How Long Will A Guard Last?
The life of a guard depends on how well it is constructed and the kind of use it gets. Over-the-counter mouthguards tend to wear out after a few months of hard use. A custom-made mouthguard or nightguard should last at least a year, if not several years. It all depends on the amount of wear and tear you give it. While that may sound like a potentially short period of time for an expensive accessory, you should keep in mind that the mouthguard is taking all the abuse that your mouth and head would otherwise receive. The less the abuse, the longer the guard will last.
Wear and Care Tips for Your Mouthguard or Nightguard
Here are a few suggestions to ensure that your mouthguard lasts as long as possible.
- Put your guard into position with your fingers; don't bite it in place. Biting on the guard when it's out of position can potentially damage both the guard and your teeth and gums.
- Rinse your guard after every use with cool, not hot, water. (This is especially important if you have a boil and bite mouthguard because the heat of the water could deform the guard). Depending on the guard, you may also want to go over it occasionally with a clean toothbrush.
- When you're not using your guard, keep it in a hard plastic carrying case. This will help protect the guard against breakage and also keep it clean.
- Store your guard wet to help keep it from becoming brittle. It may help to keep your carrying case in a plastic bag so that the guard stays moist.
- Bring your guard with you to every dental check-up, even if you're sure the fit is good. Your dentist will look over the guard, reviewing both its fit and the amount of wear.
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