Routine
Custom sports mouthguards, fitted to your bite.
Lab-made from a digital scan of your teeth — a precise, comfortable fit that stays put during play and gives meaningful protection compared to a generic boil-and-bite.
What a custom mouthguard does
A sports mouthguard sits over your upper teeth (and sometimes the lower) during contact sport — football, rugby, hockey, boxing, basketball, mountain biking, anything where a knock to the face is possible. Its job is to:
- Cushion impact to the teeth, reducing the chance of fracture or knock-out
- Spread force across multiple teeth so no single tooth takes the full hit
- Protect the soft tissues — lips, cheeks, tongue — from being cut by your own teeth
A custom mouthguard, made from a precise scan of your teeth, is meaningfully different from the boil-and-bite versions sold at pharmacies — it fits accurately, stays in without you clenching to hold it, and is comfortable enough to wear for a full game.
Who should wear one
Anyone playing contact or collision sport. Specifically:
- Children and teenagers — playing school or club football, rugby, hockey, soccer (some leagues mandate them), martial arts, mountain biking. Their adult teeth are still settling and an injury at this age can lead to decades of complex restorative work.
- Adults in social or competitive sport — touch footy, basketball, boxing, masters-grade leagues. Adult teeth don't grow back; a custom guard is cheap insurance against the alternative.
- Patients with veneers, crowns, bridges or implants — your restorations are durable but a direct hit can damage them. A custom mouthguard is strongly recommended if you're still active.
What to expect
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Visit 1
Scan and colour choice. We take a digital scan of your upper teeth (or an impression if you prefer) — quick and comfortable, no gooey impression trays needed. We discuss colour and design (single colour, team colours, custom branding). Lab takes around 2 weeks.
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Visit 2
Fit. The finished mouthguard is fitted, we check it doesn't pinch or rock, you try it in for comfort and ease of breathing. We adjust if needed and walk through care instructions before you leave.
Common questions
Why pay for a custom mouthguard when a boil-and-bite is so much cheaper?
Boil-and-bite mouthguards work — for a while, on a tooth-shape they were never specifically made for. The fit is approximate; they often slip during play (requiring you to clench to hold them in, which is its own problem), they're usually bulkier (harder to breathe through), and they wear faster. A custom guard fits accurately, stays in place hands-free, is more comfortable, and lasts longer. If you're playing more than occasional social sport — or your teeth are too valuable to gamble — a custom one is worth the difference. If you're playing once-a-year touch footy, a boil-and-bite is probably enough.
How long do custom mouthguards last?
For adults with stable teeth, a custom mouthguard typically lasts 2–3 years of regular use before wear or fit issues warrant replacement. For growing kids the answer is different — as their adult teeth come in and their jaw shape changes, the guard may need replacing every 1–2 years to maintain fit. We'll let you know when fit changes are starting at your dental check-ups.
How do I clean and care for it?
Rinse with cold water after each use, brush gently with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste, dry thoroughly, and store in the ventilated case it comes with. Don't leave it in a hot car or expose it to hot water — heat warps the material and ruins the fit. Inspect for cracks or wear every few months; if you notice changes, bring it in.
What if my child's teeth are still coming through?
Custom mouthguards can be made even when some adult teeth are still erupting — we leave space for the incoming teeth so the guard remains comfortable as they come through. The trade-off is shorter usable life (12–18 months in active growth periods) but better protection than the alternative of going without while waiting.
Can I have one made if I wear braces or aligners?
If you're in fixed braces with another clinic (we offer Spark aligners only — not fixed braces), we can make an orthodontic mouthguard designed to accommodate brackets and wires; fit may change quickly as teeth move. For Spark clear aligners patients: aligners alone don't provide impact protection (they're not designed for it), so a separate custom mouthguard is recommended if you're playing contact sport. We can plan around your aligner schedule.
Will my health fund cover it?
Most extras policies rebate part of a custom mouthguard under preventive or major dental cover. The portion covered depends on your fund and level of cover. We claim through HICAPS at the chair so you only pay the gap. See Payment options.
Cost & funding
HICAPS on the spot. Most extras policies rebate part of a custom mouthguard. We claim at the chair — you only pay the gap. Full detail on Payment options.
Related services
Need a sports mouthguard?
Scan, fit, choose your colour. Most fittings finish in 2 visits over 2 weeks. Book online or call to chat first.