Is a Custom Mouthguard for Sport Worth It?
How a well-fitted guard protects your teeth, gums and smile on the field
Whether you play footy, AFL, basketball, netball, hockey or touch, a knock to the face can happen in a split second. A mouthguard is one of the simplest pieces of protective gear you can wear — yet many players wonder whether it's really necessary, or whether a cheap over-the-counter option is good enough.
The short answer is that a mouthguard is well worth wearing. The better question is which type suits you, how it should fit, and how often it needs replacing. Choosing the right guard can make a real difference to comfort, protection and how often you actually keep it in.
At My Dental Home, we fit custom sports mouthguards for players and families across Underwood, Rochedale, Springwood, Slacks Creek, Daisy Hill and Eight Mile Plains.
What Does a Mouthguard Protect?
A mouthguard cushions the teeth and jaw from direct impact. A well-fitted guard can help reduce the risk of injuries such as:
- Chipped, cracked or broken teeth
- Knocked-out or loosened teeth
- Injury to the lips, cheeks and tongue
- Damage to braces or other orthodontic appliances
- Impact to the jaw joint from a knock to the chin
- Concussion risk from a direct blow to the jaw
Replacing a damaged tooth or repairing orthodontic work can be far more costly — and time-consuming — than wearing a guard from the start.
Custom vs Over-the-Counter: What's the Difference?
Both types can help, but they protect very differently. The main differences come down to fit, comfort and consistency.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguard
- Made from an impression or scan of your own teeth
- Stays firmly in place when you speak or breathe heavily
- Even thickness cushions the impact across the mouth
- Comfortable enough to wear for a whole game
- Can include extra protection for braces
Boil-and-Bite or Stock Mouthguard
- Easy and cheap to buy from a sports store
- Good as a short-term option or spare in the bag
- Formed at home, so the fit may be loose or uneven
- Can slip when you open your mouth or take a hit
- Thinner patches offer less cushioning at impact
- Often uncomfortable, so players take it out
- Needs to be replaced when it wears or changes shape
Because a custom guard is shaped around your teeth, it's more likely to stay in place during a game and gives consistent protection where it matters.
How Does a Custom Mouthguard Get Made?
A custom guard is made in a few easy steps, and the whole process is quick.
Book a Mouthguard Appointment
Simply let our team know you'd like a sports mouthguard when you book. It's a short, comfortable visit.
Impressions of Your Teeth
We take an impression of your upper teeth to capture the exact shape of your mouth — or use a digital scan where suitable.
Your Guard Is Made to Fit
The guard is manufactured around your impression, giving even thickness and a snug fit that suits your bite.
Try It On and Collect
We check the fit, comfort and breathing, and adjust if needed so you're ready to wear it with confidence.
Playing Sport While Wearing Braces?
If you or your child wear braces or clear aligners, a mouthguard is especially important. A knock to the mouth while wearing braces can damage the brackets and wires, which may affect treatment and cause cuts or swelling to the lips and cheeks.
Specially designed braces-friendly mouthguards can be fitted around the appliances. Our team can advise on the best option — read more about orthodontic braces in Underwood if you're considering treatment.
How Should You Care for Your Mouthguard?
Looking after your guard keeps it hygienic and helps it last longer. Simple habits include:
- Rinse it after every use and store it in its case
- Clean it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap
- Keep it out of hot water, direct sunlight and hot cars
- Don't chew or gnaw on it during breaks in play
- Bring it to your dental check-up to check the fit
- Replace it if it becomes worn, damaged or too loose
Growing children and teenagers often need a new guard as their jaw and teeth change. For a detailed routine, read our guide on how to clean a night guard without damaging it.
Local Dental Support in Underwood
At My Dental Home, we support patients across:
Whether you need a mouthguard for footy season or a single game, our team can help you and your family protect your smiles. You can also read more about our sports mouthguards in Underwood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most mouthguards last around one to two seasons, depending on how often you play. Replace it sooner if it's worn, torn, discoloured or loose — and children usually need a new one as their mouth grows.
A boil-and-bite guard is better than nothing and can work as a spare, but it usually won't fit as closely as a custom guard and may slip during play.
Any sport with a risk of contact to the face is worth considering — including AFL, rugby league, basketball, netball, soccer, hockey and martial arts.
Yes. Specially designed braces-friendly mouthguards protect both your teeth and your orthodontic appliances. Our team can recommend the right option for you.
A custom guard is made from an impression or scan of your teeth, which gives a much closer and more comfortable fit than a guard you shape yourself at home.
Need a Mouthguard Appointment?
Our friendly team can fit a custom guard for you or your family before the next season.