Custom Mouthguards: Why It’s Worth Going the Extra Mile
Most people looking for a custom mouthguard are trying to prevent damage they’ve either already experienced — or been warned about.
Sometimes it’s a child starting sport.
Sometimes it’s a cracked filling from night grinding.
The type of custom mouthguards you need depends entirely on what your teeth are being exposed to: impact or pressure.
At Gentle Dental Centre, our approach is always prevention first. Many dental injuries and wear patterns are gradual and silent, and by the time they become painful they are often more complex to repair. Properly fitted custom mouthguards allow us to protect teeth early, comfortably and without invasive treatment later.
There is no judgement if damage has already occurred. Our role is simply to stabilise the situation and prevent it from getting worse.
Research consistently shows dental trauma is one of the most common preventable facial injuries in sport, and protective appliances significantly reduce severity of injury.
Sports injuries are one of the leading causes of dental trauma in children and young adults. Studies estimate athletes are up to 60 times more likely to suffer dental injury when not wearing protection.
A professionally made custom mouthguard acts as a shock absorber, spreading force across multiple teeth instead of concentrating it onto one point.
Why Choose Custom Mouthguards for Sport?
Unlike store-bought guards, a custom made mouth guard:
- Stays securely in place
- Allows breathing and communication
- Protects lips, cheeks and tongue
- Reduces risk of tooth fracture or tooth loss
- Is tailored to your sport and level of contact
Boil-and-bite guards frequently loosen or thin after use. When a mouthguard feels bulky, players often remove it — usually just before the impact occurs.
Well-fitting custom fit mouthguards are worn consistently, which is the most important factor in injury prevention.
Dental associations worldwide recommend dentist-made mouthguards as the most effective protection for contact sport participants.
Sports That Should Use Custom Mouthguards
We commonly provide custom mouthguards for:
- AFL and rugby
- Hockey
- Basketball and netball
- Martial arts and boxing
- Soccer (particularly juniors)
- Skateboarding and BMX
If a fall or collision is possible, protective custom mouthguards are recommended.
Not all custom mouthguards are designed for impact. Some are designed for pressure.
A night splint manages repetitive force created by clenching and grinding (bruxism), which affects an estimated 8–15% of adults during sleep
Many patients only realise they grind their teeth after noticing sensitivity or repeated breakage of fillings.
Signs You May Need a Night Splint
- Morning headaches
- Tight jaw muscles
- Tooth sensitivity
- Flattened teeth edges
- Cracked enamel
- Broken fillings or crowns
A custom mouthguard for grinding protects enamel and helps stabilise the jaw overnight.
Grinding is not caused by carelessness or habit. It is usually a sleep-related muscle activity, which is why many people are unaware they do it.
Bruxism is the repeated clenching or grinding of teeth, usually during sleep. Unlike a sports injury, the damage does not happen in one moment. It occurs slowly over months or years as pressure is applied to the same areas night after night.
During normal chewing, teeth contact briefly and lightly. During grinding, the muscles can generate forces several times stronger and hold them for much longer. Teeth are not designed for sustained pressure, which is why the wear is progressive.
Common early signs include:
- Morning jaw tightness
- Tension headaches
- Sensitivity to cold
- Small chips along the edges of teeth
- Flattening of biting surfaces
- Recurring fractures of fillings
Many patients are surprised to learn they grind because it happens during sleep. Often a partner hears the sound before the person feels symptoms themselves.
Why Grinding Damages Teeth
Enamel is extremely strong but thin at the edges. Repeated sideways pressure gradually shortens teeth and exposes the softer dentine underneath. Once dentine is exposed, teeth become sensitive and more prone to cracking.
Over time this can lead to:
- Fractured teeth
- Gum recession
- Shortened teeth
- Jaw joint strain
- Ongoing dental repairs
This type of damage is very common and not a sign of neglect or poor care. It is a muscle activity, not a habit you are choosing.
How Custom Mouthguards Help
A night splint is a type of custom mouthguard designed to stabilise the bite rather than absorb impact. It creates a protective barrier between teeth and spreads the load evenly across the jaw.
It does not stop the muscles from working entirely. Instead, it prevents that force from damaging enamel and dental work while reducing strain on the jaw joints.
Most tooth wear becomes manageable once protected. Starting protection earlier simply means less treatment is needed later.
Custom Mouthguards vs Night Splints
Both are professionally made custom mouthguards, but they are designed to manage completely different types of force.
A sports injury is a sudden, high-impact event.
Teeth grinding is a slow, repetitive pressure applied for hours at a time.
Because the forces behave differently, the appliances must also behave differently.
| Feature | Sports Mouthguard | Night Splint |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Absorb impact | Manage grinding pressure |
| Material | Shock absorbing layered material | Stabilising acrylic |
| Worn | During sport | During sleep |
| Protects against | Trauma injuries | Tooth wear and fractures |
Why They Are Not Interchangeable
A sports mouthguard is soft and flexible so it can cushion a blow. If worn at night, it often encourages chewing and can increase muscle activity rather than stabilise it.
A night splint is firm and precisely balanced to your bite. It protects teeth from grinding but is not thick enough to safely absorb a sporting collision.
Using the wrong appliance does not usually cause harm, but it does mean the teeth remain unprotected from the problem actually occurring.
Choosing the Right Custom Mouthguard
We determine which type of custom mouthguard you need by looking at wear patterns, muscle activity and lifestyle factors such as sport participation or jaw symptoms.
Sometimes patients require both – a sports mouthguard for activity and a night splint for sleep.
Our focus is not just providing an appliance, but making sure it is protecting against the specific forces affecting your teeth.
Most sports dental injuries do not happen during aggressive play. They happen unexpectedly — a collision during basketball, a fall from a skateboard, or accidental contact in a sport people consider low risk.
Many patients only start thinking about a custom mouthguard after the first chipped tooth, cut lip or emergency dental visit. The challenge is that teeth rarely break in a predictable way. Even a small impact can damage enamel or a filling if force is directed onto one point.
When Is a Custom Mouthguard Recommended?
A properly fitted custom mouthguard is recommended whenever there is potential for:
- Body contact
- Falls
- Fast-moving balls or equipment
- Elbows or accidental collisions
- Junior players still developing coordination
This includes sports not traditionally seen as contact sports. Netball, basketball and soccer are common causes of dental injury simply because of speed and proximity between players.
Children are particularly at risk because reactions and spatial awareness are still developing. A protective appliance reduces the chance that a normal sporting accident becomes a lifelong dental problem.
Why Early Protection Matters
Dental trauma is rarely a once-off event. A tooth that has been injured once is more vulnerable to future damage, even years later.
Protecting teeth early with custom mouthguards often prevents:
- Repeat fractures
- Nerve complications
- Colour changes in teeth
- Complex restorative treatment later in life
If an injury has already occurred, that is very common. Our focus is protecting the tooth moving forward, not on what should have been done earlier.
The goal of a sports mouthguard is simple — allow you or your child to participate confidently without worrying about avoidable dental injury.
How Long Do Custom Mouthguards Last?
The lifespan of custom mouthguards depends on how they are used and how much force they are exposed to.
Adult Sports Mouthguards
Most adult sports mouthguards last between 1 and 3 years.
Replacement may be needed sooner if:
- The mouthguard feels loose
- The material becomes thin or worn
- Cracks or tears develop
- A significant dental change occurs
High-contact sports and frequent training sessions can shorten lifespan. Regular checks ensure protection remains reliable.
Children’s Custom Mouthguards
Children’s teeth and jaws are constantly changing.
Because of growth and tooth eruption, custom mouthguards for children are usually reviewed yearly. Even if the appliance looks intact, it may no longer fit properly as the bite develops.
A loose guard offers less protection, so regular review is important during growth years.
Night Splints for Grinding
Night splints typically last 5 years, depending on grinding intensity.
Some patients exert significant pressure while sleeping. In these cases, wear patterns appear sooner and replacement may be required earlier.
We monitor:
- Bite stability
- Pressure points
- Material wear
- Jaw comfort
If a splint shows heavy wear, it often confirms that it is protecting the teeth from forces that would otherwise cause damage.
When Should a Custom Mouthguard Be Replaced?
You should book a review if you notice:
- Looseness
- Discomfort
- Changes in your bite
- Visible cracks
- Increased grinding symptoms
Replacing a worn appliance is far simpler and less costly than repairing damaged teeth.
Regular reviews ensure your custom mouthguards continue to provide effective protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
A custom mouthguard usually lasts about 3 years for adults. Children often need replacement sooner because their teeth move as they grow. Night splints can last approximately 5 years depending on grinding strength. A review is recommended if the guard feels loose, worn or uncomfortable. Always bring your night splint or custom mouthguards to your annual dental check up so that the dentist can check it’s fit and bite.
How much better is a custom mouthguard?
A custom mouthguard protects teeth significantly better than store-bought options because it fits securely and spreads impact forces across multiple teeth. Boil-and-bite guards often move during impact, while custom mouthguards stay in place and reduce the risk of fractures and knocked-out teeth.
Will Medicare pay for a mouthguard?
Medicare does not cover custom mouthguards because they are considered dental appliances. However, most Australian private health funds provide rebates, particularly for children’s sports mouthguards. The rebate amount depends on your level of extras cover.
Why are dentist mouthguards more expensive?
Dentist-made mouthguards cost more because they are individually designed from a mould of your teeth and made using medical-grade materials. This precise fit improves comfort, breathing and protection, and helps prevent injuries that would otherwise require complex dental treatment.
How much do custom mouthguards cost?
Custom mouthguards typically start from around $180 and vary depending on thickness, layering and whether they are for sport or grinding. Many health funds provide rebates, making them far less expensive than repairing a damaged tooth.
Book Custom Mouthguards in Wanneroo
Whether you need protection for sport or sleep, properly fitted custom mouthguards help prevent avoidable dental damage before it becomes complex treatment.
At Gentle Dental Centre, our focus is calm, preventative care and clear guidance without judgement. We simply assess what is happening and help you protect your teeth moving forward.
If you’re unsure which type of custom mouthguard you need, we’re happy to talk it through and find the most appropriate option for you or your child.