Is it better to have dentist make mouthguard or to buy and make your own?

It depends...: If the intent of the mouthguard is to protect your teeth during contact sports, a store-bought mouthguard will suffice. However, if the intent is to treat "bruxism" (a jaw clenching/tooth grinding habit) or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, a professionally made appliance is mandatory. Over the counter boil-and-bite products can do more harm than good, and shouldn't be used for this purpose.

Mouth guard : Definitely one fabricated by the dentist is better quality, more durable, custom fitted and the bite is balanced.

Dentist: There are many types of mouthguards for grinding and clenching. Over the counter ones actually may be too thick and throw the muscles into more spasms. Dentists can make custom made, well fitting mouthguards, either upper or lower (i like the lower ones.) the guards can be made of soft plastic or hard acrylic...Depends on severity of grinding. For daytime clenching, other types are indicated.