If you or your child participate in sports a mouthguard is an essential piece of equipment. It protects teeth, gums and can even prevent more serious injuries. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? At Christina Brinda DDS in North Canton, we frequently get asked about the differences between over-the-counter and custom mouthguards. As a dentist who specializes in comprehensive family dental care, Dr. Christina Brinda wants to ensure you make the best mouthguard choice for protecting your smile.
Boil and Bite Mouthguards: The DIY Option
Boil and bite mouthguards are readily available at most sporting goods stores. They are designed to be softened in hot water and then molded around your teeth by biting down.
Pros
- Affordable: They are significantly less expensive upfront.
- Accessible: Easy to purchase from almost any sports store.
Cons
- Less Durable: They tend to wear out faster due to an imprecise fit.
- Less Protective: The fit is rarely precise, offering a thinner layer of protection in key areas.
- Poor Retention: They can loosen or fall out during activity, requiring clenching to keep them in place, which can distract from the game.
- Bulky and Uncomfortable: They often feel large in the mouth, making it difficult to breathe or speak clearly.
Custom Mouthguards: Professional Protection and Comfort
A custom mouthguard is made by your dentist for dentures from an exact impression of your teeth. This personalized approach ensures a perfect fit for maximum protection and comfort.
Pros
- Superior Protection: Provides optimal shock absorption and cushioning, significantly reducing the risk of dental and oral injuries. The precise fit ensures protection where it’s needed most.
- Comfort and Retention: Because it’s molded perfectly to your teeth, it’s comfortable, stays securely in place, and won’t interfere with breathing or speaking.
- Enhanced Performance: Athletes can focus on their game, not on keeping their mouthguard in.
- Durability: Made from higher quality materials, custom mouthguards are more durable and last longer.
- Long-Term Savings: While the initial cost is higher, it can save you significant money and pain by preventing costly dental injuries down the line.
Cons
- Higher Initial Cost: The investment is greater, but the benefits in protection and comfort often outweigh this.
- Requires a Dental Visit: An appointment with your dentist who specialize in custom moutguards is necessary for impressions and fitting.
Which Mouthguard is Right for You?
When it comes to protecting your teeth, especially in sports, the level of protection is paramount. While boil and bite mouthguards offer some basic defense, a custom fitted mouthguard provides far superior safety, comfort and peace of mind.
At Christina Brinda DDS, we are dedicated to helping every member of your family maintain a healthy and protected smile. We’ll help you find the best mouthguard to keep your smile safe.
📞 Call our North Canton office today at (330) 498-0668 to schedule an appointment.


Ryan F.


Daniella S.
General Dentist Brinda is the best dentist I ever been to . If you’ve been holding off going to the dentist, whether for just cleaning or getting wisdom teeth out , go here . The staff is so welcoming and friendly and Dr. Brinda is so knowledgeable and walked me through every procedure from start to finish and all the expectations. She is a perfectionist that wants you to look your best and goes out of her way to do just that . I went in for a whitening treatment and cleaning and it was the best experience that I had at a dental practice! I definitely recommend this place to anyone looking to feel comfortable,well cared for and informed, while receiving best treatment for their smile.


Sorin B.
Dr. Brinda is hands down the best dentist I’ve ever been to! My wife and I live in Michigan and we make the drive every year to go see her because she’s that good! Whether it’s going in for cleaning/whitening or taking care of a cavity, I always have a great experience going here. I’ve never really enjoyed going to the doctor for anything, but I can honestly say I enjoy coming here for my yearly checkups. Dr. Brinda is very knowledgeable and extremely professional, and she goes out of her way to make people feel welcome and cared for. Highly highly recommend!


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Ms Lux
Dr. Brinda and her amazing office team are lovely; down to earth and outstandingly competent. Their main focus, I have no doubt from all of my visits, is their patient’s oral health. This team is professional and efficient, but also what we all want in a medical team of any sort, very knowledgeable. I truly appreciate all of the care and concern this office has offered me. This is truly a top notch team and one you can thoroughly entrust with your dental health. Thank you to you all.


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Ty H.


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Madison S.
I personally was shadowing Dr. Brinda's office for my Dental Hygienist Program, and it was an amazing experience! Dr.Brinda and her wonderful team are constantly working to make sure things are sterilized, wiped down, and organized for your visit! There was nobody sitting around, but everyone was helping other people out! Staff at Dr. Brinda's office was respectful, sweet and supportive! Dr. Brinda personally took time with patients, and treated them like a person, not just a patient. She asked recurring patients about an update on their personal lives from the patients last visit, and it was amazing to see the patients smile when she remembered. Overall, from someone who saw behind the scenes of this office, I would gladly come there to visit just to see the amazing work they do. I highly recommend Dr. Brinda's Office!


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Efrain A.
My oldest started at 1 1/2 - 2 years old and now is 16. All are very happy with Dr. Brinda as well as the staff. Very caring and always explain what is going on when performing dental work beyond basic cleanings. Great attention to detail.


Susan R.
Dr. Brinda is friendly, caring and knowledgeable as are the staff. The atmosphere makes you feel at ease for any dental procedure.
Thanks to Dr. Brinda and all the staff.


Leah K.


Mark P.
I normally don’t make recommendations or write testimonials for services rendered. I expect and demand the highest patient care for my hard earned buck, period. I have been a patient for several years. Her team of professionals are exceeding my expectations regarding knowledge, kindness, skills, patient care, and my well being. Beginning from the initial phone call to schedule an appointment, through all of the facets of dental care provided, and processing the insurance payment, each employee earns a five star on my every visit.


Lauren S.
The most friendly staff I have ever seen in a dentist office! Dr Brinda was super knowledgeable about some underlying health conditions and my pregnancy and was super through and cautious! Say bye bye to any anxiety from dentistry work at this office it’s feels welcoming and homey and very clean.