Summer sport is starting up again across Hocking, Wanneroo and the rest of Perth's northern suburbs. Whether it's cricket, hockey, netball or touch footy, now is a good time to think about what's protecting your teeth. A custom mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to look after your smile while you play, and at Hocking Dental Care we're often asked how one is actually made, and whether it's really that different from the one you can grab off a shelf.
This post walks through how a dentist-made mouthguard comes together, how it compares to a boil-and-bite guard, and what to think about before you choose one for the season ahead.
What is a custom mouthguard?
A custom mouthguard is made just for your mouth, using a mould or impression of your teeth. Rather than softening a generic shape in hot water and biting down on it, the guard is built around the actual shape of your teeth and gums.
This matters because everyone's mouth is a slightly different shape. A guard built from your own impression sits against your teeth the way it's meant to, rather than relying on you pressing it into roughly the right spot at home.
How a dentist-made mouthguard is actually made
The process is straightforward and doesn't take long in the chair. Here's what to expect if you book a custom mouthguard with our team.
- We take an impression (a mould) of your teeth, usually the upper arch, during a regular appointment.
- That mould is sent off so the guard can be built to match the exact shape of your teeth and bite.
- The finished guard is fitted and checked in your mouth, with any small adjustments made so it sits comfortably.
Because the whole thing is built from your own impression, the guard can be made thicker over the areas most likely to take a knock, and thinner elsewhere so it doesn't feel bulky. That's something a one-size-fits-all guard simply can't do. If you'd like to book this in before the season gets going, you can see more on our mouthguards page.
Custom mouthguard vs boil and bite: what's the real difference?
Fit
A boil-and-bite guard is softened in hot water, then you bite into it to shape it roughly to your front teeth. It's a rough fit at best, and the back teeth are often left poorly covered. A custom mouthguard is built from an impression of your whole arch, so it sits snugly over each tooth rather than shifting around when you're active.
Thickness
Boil-and-bite guards tend to come in one uniform thickness everywhere, and the material can thin out further in the spots where you bite down hardest to mould it. A custom guard can be built with extra thickness where it's needed most, while staying slimmer elsewhere so it's easier to wear.
Comfort and speech
A loose or bulky guard can make it hard to breathe normally or talk to your teammates. Because a custom guard follows the shape of your own mouth, there's generally less bulk at the back, which can make breathing and talking a little easier during a game.
Does a mouthguard stop every injury?
No mouthguard, custom or otherwise, can promise to prevent every possible injury. A mouthguard custom made by a dentist will provide the most protection for the teeth and mouth, and wearing one during both training and games gives your teeth and jaw a reasonable layer of protection against knocks that are common in contact and ball sports. Sports mouthguards work by absorbing and spreading the impact of a knock to the face, which may otherwise cause an injury to your mouth or jaws. It's one sensible precaution among several, not a guarantee against harm.
Custom mouthguard cost: what affects the price
We don't publish set prices online because the cost of a custom mouthguard depends on a few things, including the type of material used and your individual bite. What we can tell you is that before any treatment starts, our team gives you a written estimate with item numbers, so you know what you're paying for and can check it against your health fund.
If you're with HBF, Medibank, HCF, nib or Bupa, we're a preferred provider, which usually means a smaller out-of-pocket gap rather than the full cost. We use HICAPS, so claims with these funds can be processed on the spot at your appointment. If you're with a different fund, you can still claim, it just won't be processed in the same way. It's always worth checking your extras cover and remaining limit before you book, particularly with most extras limits resetting on 31 December for many funds, though it's worth checking your own fund's reset date.
Custom mouthguards in Australia: who should wear one
Mouthguards aren't just for adult contact sport. Kids playing netball, hockey, footy or martial arts can benefit just as much, and growing mouths often need their guard checked and replaced more often than an adult's. At Hocking Dental Care we see every age, from a child's first check-up through to grandparents needing dentures, so a mouthguard fitting can easily be booked alongside a regular family check-up. Have a look at our family dentistry page if you're thinking about booking the whole family in together.
If you're nervous about dental visits, you're not alone, and it's easy to let our team know. There's a box on our booking form for this, and we'll take extra time, explain what we're doing as we go, and you're always welcome to ask us to stop.
Getting fitted before the season starts
Once you've decided a custom mouthguard is right for you or your child, it's worth getting in early rather than waiting until the first game. Making the mould takes one appointment, and because we book enough time for each visit, nothing feels rushed. If you're new to our practice, our new patients page has what you need to know before your first visit, including what to expect when you arrive.
During your fitting, we'll also show you what we're looking at. An intraoral camera puts a picture of your tooth up on the screen beside the chair, so you can see exactly what we see before we go ahead with anything.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
With reasonable care, a custom mouthguard can last more than one season for an adult. For children and teenagers whose mouths are still growing, it's worth having the fit checked regularly, since a guard can be outgrown well before it wears out.
Can I use a boil-and-bite guard instead?
You can, and it's better than wearing no guard at all. But a boil-and-bite guard is an approximate fit, tends to be the same thickness all over, and can feel bulky or loose during play, which is why a custom-made guard is generally the more comfortable and better-fitting option.
Do kids need a different mouthguard to adults?
Children's mouths change shape as their adult teeth come through, so their mouthguard may need replacing more often than an adult's. It's worth having a dentist check the fit each season rather than assuming last year's guard still fits properly.
Can a mouthguard help with teeth grinding as well as sport?
Mouthguards for grinding are a different type of guard to a sports mouthguard, though both start with an impression of your teeth. If you grind your teeth at night as well as playing sport, it's worth mentioning both to our team so we can talk through what's suitable.
What if my mouthguard doesn't fit well anymore?
If a mouthguard feels loose, pinches, or no longer sits comfortably, it's time to have it checked rather than keep wearing it as is. A poor fit reduces how well it can do its job during a game or training session.
If summer sport is back on the calendar, now's a sensible time to sort out a custom mouthguard rather than leaving it until the first match. Give Hocking Dental Care a call on (08) 9306 2755 or choose a time online to get yourself or the kids fitted before the season gets underway.