How Long Do Dentist-Prescribed Mouthguards Last? Your Clear, Friendly Guide to Durability & Dental Health

Have you ever looked at your night guard and thought, “How long should I use this thing?” Maybe you’ve noticed it getting yellow or it doesn’t fit as well as it used to. Maybe your dentist told you to get a custom mouthguard for grinding teeth, jaw pain, or sports, and now you’re wondering if it was worth it. If you’ve asked yourself, “How long do dentist mouthguards last?” you’re not alone—and here are some answers to help you feel confident.

Dentist-made mouthguards are a big step up from store-bought kinds. People pick them for better fit, more protection, and, hopefully, longer use. But dental guards don’t last forever. In reality, how long yours lasts depends on a few things—from what it’s made of to how you look after it, and how much you grind your teeth. Usually, a mouthguard lasts between one and five years, but most people find two to three years is pretty normal.

Let’s look at the details. By the end, you’ll know how long your mouthguard from the dentist should last, what changes how long it lasts, how to know when you need a new one, and what you can do to make it last longer. If you want to protect your smile and save money, you’re in the right spot!

In This Article

• How Long Do Dentist-Prescribed Mouthguards Actually Last?
• What Decides How Long a Custom Mouthguard Lasts?
• When Should I Replace My Dentist Mouthguard?
• How to Make Your Mouthguard Last Longer
• Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards: Which Lasts Longer
• Who Should Get a Custom Mouthguard—and Who Shouldn’t?
• Quick Recap and What You Should Do Next

How Long Do Dentist-Prescribed Mouthguards Actually Last?

(Answering the “Is this normal?” Question)

Let’s be clear: A dentist-made, custom-fit mouthguard usually lasts between one and five years. Most people get about two to three years, according to dentists and research (ADA Reference). Some last longer—especially if you only grind a little and keep your guard really clean. Others might need a new one after just a year, especially if they’re heavy grinders or chewers.

Why such a difference? Well, think of two people driving cars: One drives gently and takes good care of the car, the other drives rough and skips maintenance. Of course—the careful driver’s car will last longer! How long your mouthguard lasts works the same way: how hard you bite, what it’s made out of, and how you care for it.

Why pick a custom mouthguard from your dentist instead of a cheap one from the store?

• Custom guards use stronger stuff, shaped to your teeth
• They spread out the pressure better
• They can handle being used every night, better than “boil-and-bite” types
• You get help from a pro when it comes to fit and cleaning

Is two or three years the longest you can hope for? Not really! With good care, some folks use their mouthguard for five years or more.

What Decides How Long a Custom Mouthguard Lasts?

(Simple Science Explained in Simple Words)

A lot of people think a mouthguard is just “plastic for your teeth.” That’s not the whole story. Not all guards are made the same.

Let’s see what really affects how long your dental guard works for you.

What It’s Made Of

Hard Acrylic

• Think of hard acrylic like a helmet for your teeth — very strong.
• Great for people who grind a lot when they sleep.
• Can last about 3–5 years, sometimes even more if you’re easy on it.

Soft Plastic (EVA – Ethylene-vinyl acetate)

• Like a soft sneaker sole — comfy, but wears down quicker if you grind hard.
• Good if you just clench a bit or only use it sometimes.
• Usually lasts 1–3 years.

Hybrid/Dual-Layer Guards

• Like a sandwich: soft on the inside, tough on the outside.
• More comfort and better wear.
• Lots of people get 2–4 years out of these.

How Hard You Grind or Clench

• The harder you grind, the sooner your guard wears out.
• If you grind a lot, you might need a new guard in a year.
• If you only clench sometimes, or aren’t rough on your guard, you could get several years.

How You Use Your Mouthguard

• Use it every night? You’ll see wear faster than people who use it sometimes.
• Chewing on your guard during the day? That’ll ruin it quicker.
• Skip cleaning or leave it somewhere hot? That’ll make it break down faster, too.

Cleaning and Taking Care of Your Guard

• Dirty guards wear out quicker—bacteria, spit, and plaque all eat away at the material.
• Keeping your guard in a vented case (not a plastic bag or on the counter) keeps it from cracking or attracting pets or bugs.
• Hot water, strong soap, or rough scrubbing can all mess up your guard.

Changes in Your Mouth

Your mouth changes all the time.

• If you get a new crown, filling, or braces, your teeth may shift.
• Even losing a tooth affects how your bite lines up, so your guard might not fit right anymore and you’ll need a new one.

Bottom line: How long your mouthguard lasts depends a lot on what it’s made of, what you do with it, how you clean it, and if your mouth changes over time.

When Should I Replace My Dentist Mouthguard?

(Know When To Get a New One)

Just like shoes wear out, so do mouthguards. Here’s how to tell if yours needs to go:

1. It Looks Worn Out

Do you see holes, cracks, or thin spots? Maybe it feels softer or has deep bite marks that weren’t there before.

That’s your sign—it’s not protecting like it used to.

• Cracks, worn-through spots, or holes
• Stains that won’t go away after cleaning
• Misshapen or rough edges

2. It Doesn’t Fit or Feel Good Anymore

If it used to pop in easily but now feels loose or hurts, it’s time to check it out.

Mouthguards that don’t fit right can’t protect you well.

• Guard sits weird
• New pain, jaw soreness, or aching
• Falls out while sleeping

3. It Smells Bad or Looks Gross

Does it stink, even after cleaning? Does it feel sticky, slimy, or look like it has fuzzy stuff on it? That’s probably germs or mold—yuck!

• Bad smell that doesn’t go away
• Sticky or slimy feeling even after washing
• Visible mold

4. It’s Not Working Anymore

If you start waking up with jaw pain, new headaches, or sore teeth again, your guard may not be helping.

• Sore jaws or clenching when you wake up
• Teeth keep getting worn, chipped, or sensitive even using the guard

5. You’ve Had Dental Work

Got a new filling, crown, or new braces? If your bite changed, your old guard might not work anymore—get a new one.

How to Make Your Mouthguard Last Longer

(Tips To Get More Value)

You want your mouthguard to last—as long as possible. Good news! You can make your mouthguard last twice as long if you do some simple things.

Give Your Guard a Good Clean Every Day

• Rinse with cold water as soon as you take it out of your mouth.
• Brush gently: Use a soft toothbrush with mild soap (hand soap, not fancy toothpaste). Don’t use gritty stuff.
• Soak it once a week: Use mouthguard cleaning tablets or a gentle cleaner (never bleach or strong chemicals). Some people use a UV mouthguard sanitizer for extra cleaning.

Do NOT use:

• Hot water (bends the guard)
• Toothpaste (can scratch it)
• Strong mouthwashes or alcohol (dries out and breaks plastic)

Store Your Guard Carefully

• Put it in a vented case every time. This lets it dry and keeps away germs and mold.
• Keep it away from pets, sunlight, and heat (don’t leave it in your car!).
• Let it dry fully before closing the case, so it doesn’t get moldy.

Go To Your Dental Check-Ups

• Take your mouthguard with you to every appointment.

Your dentist can check its fit, wear, and if it’s still clean enough.

• If it looks like it’s getting worn out, get a new one sooner—before it stops working.

Don’t Treat It Rough

• Never chew on your guard or try to bend or shape it yourself.
• If it feels funny or starts coming apart, see your dentist.

A small amount of care every day will protect your teeth better, help your guard last longer, and save you money down the road. If you’re curious how these are made, read about how a digital dental lab builds them to be tough.

Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards: Which Lasts Longer?

(Why a Custom Guard Is Usually Worth It)

Is it really better to pay more for a dentist-made mouthguard? Let’s look:

Dentist-Prescribed (Custom-Fit) Mouthguard

• Lasts: 1–5 years, usually 2–3
• Material: Tough plastic or acrylic
• Fit: Made just for your teeth
• Protection: Spreads pressure, protects jaw and teeth best

Store-Bought: Boil-and-Bite or Ready-Made Mouthguard

• Lasts: Only a few months (sometimes less)
• Material: Softer, cheaper plastic
• Fit: “One size fits most”—often bulky, hard to talk with, or slips out
• Protection: Can get worn or bend out of shape fast

Think of it this way:

• Custom mouthguard: Like shoes made just for you—fits great and lasts a long time.
• Store mouthguard: Like cheap flip-flops—they wear out fast and aren’t great for your feet.

A custom mouthguard costs more upfront, but costs less each year since it lasts longer and protects better.

If you want one built by a real pro, you can read about a night guard dental lab that makes high-quality guards.

Who Should Get a Custom Mouthguard—and Who Shouldn’t?

(Is a Dentist Guard Right for You?)

Who Should Get One

• People who grind or clench their teeth at night: Waking up with tired jaws or worn teeth? A nightguard protects you.
• People with jaw pain (TMJ/TMD): Clicking, popping, or pain? Guards make it hurt less.
• Sports players: Playing a sport with contact? Custom sports guards are a must!
• People with dental work: Braces, crowns, or implants? Only a custom guard will fit and keep them safe.

Who Might Not Need One

• If you only clench or grind a little, or once in a while, maybe a store guard is okay. Ask your dentist first.
• Kids with baby teeth or changing mouths will need new guards more often.
• Don’t know if you grind? Ask your dentist—they can spot the signs and tell you what’s best.

Need to know more about custom dental stuff? You can read about how a dental lab for retainers makes special appliances for teeth.

Quick Recap and What You Should Do Next

(Simple Steps and Reminders)

What’s most important? Looking after your teeth with the right mouthguard, keeping it clean, knowing when to get a new one, and seeing your dentist when things change.

Let’s sum it up:

Key Points:

• Dentist mouthguards last 1–5 years—usually 2–3—depending on material and care.
• Hard plastic lasts longest. Soft ones don’t last as long. Hybrids are in between.
• How you use and clean it matters. Heavy use, skipping cleaning, or changes in your mouth make it wear out quicker.
• Look for problems: Holes, cracks, weird fit, bad smell, or aching teeth mean you should get a new guard.
• Be active: Bring your guard to your dentist visits and follow cleaning and storage tips.

What should you do now?

• Clean your guard and check it every day. If it looks off, deal with it straight away.
• If you have pain, poor fit, or strange smells—don’t wait. Call your dentist.
• Show your guard to your dentist at every check-up.

They can notice problems before you do and keep you safe.

• Think about a custom dentist guard if you want the best comfort and long-term savings.

Remember: a clean, well-fitting mouthguard is like a simple safety net for your teeth and jaws. Don’t skip out on this easy step—it can save you from expensive repairs and pain! If you’re ever unsure, your dentist can help you decide what’s best.

Resources and Trust Marks

• American Dental Association – Mouthguard Rules & Tips
• This article was checked by dental experts to make sure it’s correct and safe.

Want more easy dental tips? Check out our dental practical guide.

Take care of your smile—you only get one! If you have questions, ask your dentist. They’re ready to help you feel comfortable and happy every day.