How Long Does a Custom Athletic Mouthguard Usually Last?

The use of a custom athletic mouthguard happens to be the most valuable investment that one would ever make in their life in order to ensure their teeth stay healthy in the long run. Compared to ready-to-use mouthguards, this mouthguard will definitely fit your mouth comfortably. This information on the durability of such mouthguards gives athletes and their families an opportunity to arrange everything in advance.

How Long Does a Custom Athletic Mouthguard Actually Last?

The majority of guards will last for several seasons as long as athletes take good care of them. This, however, varies based on age, degree of sport intensity, and handling.

• Adult athletes who have a fixed bite receive guards that last between 2 and 5 years.
• Teens with permanent teeth have to get a guard replacement every year or two.
• Young athletes who still have a combination of permanent and baby teeth require a new fit each season.
• Players who participate in contact sports such as football, hockey, and wrestling will need replacements after 1 or 2 years.

The custom athletic mouthguard takes considerably longer to deform compared to the boil-and-bite type due to the perfect fit to the teeth. This precision fit is why dentists continue recommending custom options for serious athletes.

What Affects the Lifespan of Your Mouthguard?

There are some activities in our daily lives that affect the longevity of a custom athletic mouthguard. Knowing about them will help you make the most of your investment.

• Frequency and Intensity of Training

The players who undergo training every day and those who participate in physical sports automatically wear out their mouthguards more quickly than others. The constant bite stress involved in scrimmaging and practice gradually disintegrates the material. High-intensity athletes should therefore expect to replace their guard sooner than recreational players.

• Storage and Handling Habits

Leaving a mouthguard loose inside a gym bag or exposed to heat in a hot car can cause permanent warping. Proper storage in a ventilated case protects the material between practices and games. Simple habits like this often add months, sometimes years, to a guard’s usable life. However, if heat or any form of damage alters the fit, local same day dentistry services will be able to determine if the mouthguard still gives enough protection.

• Cleaning and Maintenance Routine

Water alone is ineffective when used to wash off all the bacteria and food particles accumulated after each use. In addition, the gradual deterioration of the material due to accumulation creates a constant foul smell. The use of a soft-bristled brush together with soap for brushing will ensure hygiene. For regular preventive care, the dentist membership plan Marietta can ensure that your dental checkups and mouthguard checkups become more economical.

When Should You Replace Your Custom Athletic Mouthguard?

Waiting until a custom athletic mouthguard visibly falls apart is not the safest approach for active athletes. Several warning signs indicate it is time for a replacement well before that point.

• Visible Cracks or Thinning Material

Small tears or thin spots along the biting surface can reduce how much impact the material actually absorbs. Even minor damage like this sometimes goes unnoticed until it’s tested during a hard hit. If a guard looks worn, it’s worth asking about local same day dentistry so it can be checked out right away rather than risking another game with it.

• Loose or Shifting Fit

A guard that slides around or requires constant clenching to stay in place no longer offers reliable protection. It usually occurs gradually due to the softening of the material or a change in the bite. A correctly fitted mouthguard must fit securely without any conscious effort on your part.

• Persistent Odor After Cleaning

The smell that remains after washing suggests that bacteria have become embedded in the material, and by this point, continuing to use it does more harm than good. According to the ADA, athletes who skip mouthguards face more than double the risk of orofacial injury compared to those who wear one, which is exactly why keeping yours clean and in good shape matters.

• Start of a New Season or Age Change

Many dentists recommend checking your mouthguard fit whenever a new season starts, no matter your age. Growing kids and teens need this more often as their bite changes, but adults benefit too. For families without insurance, a dentist membership plan Marietta patients use keeps these check-ins affordable.

Our experienced dental team proudly serves patients from the following nearby communities for preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care:

• Dunwoody
• Duluth
• Druid Hills, Atlanta
• Buford

We are committed to providing personalized, high-quality dental care to help patients throughout these communities enjoy healthy, confident smiles.

Conclusion

The quality of a mouth guard depends not just on how many seasons it has seen but also on its condition. Any cracks, foul smells, or ill-fitting problems are of more significance than the number of seasons. A trusted dental care provider, such as Marietta Dental Professionals, provides custom-fitted mouthguards for reliable protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cost difference between the custom athletic mouth guard and the purchased athletic mouth guard?

The custom athletic mouth guard is likely to be costlier than the store-bought one, but its durability makes it worthy of the price paid.

2. Can there be any repair of a cracked custom athletic mouthguard?

A custom athletic mouthguard that gets cracked loses its structural integrity. It is thus recommended that you replace it instead of attempting repairs on the cracked mouthguard.

3. Should I purchase a new custom athletic mouthguard if I get braces or a new crown?

Yes, any alteration in your bite will require the use of a new custom athletic mouthguard. It should be remolded to match your updated teeth alignment.

4. What happens if I crack a tooth just before an important game?

Sporting accidents seldom give us time for a dentist appointment, so the ability to get treatment on short notice is most important. There are many dental offices that provide local same day dentistry now available.

5. Does a dentist’s membership plan help cover the cost of a custom mouthguard? 

A dentist membership plan Marietta families rely on often includes discounts on services like custom mouthguards. This makes preventive sports dental care more affordable without traditional insurance.

Author Name

Dr. Gabriela Marchegiani

Author Bio

Dr. Gabriela Marchegiani is an empathic dentist who always endeavors to offer outstanding dental care. She is a great believer in good communication and building good rapport with all of her patients. Her enthusiasm and commitment ensure that her consultations are very special for every patient.