18 months sounds pretty typical from what I've seen, especially if you're a heavier grinder. Grinding severity definitely plays a big role—I've known people whose guards barely made it past a year because of intense grinding, while others coasted past two years easily. But honestly, don't stress too much...your dentist will usually check the wear during routine visits anyway. Curious though, are you getting a soft or hard guard? That can make a difference too.
Mine lasted about 16 months, and honestly, I was pretty anxious when my dentist said it needed replacing. I grind a lot when stressed (which is...often 😅), so it wore down quicker than expected. But like you mentioned, dentists usually keep an eye on it during check-ups, so that helped ease my worries. I went with a hard guard this time around—feels sturdier and seems to hold up better for me personally. Hang in there, you're definitely not alone!
"I grind a lot when stressed (which is...often 😅), so it wore down quicker than expected."
Haha, I feel you on the stress grinding—been there, done that, got the worn-down mouthguard to prove it. Mine usually lasts around 18 months, give or take. But honestly, I think it depends a lot on the material and how intense your grinding is. Did your dentist mention anything about adjusting your guard periodically? Mine tweaks mine every few visits, and it seems to help prolong its life a bit.
Also curious—do you find the hard guard comfortable enough to sleep with? I tried one once, and it felt like sleeping with a hockey puck in my mouth. 😂 Maybe I just didn't give it enough of a chance, though. Glad to hear it's holding up better for you!
Mine usually lasts about two years, but I hear you on the stress grinding...my dentist jokes that my guard looks like it's been through a war zone by the time I get a replacement. I tried a hard guard once too, and it just wasn't for me—felt like I was chewing on plastic all night. Soft ones seem to wear faster but at least I can actually sleep comfortably. Guess it's all about finding that balance between comfort and durability.
"felt like I was chewing on plastic all night."
Haha, totally feel you on that one. Tried a hard guard once too, and it was like trying to sleep with a Lego brick in my mouth...not fun. I've actually had better luck with the hybrid guards—soft inside, harder outside. Seems to last me a good year and a half, sometimes two. Still wears down eventually (I grind pretty intensely), but at least it's comfy enough that I don't wake up feeling like I've been gnawing on plastic utensils all night.
