Dental Services

Custom-Made Mouthguards

There are always risks with any sport. With custom-made mouthguards, losing your teeth doesn’t have to be one of them.

Accidents happen – especially during contact sports games. Custom-made mouthguards are the most effective way you can protect your mouth and teeth while playing sports. They reduce your chance of sustaining an oral injury by around 90% and help prevent painful accidents or damage.

Off-the-shelf mouthguards don’t offer the same amount of protection as a properly fitted custom-made mouthguard. Custom-made mouthguards can protect your teeth and jaw from direct impact and prevent injury on the sports field.

What are custom made mouthguards?

Custom-made mouthguards are worn to protect your teeth and prevent injury while playing sports. Injuries sustained playing sport, are the number one reason for people damaging their teeth. We can fit you with a custom-made mouthguard so that you and your teeth are better protected every time you head out to play.

It’s essential that your mouthguard fits well to provide the best protection possible. It should be thick in the correct areas, resilient, and comfortable to wear. It shouldn't interfere with your speaking and breathing.

How do custom-made mouthguards work?

Custom-made mouthguards are designed to protect your mouth from injury when playing sports. They are custom-made to fit your mouth providing the best protection for you during sports or exercise. Because they’re an exact fit they lessen the impact when balls, elbows, knees, or something else, make contact with your teeth and jaw.

Lumino Dentist Anna Walker 4

Need to know

Appointments

  • At least 2 appointments
  • At the first consultation visit your dentist will listen to your needs, examine your teeth, and usually take records of your mouth
  • You would usually have your new mouthguard fitted at your next appointment
  • Further appointments may be needed to check on the fit

How long it takes

  • The consultation will usually take around 30 to 60 minutes
  • The fitting of the mouthguard will usually take around 30 minutes

You may be asked about

  • Your dental history and medical history
  • The type of sport or fitness you play

Before your appointment

  • No special preparation needed

After your appointment

  • You will need to follow the care instructions recommended by your dentist

Quick tip 

The New Zealand Dental Association recommends a good mouthguard should be of sufficient thickness in the correct areas, resilient, well retained, comfortable and shouldn't interfere with your speaking and breathing.

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Have questions?

The price of a custom-made mouthguard will vary depending on the individual and their needs because every mouth is unique. Your dentist will give you an indication of the cost at your consultation appointment.

Custom-made mouthguards are painless and are designed to protect your mouth from damage and pain when you play sports. People may experience some discomfort when they first start wearing their mouthguard but this will go away once they get used to wearing it.

Custom mouthguards normally last between 1 to 5 years, depending on how often they’re used, how well they’re cared for, and whether you experience changes in your teeth or jaw. People who grind their teeth at night may need replacements more frequently due to wear and tear. Regular checkups with your dentist can help determine when it’s time to replace your mouthguard to ensure it continues to fit properly and offer proper protection.

Custom-made mouthguards are proven to be very effective at protecting your mouth while playing sports. In New Zealand custom-made mouthguards can reduce your chance of oral injury by up to 90%.

Mouthguards usually cover the top teeth because they’re more exposed and at greater risk during impact. This design offers effective protection while staying comfortable and allowing easier breathing and speaking. In some cases a bottom guard may also be needed, such as with braces.