Custom vs. Boil-and-Bite: Stop Worrying, The Mouthguard Debate Is Over

When it comes to being an athlete, there is a lot to worry about.

From game plans and game day responsibilities, to your pregame routine and meals, the last thing on your mind is your protective gear — especially a piece of equipment that can be as unappealing as a mouthguard.

Sure, there are plenty of mouthguard options, but they’re all basically the same, right? After all, it’s just a mouthguard.

Well, that’s where you should be worried. Athletes, particularly those that play contact sports, have a 33-56% chance of an orofacial injury — a injury to the mouth or face — during their playing career and over 5 million teeth are knocked out each year during athletics and recreational activities.

So while you may think that there’s no difference between a custom mouthguard and a less expensive boil-and-bite mouthguard, just consider this: a broken or damaged tooth means lifelong maintenance, appointments and surgeries with a lifetime cost of approximately $20,000. And that’s to replace just one tooth!

Paying a little bit more now for significantly better protection is a sure way to save a significant amount of money down the line. But how do you know you’re getting the better protection?

While there have been advancements made in the materials used, the design of the boil-and-bite mouthguard has gone unchanged since the 1960s.

Do you use other protective equipment from the ‘60s? Would you drive a car with safety gear that hasn’t been updated for over 50 years?

Just consider the way a boil-and-bite mouthguard is fit: you literally boil it in water and then bite into it!

Here’s the thing though, your mouth is only able to generate 7-9 pounds per square inch of pressure. And because boil-and-bite mouthguards are made from a stock-injected mold, they are not meant to fit your unique mouth structure. Everyone’s mouth is different and proper protection comes from a perfect fit — something you’re not getting from a boil-and-bite mouthguard.

So what’s the difference? Custom mouthguards are pressed at 120 pounds per square inch, allowing for the most imitate fit possible. And — as defined by the Academy for Sports Dentistry, American Dental Association and National Athletic Trainers’ Association — properly fitted mouthguards must be fabricated over a stone model made from an impression of the mouth.

That’s what makes custom mouthguards 1000% more protective than any other type of mouthguard. When your mouthguard fits perfectly, you are properly protected. It’s that simple.

You have enough to worry about, so stop debating between boil-and-bite and custom mouthguards. From a perfect fit and the most comfort possible, to sport specific-design and full personalization, there’s only one mouthguard you need to think about.

Why Is Custom The Better Option?

Author Bio

Travis Armideo, marketing manager at Gladiator Custom Mouthguards, is a lifelong ice hockey player. He began playing for various clubs at a young age and continued onto junior teams, while also playing lacrosse at the collegiate level. Travis is still heavily involved in athletics, coaching high school and youth ice hockey athletes, as well as playing men’s league ice hockey on a regular basis.