Interesting points here—comfort and durability definitely vary a lot from person to person. I'm curious though, do you think the lifespan difference you're seeing between custom and boil-and-bite guards might partly come down to how tightly you clench or grind at night? I've noticed some patients who grind heavily can wear through even custom guards faster than expected, while others barely seem to put a dent in their boil-and-bite guards over months. Also makes me wonder if material thickness or type plays a bigger role than we realize. Has anyone else noticed certain materials holding up better long-term, regardless of whether they're custom or store-bought?
"Also makes me wonder if material thickness or type plays a bigger role than we realize."
Material definitely matters, but honestly, I think the fit itself might be even more critical than thickness or type alone. I've seen patients who grind heavily but have a perfectly fitted custom guard last significantly longer than someone with a thicker boil-and-bite that doesn't quite sit right. When the guard isn't snug, it tends to shift around at night, creating uneven pressure points and premature wear.
Also, it's worth mentioning hygiene and maintenance—some people underestimate how much proper cleaning and storage can extend the lifespan of their guards. I've had patients who meticulously clean their boil-and-bite guards daily, and those things hold up surprisingly well over time. On the flip side, I've seen expensive custom guards degrade quickly because they're not cared for properly.
So yeah, material matters, but I'd argue that fit and care routines might be equally influential in determining how long these mouthguards actually last...
Hmm, good points about fit and care. I had a pretty pricey custom guard that cracked way sooner than expected, probably because I wasn't gentle cleaning it (oops...). Now I'm wondering—does anyone else's guard randomly get cloudy even with careful cleaning?
Mine gets cloudy too, even though I'm pretty careful about cleaning it. I think it's just normal wear and tear, honestly. Maybe it's minerals from the water or saliva buildup? I've noticed soaking mine occasionally in diluted vinegar helps clear it up a bit. But yeah, don't stress too much about the cloudiness—it doesn't seem to affect how well it works or anything.
Mine tends to get cloudy as well, despite regular cleaning and careful maintenance. It might indeed be mineral deposits or some natural discoloration from extended use. I've also found diluted vinegar helpful, though I alternate it occasionally with denture cleaning tablets—they seem effective in reducing buildup. But I agree, a bit of cloudiness is probably just cosmetic and doesn't reflect any decrease in its effectiveness or hygiene. It's reassuring to hear others experience similar issues.
