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Pros and Cons of using Off-the-shelf mouth guards

Pros and Cons of using Off-the-shelf mouth guards

Patients are often wondering if off-the-shelf mouth guards are worth buying. Well, the answer often depends on one’s individual preference. Some patients prefer off-the-shelf mouthpieces while some still choose to buy themselves the custom-fit mouth guard.

Although off-the-shelf mouth guards are not custom-fit to varying types and sizes of teeth and mouth structure, they still possess a lot of advantages. One advantage is that they can be easily bought from convenient stores and other supermarkets. Most of the time, athletes are the ones using this product since they are readily available and can be immediately used. They are also popular for young dental patients and athletes because those mouth guards suit their budget since they are sold at a cheap price. A lot of people are interested in buying off-the-shelf mouth guards because they aren’t already getting the protection they need from various activities like contact sports and intense teeth grinding, for a very low price.

However, apart from these advantages, people also need to set their expectations straight and consider the disadvantages of buying this type of product. Although they serve the same purpose of protecting the mouth from various injuries, off-the-shelf mouth guards are more likely to be damaged by intense contact. Off-the-shelf mouth guards are made of thinner plastic compared to custom-made ones which are thicker and less brittle. Another disadvantage of off-the-shelf mouth guards is that they do not last long like custom-made mouth guards do. Since they are made from pliable plastic, they easily wear down from constant and intense grinding, chewing and clenching.

Regardless of the kind of mouth guard, there is no doubt that these products are very important for the protection of teeth. Constant gnawing and intense contact sports can lead to mouth damage and injuries; therefore, dentists suggest the use of these protective devices to veer away from getting teeth cracks and fractures which may lead to more severe dental issues. Off-the-shelf mouth guards may have their own pros and cons but they are ultimately useful for one’s protection.

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