$400 for a mouthguard is wild, honestly.
Right there with you—my jaw nearly dropped harder than my bite when I saw that price tag. The 3D-printed kits are a solid compromise. Not lab-grade, but if it’s comfortable and keeps you from grinding through your wallet (and teeth), that’s a win in my book.
if it’s comfortable and keeps you from grinding through your wallet (and teeth), that’s a win in my book.
That’s the vibe. I’ve tried those boil-and-bite ones, and honestly, they’re just kinda... meh? Never really fit right, always felt bulky. The 3D-printed ones sound way cooler—does anyone know if they hold up over time? Like, are they actually durable or do they get all chewed up after a few months? $400 is wild, but replacing cheap ones every few months adds up too.
I’ve wondered about this too. The boil-and-bite ones just feel like I’m wearing a mouthful of rubber bands, and I always end up chewing through them in a few months (apparently my jaw is part woodchipper). My cousin got a 3D-printed guard and swears it still looks new after a year—she says it’s thinner but somehow tougher? $400 still makes my wallet cry, but if it actually lasts, maybe it’s less of a ripoff than buying three or four cheap ones that turn into chew toys.
- Had both types—boil-and-bite always felt bulky, like I was trying to sleep with a mouthful of gum.
- Custom (mine wasn’t 3D printed, just dentist-molded) was way thinner and fit tighter, so less drool and fewer sore spots.
- Cost stung, but it’s lasted over two years now, so maybe it evens out?
- Curious if the 3D-printed ones are even more durable or if that’s just hype... anyone else notice a big difference in wear?
Totally get what you mean about the bulkiness—
That’s exactly how I’d describe it too. The custom ones are just in a different league comfort-wise. Mine was also dentist-molded (not 3D printed), and honestly, I barely notice it anymore. The upfront cost stung for sure, but after ruining two boil-and-bites in less than a year, I feel like the custom one’s paid for itself.boil-and-bite always felt bulky, like I was trying to sleep with a mouthful of gum.
I’ve been curious about the 3D-printed guards too. My dentist said they’re supposed to be even more precise and maybe more durable, but I’m a little skeptical—seems like a lot of buzz around “tech” for something that’s basically plastic in your mouth. Has anyone actually managed to wear through a 3D-printed one? Or noticed if they stain or warp less? I grind pretty hard, so durability’s huge for me.
