A custom-fitted sports mouthguard is one of the most cost-effective pieces of protective equipment you can buy. The difference between a custom mouthguard and an off-the-shelf “boil and bite” version is significant, and so is the difference between wearing one and not wearing one at all. At Dentist Pymble, we make custom mouthguards for children and adults across the Ku-ring-gai region as part of our preventative dentistry service. This page covers why a custom mouthguard matters, the difference vs boil-and-bite, which sports need one, how it is made, what it costs, and how to look after it.

Why a custom mouthguard matters

The numbers tell the story. Custom-fitted mouthguards reduce the risk of dental injury during sport by up to 60-80% compared with no protection. The risk of concussion is also reduced. The cost of a custom mouthguard is a few hundred dollars. The cost of a single knocked-out tooth — including the emergency visit, the root canal, the crown, and potentially the implant years later — is several thousand dollars and many hours in the dental chair.

For children and adults who play any sport with a meaningful risk of contact (whether to the ball, the ground, another player, or a piece of equipment), a custom mouthguard is one of the most useful investments you can make. It is also one of the cheapest, particularly compared with the cost of other protective gear in some sports.

Custom mouthguard vs boil-and-bite

The two main options:

• Custom-fitted mouthguard — made by a dentist from an impression or digital scan of your teeth. Fabricated in a dental lab from a high-quality material, with multiple layers for impact absorption. Fits precisely, stays in place during impact, allows easy breathing and speaking, and is significantly more comfortable than a boil-and-bite.
• Boil-and-bite mouthguard — bought from a pharmacy or sports store, softened in hot water, and bitten into shape. Cheaper and more convenient, but fits less precisely, stays in place less reliably, and provides less cushioning. The Australian Dental Association’s position is that they are better than nothing but significantly less protective than a custom-fitted mouthguard.

For most children and adults playing organised sport, the custom mouthguard is the right answer. The cost difference is modest, the comfort difference is significant, and the protection difference is meaningful.

What sports need a mouthguard?

The Australian Dental Association recommends custom-fitted mouthguards for all sports with a meaningful risk of contact. This includes:

• Contact sports — rugby, AFL, rugby league, hockey, boxing, martial arts, wrestling
• Limited-contact sports with high ball or stick speed — cricket, baseball, basketball, netball, soccer, water polo, lacrosse
• High-speed individual sports — cycling, skateboarding, roller derby, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, motor sports
• Court and field sports — tennis, squash, badminton, volleyball (particularly competitive adult play)

For younger children in particular, the recommendation is broader rather than narrower. Children fall more, have less controlled coordination, and are more likely to be hit in the face by an errant ball or piece of equipment. A custom mouthguard is a small investment for a lot of protection.

How is a custom mouthguard made?

The process is straightforward and takes about 30 minutes across one or two appointments:

1. Impression or scan — an impression of the upper teeth is taken using a soft putty, or a digital scan is done with an intraoral scanner. Both are quick and not uncomfortable.
2. Lab fabrication — the impression or scan is sent to a dental lab, where the mouthguard is fabricated from multiple layers of high-quality material. The lab takes a few days to a week.
3. Fitting — the finished mouthguard is fitted at a short follow-up appointment. The dentist checks the fit, the bite, the edges, and the overall comfort, and makes any adjustments needed.
4. Care instructions — the dentist explains how to look after the mouthguard, when to replace it, and what to do if it gets damaged.

The mouthguard is usually ready within a week of the impression. For children in seasonal sports, we recommend fitting it 2-3 weeks before the season starts to allow time for any adjustments.

How much do custom mouthguards cost in Pymble?

The cost depends on the type of mouthguard and the material used. A standard single-layer mouthguard is at the lower end. A multi-layer mouthguard with reinforced areas (for high-impact sports) is at the higher end. We will always provide a written quote before any work is done. Many private health funds cover part of the cost under their preventative dental or major dental benefits, and our team can run a health-fund check on the day.

Looking after your mouthguard

The basics are simple:

• Rinse after each use — cold water, no toothpaste (which is too abrasive)
• Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap — occasionally, not every time
• Store in a ventilated case — the case should allow air circulation so the mouthguard can dry between uses
• Keep away from heat — don’t leave it in the car on a hot day, don’t wash it in hot water, don’t put it in the dishwasher. Heat warps the material and ruins the fit.
• Replace when worn or after growth — for children, every 1-2 seasons as the mouth grows. For adults, every 2-3 years, or sooner if the mouthguard is showing wear.
• Bring it to the check-up — the dentist will check the fit and condition at the recall visit and tell you when it needs replacing.

If you live in Pymble, Gordon, Turramurra, Wahroonga or anywhere else in the Ku-ring-gai area and you (or your child) play sport and need a custom mouthguard, call our practice. We see neighbouring Gordon patients and other nearby families, and the appointment is quick and straightforward.

Frequently asked questions

Is a custom mouthguard really that much better than a boil-and-bite? Yes. The fit, the comfort, the protection, and the durability are all meaningfully better with a custom mouthguard. The cost difference is modest, particularly when weighed against the cost of a dental injury.

How long does a custom mouthguard last? For children, 1-2 seasons (12-24 months), as the mouth grows and the bite changes. For adults, 2-3 years, or longer with careful use. The dentist will check the fit at the recall visit and tell you when it needs replacing.

Can I use a custom mouthguard with braces? Yes, but it needs to be specifically designed to fit over the brackets and wires. We can make a custom mouthguard that accommodates braces, and we usually recommend a new one is made after each orthodontic adjustment to ensure the fit is right.

Does my child need a new mouthguard every season? Not necessarily, but the fit changes as the mouth grows. Most children need a new one every 1-2 seasons. The dentist will check the fit at the recall visit and recommend replacement if the mouthguard is too tight, too loose, or showing wear.

What if my mouthguard gets damaged? Bring it to the dentist. A small chip or crack can sometimes be repaired. A mouthguard that has been bitten through, warped, or significantly worn needs to be replaced. The cost of replacement is much less than the cost of a dental injury.