When it comes to performance mouthpieces, not all designs are created equal. If you've seen competitors advertising their mouthpieces as “thinner” and “sleeker,” you might wonder—is thinner really better?
Spoiler alert: It’s not.
In fact, science says otherwise.
The Science Behind Thickness & Performance
Your jaw plays a crucial role in stability, strength, and alignment. For a mouthpiece to unlock real performance benefits, it must create at least a 3.5mm separation between your upper and lower jaw.
Why Is This Important?
Because this specific spacing triggers neuromuscular responses that:
✅ Improve overall body alignment
✅ Enhance strength and power output
✅ Reduce tension and improve endurance
✅ Help protect teeth and reduce clenching
A thinner mouthpiece doesn’t create enough spacing to activate these benefits—meaning it’s little more than a cheap piece of plastic sitting in your mouth.
How Neuromuscular Activation Works
The jaw is one of the most powerful and influential joints in the human body. When positioned correctly, it stabilizes your head and neck, which in turn improves posture, breathing, and muscle activation throughout your body. This is why elite athletes, powerlifters, and combat sports professionals rely on properly structured performance mouthpieces to optimize their biomechanics.
A properly designed mouthpiece aligns the jaw, reduces stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and improves oxygen flow, which is essential for endurance and power. Thinner mouthpieces simply do not provide the necessary structural support to achieve these advantages.
Why “Bulk” is a Feature, Not a Flaw
Our competitors love to call our mouthpiece “bulky.” That’s because we build our product for real results—not marketing gimmicks.
A performance mouthpiece isn’t meant to disappear—it’s meant to perform. Just like a weightlifting belt or knee wraps, it’s there to enhance what your body can do, not to look invisible.
Think of it this way:
💪 Would you wear a thinner lifting belt for support?
🏈 Would football players trade thick helmets for thin ones?
🦷 Would a dentist recommend a thinner night guard for teeth grinding?
Of course not. Because protection, performance, and support require the right structure.
The Misconception of “Comfort”
Many brands market their thinner mouthpieces as being “more comfortable.” But true comfort doesn’t come from less material—it comes from better design.
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A well-designed performance mouthpiece fits snugly and securely, ensuring comfort without sacrificing function.
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Proper thickness provides optimal cushioning, reducing jaw stress and tension during exertion.
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Unlike thin alternatives, a well-structured mouthpiece stays in place without constant biting or adjustments.
What’s the Point of a Mouthpiece That Doesn’t Work?
Some brands claim thinner is “more comfortable” or “less noticeable.” But what’s the point of a performance mouthpiece if it doesn’t actually improve performance?
A mouthpiece that’s too thin:
❌ Doesn’t provide enough jaw separation for alignment benefits
❌ Doesn’t reduce clenching or tension effectively
❌ Doesn’t maximize strength and power output
❌ Becomes just a basic mouthguard—not a performance tool
Real-World Performance: What Athletes Say
We asked professional athletes, lifters, and combat sports enthusiasts to put our mouthpiece to the test. Here’s what they had to say:
🗣 “I used to wear a thinner mouthpiece, but I always found myself clenching my jaw harder than I should. When I switched to a thicker performance mouthpiece, my lifts improved, and I felt less fatigue.” – James R., Powerlifter
🗣 “In boxing, protecting your jaw is key. A thinner mouthpiece just doesn’t cut it. The added thickness helps absorb impact and keeps my jaw in the optimal position.” – Alex M., Boxer
🗣 “During HIIT workouts, breathing is everything. A well-structured mouthpiece doesn’t just protect my teeth—it actually makes it easier to breathe properly under exertion.” – Sarah L., CrossFit Athlete
The Science of Jaw Positioning and Athletic Performance
Beyond anecdotal evidence, numerous studies have shown that proper jaw alignment enhances sports performance.
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A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that athletes who used properly designed mouthpieces experienced a 4-8% increase in strength output due to improved jaw stability.
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Another study from the American Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that mouthpieces that maintain optimal jaw positioning reduce cortisol levels, meaning less stress and fatigue during performance.
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Research on oxygen efficiency has shown that proper jaw spacing improves airway flow, leading to better endurance and recovery.
Thin mouthpieces fail to provide these benefits, making them a poor choice for serious athletes.
The Bottom Line: Size Matters
At the end of the day, a performance mouthpiece should be designed for results, not just aesthetics. If you want real benefits, you need proper thickness and structure—which is exactly why we build ours the way we do.
So when you see competitors claiming their mouthpiece is “thinner,” remember this:
🔹 Thinner doesn’t work.
🔹 Thin won’t win.
🔹 Bulk = Strength. Thin = Compromise.
Choosing the Right Mouthpiece for Your Needs
Not all mouthpieces are created equal. Here’s what to look for when choosing a performance mouthpiece:
| Feature | Thin Mouthpieces | Thick Performance Mouthpieces |
|---|---|---|
| Jaw Separation | Minimal | 3.5mm+ for optimal alignment |
| Strength & Power | No measurable benefits | Increased neuromuscular response |
| Clenching Reduction | Limited effectiveness | Proper spacing reduces tension |
| Endurance Support | No breathing benefits | Improved oxygen flow |
| Impact Protection | Lower protection | Better shock absorption |
If you’re serious about power, protection, and performance, don’t settle for a gimmick. Choose a mouthpiece that actually works.