We went through something similar with my son. He'd chew through the cheap ones in no time, and I was skeptical about spending more upfront. But yeah, eventually we tried the custom-fitted route too, and it really did hold up better. Still got chewed up eventually (kids...), but lasted months instead of weeks. Plus, he complained less about comfort issues. Like you said:
"bit pricier upfront but honestly lasted way longer."
Definitely worth it in the long run, imo.
Did your son ever complain about soreness with the custom one? I switched to a fitted guard too, and while it's definitely lasting longer, sometimes I wake up with jaw aches...maybe it's just me being overly sensitive though.
My son didn't mention soreness exactly, but he did say it took a good week or two before it felt completely comfortable. Maybe your jaw just needs some time to adjust...hang in there, it usually gets better.
My mouthguard was pretty uncomfortable at first, too. Took me a good couple of weeks before I stopped noticing it completely. Did your dentist give you any tips on getting used to it quicker? Mine suggested wearing it for shorter periods at first—like an hour or two in the evenings while watching TV or something—to gradually let my jaw adjust. It really helped ease the soreness and tightness in the beginning.
As for how long they last, mine usually holds up about a year or two before I need a replacement. I'm pretty careful about cleaning it regularly and storing it properly, which seems to help extend its life. But I have a friend who grinds his teeth really heavily at night, and he says he has to replace his every 6–8 months or so. I guess it depends a lot on how hard you grind and how well you maintain it.
One thing I've noticed is that the cheaper drugstore ones wear out faster. I tried one once because I was trying to save some money, but honestly, it wore down so quickly that it ended up costing me more in the long run. My dentist explained that the custom-fit ones from dental offices are usually made from sturdier materials, so even though they're pricier upfront, they tend to last longer.
Have you noticed any wear marks or thinning yet on yours? If not, you're probably still good for a while. Either way, hang in there...it gets easier over time.
Mine usually lasts around a year too, but I totally agree about the drugstore ones. I tried one once when I was traveling and forgot mine at home—big mistake. It felt bulky and wore down super fast. My dentist also mentioned that soaking it in denture cleaner occasionally helps keep it fresh and extends its lifespan. Might be worth trying if you haven't already...it definitely made mine feel cleaner and less gross over time.
