I've definitely noticed differences depending on the material. My dentist made me a custom one a few years back, and it lasted almost three years before I saw any real wear. But when I switched to a cheaper store-bought brand, it barely made it past a year. Grinding intensity probably plays a big role too—I know I grind pretty hard when I'm stressed, and those are the times I notice more wear and tear.
Sounds like you're already doing a great job taking care of yours though, especially if you're getting two solid years out of it. Honestly, that's pretty impressive. Maybe your friend just grinds harder or has a different bite pattern? Either way, seems like you're on the right track with your cleaning routine and everything.
I've had similar experiences, actually. My dentist-made mouthguard lasted me close to four years, and honestly, it probably could've gone longer if I hadn't accidentally left it out where my dog could reach it (lesson learned the hard way...). After that, I figured I'd save some money and just grab a store-bought one. Big mistake. It barely made it through six months before I started noticing deep grooves and thinning spots.
I think you're spot-on about grinding intensity playing a role. When I'm under pressure at work or dealing with family stress, I grind way more aggressively at night. During those periods, I can literally see the difference in wear from month to month. But another thing I've noticed is that the fit itself matters a ton. My dentist explained that a custom guard distributes the pressure more evenly across your teeth, so there's less focused wear on any particular spot. With the cheaper ones, they're often bulkier and don't fit quite right, so certain areas get worn down faster.
Also, cleaning routine definitely helps prolong the life of your mouthguard. I used to just rinse mine quickly in the morning and call it good, but after talking to my dentist, I started soaking it regularly and brushing gently with a soft toothbrush. It made a noticeable difference—not just in durability but also comfort.
One last thought: your friend's guard wearing out faster might not just be about grinding intensity. Bite alignment and even diet (like acidic foods or drinks) can affect how quickly materials degrade. I have a friend who drinks tons of soda and citrus juices, and his guards always seem to deteriorate faster than mine, even though he doesn't grind as hard.
Anyway, two years is pretty solid for any mouthguard, especially if it's not custom-made. Sounds like you're already doing everything right!
"After that, I figured I'd save some money and just grab a store-bought one. Big mistake."
Haha, been there... I tried the cheap route too, ended up chewing through it like a nervous hamster in under 3 months. Custom was pricier upfront but way cheaper long-term. Lesson learned!
"Custom was pricier upfront but way cheaper long-term."
I get what you're saying, but honestly, I've had pretty decent luck with the mid-range boil-and-bite ones. Trick is to follow the instructions carefully—don't rush it or you'll end up with a lumpy mess (been there, done that...). Mine usually lasts around 6-8 months before it starts looking sketchy. Custom might be better overall, but if you're careful, store-bought isn't always a disaster.
I've tried both custom and boil-and-bite types, and honestly, I lean toward custom for comfort and durability. My boil-and-bite ones never lasted beyond 4-5 months before they started feeling loose or uncomfortable. But I agree with your point:
"if you're careful, store-bought isn't always a disaster."
If you take your time molding them properly, they're definitely workable. Still, after switching to custom, I noticed fewer headaches and better sleep quality—worth the upfront cost for me personally.
