Play safer with custom mouthguards
Every season, athletes gamble with store-bought mouthguards that promise “universal fit” but deliver a universal compromise. These generic guards are like wearing someone else’s helmet—they might look the part, but too often they miss the mark. When that bone-crushing hit comes, the difference between a custom-fitted mouthguard and a generic one isn’t just about comfort. It’s about the difference between returning to the game and spending your season recovering from dental injuries.
What are custom mouthguards?
Precisely crafted to fit your teeth and gums, custom mouthguards are professionally designed devices that deliver the ultimate oral protection for contact sports. These specialised oral appliances are created using exact measurements of your teeth and mouth, captured through either traditional dental impressions or digital 3D scans at a dental office.
The fabrication process combines multiple layers of high-grade, impact-resistant materials to create a guard that matches your exact dental anatomy. Each guard is specifically engineered to provide optimal coverage of the teeth, gums, and supporting oral structures while maintaining proper thickness in key impact zones.
Unlike generic mouthguards, custom guards are designed to account for specific dental features, such as:
- Individual tooth position and alignment
- Jaw structure and bite pattern
- Presence of dental work or orthodontic appliances
- Specific sports requirements and positions played
This precision fitting and manufacturing process results in a protective device that provides superior impact distribution, secure retention, and consistent coverage during athletic activity.
Why they beat store-bought guards
When you compare custom mouthguards to their off-the-shelf counterparts, three key differences stand out:
Fits like a glove, not a mismatched shoe
Wearing a store-bought mouthguard feels like wearing a shoe that doesn’t quite fit. The boil-and-bite method might get you close, but it’s never quite right. Custom mouthguards, however, are a game-changer—crafted from an exact model of your teeth for a perfect fit. No more fidgeting, gagging, or annoying adjustments—just seamless protection and comfort while you play your best.
Serious protection when it counts
A custom guard does more than just cover up your teeth—it’s engineered to be your mouth’s personal bodyguard. When you take a hit, the guard’s precise fit helps spread the force across your entire mouth rather than concentrating it in one spot. Store-bought guards can’t match this level of protection because they’re designed for the average mouth—and let’s face it, there’s no such thing as an average mouth.
Built to last
While store-bought guards might deteriorate after a few intense games, custom mouthguards are built for the long haul. They’re crafted from premium materials that maintain their shape and protective properties season after season. Sure, they cost more upfront, but they’re an investment in your safety and your wallet, outlasting multiple store-bought guards.
Winning benefits of custom mouthguards
Your teeth’s best defence
Every tackle, jump, and collision puts your smile on the line. Custom mouthguards, however, act as shock absorbers—distributing the force of impact evenly across your teeth and jaw, rather than letting one tooth take the brunt. It’s like landing on soft memory foam versus unforgiving concrete. With their precise fit, custom mouthguards can mean the difference between walking off the field with a smile or heading straight for costly dental repairs.
Protecting the soft spots
Your teeth aren’t the only concern in contact sports. Those same impacts that threaten your teeth can turn your own sharp chompers into weapons against your lips, cheeks, and tongue. Custom guards create a perfectly contoured barrier that keeps everything where it should be, so you can focus on your game instead of worrying about painful cuts and bruises.
Breathe easy, play hard
Have you ever tried sprinting at full speed with what feels like a boxing glove stuffed in your mouth? That’s the reality of many store-bought mouthguards. Custom guards are strategically designed to be slim where possible and protective where necessary. This means you can call plays, communicate with teammates, and most importantly, get the air you need when you’re giving it your all.
Extra defence against concussions
While no piece of equipment can guarantee concussion prevention, research shows that custom mouthguards play a crucial role in your brain’s safety system. By stabilising your jaw and absorbing shock more effectively than standard guards, they help create a more complete shield for your head and neck.
Smart money in the long game
Sure, custom mouthguards cost more upfront—but compare that to the alternative. A single knocked-out tooth can cost thousands in dental work, not to mention the pain and time spent in the dentist’s chair. Think of your custom guard as an insurance policy for your smile, one that actually makes you perform better while it protects you.
Why every athlete needs a custom mouthguard
Growing champions need growing protection
Young athletes are more than just kids on the field—they’re future champions with growing bodies and developing smiles that need extra care. While a teenager’s determination might be unstoppable, their growing teeth and jaw bones are particularly vulnerable to injury. A custom mouthguard does more than just protect—it’s carefully designed to accommodate their changing smile, ensuring that today’s game doesn’t compromise tomorrow’s development. Think of it as a safety net that grows with your young athlete, protecting their teeth and their confidence to play all out.
Veteran players, fresh protection
You might think experience in the game guarantees safety on the field, but have you seen the hits even professional sportspeople take? Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned pro, your smile faces significant risks whenever you play. Split-second moments can change everything, emphasising the importance of safeguarding your oral health. A custom mouthguard becomes your trusted teammate, letting you focus on making plays instead of playing it safe. After all, the best athletes aren’t the ones who avoid risks; they’re the ones who prepare for them intelligently.
How we create your custom mouthguard
1. Initial dental assessment
Your teeth alignment, jaw structure, and specific oral features will be evaluated in your dental examination at the start of the process. This detailed assessment helps determine the optimal design and specifications for your mouthguard, accounting for both your protection needs and natural mouth movement patterns.
2. Digital or traditional impressions
Your teeth alignment, jaw structure, and specific oral features will be evaluated in your dental examination at the start of the process. This detailed assessment helps determine the optimal design and specifications for your mouthguard, accounting for both your protection needs and natural mouth movement patterns.
3. Laboratory fabrication
A specialised dental laboratory constructs your mouthguard using high-grade, impact-resistant materials. The fabrication process follows your dental impressions exactly, incorporating specific thickness and coverage requirements based on your initial assessment. Multiple layers of material are precisely moulded and fused to create optimal protection and comfort.
4. Final fitting and adjustments
Verifying the mouthguard’s fit, your dentist will check bite alignment, coverage, and comfort. Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure proper positioning and protection. The fitting process confirms that the mouthguard stays securely in place during activity while allowing normal breathing and speaking.
What everyone’s asking about sports mouthguards
Is this really worth my money?
Think of it this way: You wouldn’t want a cheap helmet if you were riding a motorcycle, right? Your smile is worth the investment. While the initial cost might make you pause, consider this: one knocked-out tooth can cost up to 20 times more than a custom guard, not to mention the pain. Plus, you can’t put a price on the confidence of knowing you’re wearing the best protection available.
What about my braces?
Good news—braces are no problem! In fact, custom guards are especially valuable for athletes with braces. They’re designed to work with your orthodontic setup, providing a buffer zone that protects both your teeth and your investment in orthodontic treatment. Think of it as a protective bubble for your braces and your oral anatomy.
How long will it last?
With proper care, your guard can be your trusted teammate for several seasons. But here’s the key: treat it like the valuable piece of equipment it is. Clean it regularly, store it properly, and have your dentist check it during your regular visits. Like any good relationship, a little care goes a long way.
Make the smart play—protect your smile
With the best defence in place, you can step onto the field knowing you’re fully equipped to stay safe and perform at your best.
Plan to win, play to win
Don’t wait for a close call before you make the right choice. Talk to your dentist about creating your custom mouthguard today. After all, the best plays are the ones you plan ahead for. And the best protection? The kind that’s crafted just for you.
Ready to up your game? Schedule your consultation and join the growing number of athletes who play smarter, safer, and with total confidence in their custom mouthguard. Your future self will thank you for making the call.