As Australia’s local Dentist, Pacific Smiles Dental has over 110 centres to allow convenient access to the dental services you need.
Published on February 1, 2026.
Last reviewed on February 10, 2026
by Pacific Smiles Dental.
Custom Sports Mouthguards: The Best Protection for Teeth, Braces & Growing Smiles
As sporting seasons kick off again, it’s time to check more than just footy boots and jerseys — your mouthguard is just as important. Whether you’re playing sports like AFL, rugby, soccer, hockey or boxing, wearing the right mouthguard is essential for protecting your teeth, jaw and face from injury.
From children’s mouthguards through to braces and mouthguards, choosing a professionally fitted custom mouthguard provides the best protection, comfort and peace of mind.
Why Are Mouthguards Important for Sports?
A properly fitted mouthguard protects your teeth, gums, lips, cheeks and jaw by absorbing and dispersing the shock of impact during sport. Even accidental collisions, elbows or falls can cause serious dental trauma.
Dental injuries are among the most common facial injuries in contact sports. Yet, according to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), only 36% of children aged 5–17 wear a mouthguard when playing sport.
Wearing a mouthguard can help prevent:
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Broken or chipped teeth
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Knocked-out teeth
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Jaw fractures
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Soft tissue injuries (lips, cheeks and tongue)
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Concussion-related trauma
Protecting your teeth early can reduce long-term dental costs, time off school or work, and the need for emergency treatment by a doctor or dentist.
Who Should Wear a Mouthguard?
Mouthguards are recommended for any sport involving contact or risk of collision, including:
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AFL & Rugby League
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Soccer
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Hockey
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Basketball
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Martial Arts & Boxing
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Netball
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Skateboarding & BMX
They are especially important for:
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Children and teenagers
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Athletes wearing braces
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Adults playing high-impact sport
Custom Mouthguards vs Boil & Bite: What’s the Best Option?
| Feature | Custom Mouthguard | Boil & Bite Mouthguard |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Sports, children, adults, braces and orthodontic treatment | Occasional or low-impact sports |
| Advantages |
Maximum shock absorption and impact protection.
Precision fit for comfort, breathing and speech.
Designed to fit around braces and changing teeth.
|
Readily available and low initial cost.
Can be moulded at home.
|
| Disadvantages |
Higher upfront cost than over-the-counter options.
Requires a dental appointment for impressions.
|
Poor fit, bulky and uncomfortable.
Lower shock absorption and protection.
Often dislodges during play.
|
| Protection level | High – offers the best protection against dental trauma. | Low to moderate – limited protection. |
| Fit & Comfort | Excellent – custom-fitted by your dentist for optimal comfort. | Variable – often loose and uncomfortable. |
| Material | Durable, medical-grade thermoplastic material. | Standard thermoplastic. |
| Cost | Higher initial cost, but best long-term value. | Lower upfront cost, but often replaced frequently. |
Custom mouthguards are professionally made by your dentist, who takes an impression of your teeth to ensure a secure, comfortable fit. This offers far superior protection compared to over the counter options.
Boil and bite mouthguards, while cheaper, are often bulky, poorly fitting and uncomfortable, leading many athletes to remove them during play, leaving their teeth unprotected.
For maximum safety and comfort, a custom-fitted mouthguard is the best choice.
Braces and Mouthguards: What You Need to Know
If you or your child wears braces, wearing the right mouthguard is even more critical.
Custom mouthguards for braces:
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Protect both teeth and orthodontic appliances
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Reduce irritation and injury to lips and cheeks
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Allow room for tooth movement
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Improve comfort and fit during treatment
A dentist can design special braces-friendly mouthguards that adjust as teeth move, providing ongoing protection throughout orthodontic treatment.
Children’s Mouthguards: Protecting Growing Smiles
Children’s mouthguards should be checked regularly, especially during growth phases when:
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Baby teeth fall out
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Adult teeth erupt
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Jaw size changes
During these stages, children often require a new mouthguard every sporting season to ensure optimal fit and protection.
Your dentist can review your child’s mouthguard during their regular 6-monthly dental check-up.
Can Mouthguards Be Used at Night?
Some patients may require night mouthguards (also known as splints or night guards) for teeth grinding or jaw clenching. While sports mouthguards are not designed for night use, your dentist can provide a custom night guard if required.
Key Benefits of Custom Mouthguards
A professionally fitted custom mouthguard helps to:
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Absorb and distribute shock from impact
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Protect individual teeth
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Reduce risk of soft tissue injuries
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Improve breathing and speech during sport
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Lower risk of jaw fractures and concussion
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Improve comfort and compliance
How to Care for Your Custom Mouthguard
To maximise lifespan and hygiene:
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Rinse with cold water after use
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Store in a ventilated mouthguard case
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Keep away from direct heat
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Clean regularly using a soft toothbrush
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Inspect for wear or damage
Book Your Custom Mouthguard Fitting Today
Protecting your teeth during sport is one of the best investments you can make in your oral health. Whether for children’s sports, adult competition, or braces and mouthguards, a custom-fitted mouthguard offers superior comfort, protection and performance.
Book an appointment with your dentist today to get fitted for a custom sports mouthguard and play
For a custom-made mouth guard contact your local Pacific Smiles Dental.
