If you think about it, chances are we’ve ALL had something “custom” in our lives…and probably more than once! Now, before you proudly say, “Woah…not me!” lets take a closer look. Have you ever ordered something from Starbucks that wasn’t EXACTLY as it comes standard? Hmmm?!? Or, did you ever have an article of clothing tailored to fit? Maybe a sports coat, wedding attire, or even something made by a family member? How about your home? Have you ever painted a wall, remodeled a room or changed out cabinets? Did you have any eyewear “custom-fitted” for your specific vision needs?
See…custom! Sure, “off-the-rack” may be fine for the majority of things in your life. But, other needs or preferences call for custom. We know someone who has a VERY specific Starbucks order, since she is not a coffee drinker: Venti chai, with seven pumps of chai, two pumps of hazelnut syrup, no water, at 130° – and her baristas know it, and her, by name! Another acquaintance is QUITE tall and finds “standard” kitchen and bathroom counter heights uncomfortably low. So, he ordered custom cabinets with 6” more of base height, coupled with thicker countertops! Again, certain conditions or circumstances call for particular – yes, customized – solutions. And for anyone who has ever chosen “custom” over “off-the-rack” for ANYTHING, will tell you, it was totally worth it!
So, when it comes to your dental care, do you want “off-the-rack” or custom? We know, that may seem like a ridiculous question. But, it’s not quite as ludicrous as it may sound on the surface. And it’s an occurrence that happens quite frequently…and in many cases, it’s for kids! “Can’t happen”…”Don’t be silly”…”I would never”…we hear you. However, if you’ve ever wanted to protect your child’s teeth from damage as a result of some sport or outdoor activity, and bought a “heat-and-fit” mouthguard “off-the-rack,” then you have! And the same holds true for any nightguard to protect teeth from grinding!
Most assuredly, a visit to the dentist will require more than a $5 to $20 “add-to-cart” at Walmart…more time, more of an investment (depending upon insurance coverage), more scheduling requirements. However, when it comes to some things, “custom” is DEFINITELY worth it! A professional dental lab owner breaks down the difference between the over-the-counter oral appliances, and a “custom” fabrication overseen by trained dentists:
“(He) bought and tested nearly all the OTC, boil-and-bite night guards on the market to report to you my findings in this video: What is the difference between an over-the-counter guard vs a custom night guard. In the video, he talks about the differences in terms of material used, price, comfort level, durability, and the fabrication process.
PRICE & MATERIALS:
The OTC ones are mass-produced using very cheap EVA plastics. You can source them for less than $0.2 per piece from an ISO-certified manufacturer. As a matter of fact, if you are our customer, we give it away free of charge.
Dentists' ones range anywhere from roughly $200 to $500. The materials are of much higher quality as well. But a round disc of raw FDA-cleared custom night guard material already cost $4+.
COMFORT:
OTC:
They are one-size-fits-all. They are either too small or too big. That means you might have to trim the edges which can create sharp edges that irritate your gum.
So bulky you’ll not want to wear it or spit it out at night
Chewy texture: This is a BIG ONE. It can cause you to chew on it and make your jaw muscle sore.
DENTIST:
Your own teeth impression is required which results in the most optimal fit possible. It is like getting a custom suit from a high-end tailor.
A dental technician will craft your guard using your unique impressions.
Your dentist might adjust the guard upon delivery to improve the comfort. This personalized service drives up the cost, and so does the outsourced cost to the dental lab.
Comfort levels can vary depending on the type. Acrylic ones can be too bulky and hard to use. We recommend the thermoforming counterparts
DURABILITY:
OTC:
They last from a few days to a few months.
DENTIST:
Acrylic ones are very hard and can be less comfortable, but they can last many years. We see super gross acrylic guards lasting over 10 years often.
Thermoforming ones: Can last anywhere from 1 to 5 years.
Are we advocating “custom” for everything in your life – costs be damned? Of course not! However, when it comes to the safety of your child’s smile, or the assurance of a healthful night’s sleep for you, do you REALLY want to settle for “off-the-rack”?!?