Materials Used in Mouthguard Construction: Which is Best?

The material used in a mouthguard significantly impacts its performance, comfort, and durability. Several materials are commonly used:

Common Mouthguard Materials

• Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) copolymer: This is a popular choice for both boil-and-bite and custom-made mouthguards. It's known for its flexibility, shock absorption, and durability.  
• Acrylic resin: Often used for custom-made mouthguards, acrylic resin offers good shock absorption and can be layered for different levels of protection.
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): While less common, PVC is used in some mouthguards. It's generally less flexible than EVA but offers good durability.  
• Polyurethane: This material is known for its elasticity and shock absorption. It's often used in combination with other materials for optimal performance.  
• Silicone: Offers excellent comfort but may not be as durable as other materials. It's often used in combination with other materials for specific applications.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Material

• Sport: High-impact sports might require a more durable material like EVA or acrylic resin, while lower-impact sports might allow for a more comfortable material like silicone.
• Comfort: The material should be comfortable to wear for extended periods.
• Protection: The material should offer sufficient shock absorption and durability to protect your teeth and jaw.
• Fit: The material should be able to be molded to your teeth for a custom fit.  

Ultimately, the best material for a mouthguard depends on individual needs and preferences. Custom-made mouthguards often combine different materials to optimize performance.

Thickness and fit matter too: AlienGuards non-combat guards are 4 mm thick and combat guards are 5 mm (see how thick should a mouthguard be). See how our mouthguards are made, compare our models, or read about the durability of custom mouthguards.

Keep reading: the history of mouthguards.