Care guides › Custom-Fit vs Boil & Bite
Buying guide
Custom-Fit vs Boil & Bite mouthguards
Every mouthguard is a stock tray, a Boil & Bite or a custom-fit guard. Here is how the two real options compare.
Quick verdict
Not all mouthguards are equal
Every mouthguard is a stock tray, a Boil & Bite or a custom-fit guard. Here is how the two real options compare.
Custom-Fit
Better fit, better comfort and better retention, for athletes at every level.
Boil & Bite
Generic fit, extra bulk and less stability. Fine as a temporary backup, not as your everyday guard.
Compare
Head-to-head
From fit to lifespan, here is how they stack up.
Custom-Fit
- FitReplicates your exact teeth
- ThicknessEngineered where it matters
- Speech and breathingSlim profile, easy to talk and breathe
- RetentionStays anchored, no clenching
- LifespanA year or more with good care
- Re-moldableNot needed
- ProtectionExcellent
Boil & Bite
- FitApproximates your bite
- ThicknessThins at the bite line
- Speech and breathingBulkier, can muffle speech
- RetentionLoosens as it warms
- LifespanA season or less
- Re-moldableYes, but each time shortens its life
- ProtectionBetter than nothing
How they are made
Two very different processes
Custom-Fit
Precision from start to finish
Take an impression at home or get scanned at your dentist or orthodontist
We design and 3D print your model
We manufacture your guard to your exact unique dental profile
It arrives ready to wear
Fast & easy reorders
Nothing is thinned by your bite, and the fit stays stable over time.
Boil & Bite
You mold it yourself
Boil water
Soften it for 30 to 60 seconds
Bite down firmly
Cool it in cold water
A rough copy of your bite
The material thins where you bite hardest, exactly where protection matters most.
Why custom-fit
Why custom-fit is the better choice
Made for your teeth
Built from an impression of your own teeth.
Slim and comfortable
No bulk where you do not need it.
Better protection
Even thickness over the impact zones.
Easy to talk and breathe
Precision cuts keep your airway open.
Stays put
Anchors in place while you play.
Welcome back
Ordered with us before?
4.6 · 571 reviews
With your scan on file, reorder your Sports Mouthguard or any other custom-fit dental product in one click, no new impression needed. Same fit, saved in your TRUFIT dashboard.
$75
Returning-customer price
Custom-fit protection
Get a guard
made for you
4.6 · 571 reviews
From $125
Returning customers $75 with a scan on file
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long do you boil a Boil & Bite mouthguard?
Follow the package, usually 30 to 60 seconds in just-boiled water. Longer over-softens and thins the material.
How many times can you re-mold a Boil & Bite?
Once or twice at most. Every reheat thins it and weakens protection.
Do custom-fit mouthguards actually protect better?
The difference is consistency: engineered, even thickness over the impact zones instead of material thinned wherever you bit hardest.
Why are dentist custom-fit mouthguards so expensive?
You pay for chair time plus an outside dental lab. Direct-to-you custom-fit skips both, which is why it costs a fraction.
Is custom-fit worth it for kids?
If they will wear it, yes. A poor fit is the main reason kids stop wearing a mouthguard mid-season.
What if I mess up my at-home impression?
Every kit includes 4 attempts: 2 upper and 2 lower. Send them all back and we will use the best one. Not sure about them? Send us a photo first. If they need a retake, we send you new material for free.
Can I use HSA / FSA funds?
Yes. TRUFIT custom-fit guards are HSA / FSA eligible.
How long does a custom-fit mouthguard last?
It depends on the athlete. With good care and regular cleaning it can last a year or more; athletes who chew on it or mistreat it may need several per season. With a saved scan, a fresh guard is a quick reorder.
Still have a question? Visit the Help Center
Keep reading
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When to replace your guardSix warning signsRead the guide
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