That’s interesting—my kid actually found the opposite. With the custom guard, he stopped taking it out every five minutes to “fix” it, but I guess it’s really a toss-up depending on the kid. The price difference is what gets me, though. I keep wondering if the extra expense is worth it when they might just find a new thing to fiddle with anyway. Did your nephew eventually get used to the smoother feel, or is he still distracted by it?
The price difference is what gets me, though. I keep wondering if the extra expense is worth it when they might just find a new thing to fiddle with anyway.
Totally get this. Honestly, I had the same debate with myself before shelling out for the custom one. My kid’s super sensitive to anything in her mouth, so I was bracing for complaints, but weirdly enough, she actually stopped fussing with it after a week or so. I think the fit made a difference—it didn’t rub or feel bulky, so she just forgot about it. But I’ve seen her friends do exactly what you described—pop them out constantly or chew on them until they’re trashed.
The cost still stings, though. I wish insurance covered more of it. But for us, not having to remind her every two seconds made it worth it. Guess it really just depends on how your kid reacts... no one-size-fits-all answer here.
I hear you on the price. The first time I saw the bill for a custom guard, I actually laughed and thought it was a typo. But my son is one of those kids who can’t stand anything “weird” in his mouth—he’ll spit out gum after two chews, so I figured he’d never wear it. To my shock, he barely noticed the custom one after a couple days. The cheap boil-and-bite ones, though? He’d chew them like a dog with a new toy, and they’d be shredded by the end of practice.
Still, I can’t say I was thrilled paying that much when he could just as easily decide he’s into chess next month. But for now, fewer arguments in the morning are worth something. If only insurance would get with the program…
I totally get the sticker shock—my kid just started soccer, and I was floored at the cost for a custom guard. He’s super sensitive about textures too, so I was dreading the drama. But weirdly, after a few days, he stopped complaining. The cheap ones were a disaster—he’d just fidget with them nonstop and they’d end up in pieces. Still feels wild to pay that much for something he might not even need next season, but honestly, the peace and fewer meltdowns before practice make it almost worth it... Wish insurance would budge a little too.
Yeah, I hear you on the sticker shock—those custom guards are no joke. I’ve seen parents do a double-take at the price tag more than once. But honestly, if your kid’s sensitive about textures, it’s almost a sanity tax, right? The cheap boil-and-bite ones never lasted a week in my house. My youngest would chew them like gum and then act surprised when they fell apart... go figure.
I used to think it was overkill for soccer too, but we found out the hard way that those guards do more than just protect teeth. My older kid took an elbow to the jaw last season, and his dentist said the guard probably saved him from a trip to urgent care. Wild.
Insurance not covering it drives me nuts though. You’d think preventative stuff would be a no-brainer. But hey, if it means fewer pre-practice meltdowns and less nagging on my end, I’ll take the hit this year... just hoping his mouth doesn’t grow again by fall.