimes they may not stay in place during sports and other activities.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards can be softened in hot water and then molded around the teeth by biting into the softened material. This allows for some degree of customization and can provide a closer fit than a stock mouthguard.
However, the final fit depends on how well the mouthguard is molded. It may not provide the same level of personalized fit as a custom mouthguard made from your dental impressions or digital scan.
Store-Bought vs Custom Mouthguards: Key Differences
There are some key differences between store-bought and custom guards that you can consider while choosing the most suitable option.
| Feature | Store-Bought Mouthguard | Custom Mouthguard |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Stock guards come in standard sizes, while boil-and-bite guards can be molded at home. | Made using your dental impressions or digital scan for a personalized fit. |
| Comfort | May feel bulky or move during activity, particularly if the fit is not ideal. | Designed to fit securely around your teeth and can feel more comfortable during regular use. |
| Protection | Provides a basic layer of protection for the teeth during sports. | Provides personalized coverage and is designed for a more secure fit during sports. |
| Durability | Durability varies depending on the material, use, and care. | Made from materials designed for repeated use, with lifespan depending on the material, activity, and care. |
| Customization | Limited customization, even with boil-and-bite options. | Specifically made according to the shape of your teeth and mouth. |
| Cost | Generally more affordable and readily available. | Usually costs more because it is individually made. |
Why Choose Aligner32 Sports Mouthguards?
Aligner32 offers custom sports mouthguards designed to provide a comfortable, secure fit during sports and other physical activities. Made with BPA-free material, each mouthguard is customized to your teeth without requiring a dental visit or metal wires.
Your Aligner32 mouthguard package includes an impression kit, custom mouthguard, protective case, and free shipping, making it convenient to order and use at home.
Custom Fit
How to know if your mouthguard fits correctly? A properly fitted mouthguard is more comfortable to wear and less likely to shift during activity. Aligner32 customizes each mouthguard based on your dental impressions to provide a secure, personalized fit. The design also allows you to stay comfortable while participating in sports.
Sports Protection
Sports-related impacts can put your teeth, gums, lips, and other oral tissues at risk of injury. A properly fitted mouthguard creates a protective layer between your teeth and surrounding tissues, helping reduce the impact of contact and accidental blows during sports.
Designed for Regular Use
If you regularly participate in contact or high-impact sports, having a mouthguard you can comfortably wear throughout your activities is important. Aligner32 mouthguards are designed for a secure fit and convenient everyday use, so you can focus on your sport without constantly adjusting your mouthguard.
Choose the Right Mouthguard
Both store-bought and custom mouthguards protect the teeth during sports. They differ in retention, customization, fit, and comfort. Store-bought mouthguards are an immediate option for occasional or temporary use. Custom mouthguards offer personalized fit, comfort, durability, and better protection. They have become the most suitable choice for athletes to use in daily sports. Choose the right one according to your requirements, affordability, and comfort.
FAQs
1. Are custom mouthguards better than store-bought mouthguards?
Yes, custom mouthguards offer a better fit, comfort, durability, and protection than store-bought versions. They are made using your digital scan or impressions that fit perfectly to your jaw structure.
2. How long does a custom mouthguard last?
A high-quality and well-fitted custom mouthguard can last longer if cared for properly. However, athletes in intense sports may need to replace them sooner for extra protection.
3. Are boil-and-bite mouthguards good enough?
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are good if you need basic protection for casual recreational sports. But they are not good enough for long-term use and high-contact sports.
4. Which mouthguard is best for contact sports?
The best choice for contact sports is a custom sports mouthguard because it offers full coverage, complete protection, a precise fit, and comfort during sports.
Citations:
Özkal Eminoğlu, Dilek, et al. “Mouthguard Use, Hygiene, and Maintenance Practices among Combat and Team Sports Athletes: A Comparative Study.” PLOS ONE, vol. 20, no. 1, 2025, article e0317952. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0317952.
Santé Dental. “Study: Custom-Fitted Mouthguards Outperform Store-Bought Models in Reducing Concussion Risk.” Santé Dental, 7 May 2014, https://santedental.ca/study-custom-fitted-mouthguards-outperform-store-bought-models-in-reducing-concussion-risk/.
