I totally get the hesitation about custom ones being pricey... I was nervous too at first, but honestly, mine lasted way longer than the store-bought ones. Felt sturdier and didn't wear down nearly as fast. Might be worth considering eventually if you're grinding through them quickly.
I've been wondering about this too, actually. I've only ever used the store-bought ones because, yeah, custom mouthguards seem pretty steep price-wise. Usually mine last around 3-4 months before they start looking kinda rough and chewed up (I grind pretty badly at night). But hearing your experience makes me curious—do you think the custom ones are really that much sturdier?
I guess if a custom one lasts significantly longer, it might actually save money in the long run. I just haven't been able to convince myself to drop that much cash upfront yet. Did you notice a big difference in comfort or fit compared to the store-bought ones? Because honestly, sometimes mine feels bulky and uncomfortable... like I'm aware of it all night.
Also, did insurance help cover yours at all? I've heard mixed things from friends—some got theirs partially covered, others had no luck. If insurance chipped in a bit, that'd definitely make it easier to justify.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your experience. Definitely gives me something to think about next time I'm standing in front of the shelf debating whether to buy another cheap one or finally bite the bullet on a custom guard...
Totally get where you're coming from with the hesitation on price. I'm still riding the store-bought train myself, and they're definitely not winning any comfort awards, lol. Mine usually last about the same—3 or 4 months tops—and by then they're looking pretty battered. I've had nights where I wake up thinking, "Did I just chew on a tire all night?"
A friend of mine did spring for a custom one though, and she swears it's a total game-changer comfort-wise. Says it fits so snug she forgets it's even there. She also mentioned hers lasted her over two years and counting, which honestly blew my mind. If you do the math, that's probably cheaper overall compared to replacing these cheap ones every few months.
Insurance is tricky though—hers covered part of it, but another friend got flat-out denied (typical insurance shenanigans). Might be worth checking your plan details, just in case.
Anyway, you're definitely not alone in this boat. If you ever decide to make the leap, let us know how it goes...maybe you'll finally convince me to splurge too.
I've been debating the custom route myself, but honestly, the thought of spending that much and then hating it makes me anxious. Has anyone else had trouble adjusting to a custom one at first? My dentist keeps pushing it, saying it'll help my jaw pain, but I'm skeptical. The cheap ones are awful though—mine barely last three months before they're shredded. Feels like I'm grinding through plastic wrap some nights...
"Feels like I'm grinding through plastic wrap some nights..."
Haha, I totally feel you on that one. I went through a bunch of those cheap drugstore guards myself—felt like I was chewing through bubble wrap every night. Eventually, I caved and got a custom one from my dentist. Honestly, at first it felt super weird and bulky, and I was convinced I'd wasted my money. Took me about a week or two to really get used to it, but now I can't imagine sleeping without it. My jaw pain has improved a ton, and it's held up way better than the cheap ones ever did.
I get the anxiety about spending that much though—it's definitely not cheap. Maybe ask your dentist if they offer any kind of trial period or adjustments if it doesn't feel right? Mine tweaked mine a bit after the first fitting, and it made a huge difference. Anyway, just wanted to say you're not alone in feeling skeptical, but for me at least, it turned out to be worth it. Hang in there!
