Dental professionals often recommend Custom Mouthguard to protect your teeth, especially during sports or sleep, offering superior protection compared to off-the-shelf alternatives. However, it is important to know what a custom mouthguard is, the level of protection each type offers, the cost involved and its advantages over other alternatives available.
Dental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet many active Australians overlook the importance of custom mouthguard during physical activities. At Your Healthy Smile, the most trusted St Clair dentist for preventive dentistry, we tell you why custom mouthguards offer great benefits.
What is a Custom Mouthguard?
A custom mouthguard is a protective dental device fabricated to fit your teeth precisely. Unlike over-the-counter options, these are designed by using impressions of your teeth, ensuring optimal comfort and protection. Once designed by us, they are worn over the teeth to prevent and reduce injury to the teeth, arches, lips and gums. Custom mouthguards play a crucial role, particularly during:
- Contact sports like rugby, boxing and AFL.
- High-impact activities like basketball, hockey and skateboarding.
- Activities with fall risks including cycling and horse riding.
- For patients with teeth-grinding habits.
Types of Mouthguards
Mouthguards can be broadly categorised into three types:
- Stock Mouthguards – Pre-formed, non-adjustable and often ill-fitting.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards – Slightly mouldable, offering a moderate fit.
- Custom Mouthguards – A mouthguard custom moulded by an expert St Clair dentist like us ensures an optimal level of protection and comfort.
The Advantage of Custom Mouthguards
A custom mouthguard is precisely crafted by our St Clair dentist to fit your unique dental structure. A custom mouthguard is generally made from durable, high-quality materials like ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and other hybrid materials.
EVA, a type of polyolefin, is a thermoplastic material known for its shock-absorbing properties when it is thermoformed to fit an individual’s teeth. It offers distinct advantages over Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) which is used in low-cost, stock mouthguards.
- A perfect fit that conforms exactly to your dental anatomy.
- Materials used are safe for oral use, ensuring no harmful chemicals leach into your mouth with this preventive dentistry measure.
- Enhanced comfort allows for normal speaking and breathing.
- Superior protection through optimal thickness in crucial areas.
- Longer lifespan due to quality materials and precise manufacturing.
Custom Mouthguard Offer Protection Beyond Sports
While sports protection is the primary purpose, mouthguard custom-made for you serve additional preventive functions like:
- Reducing damage from nocturnal teeth grinding (bruxism).
- Alleviating symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint disorders (TMJ).
- Providing stability for teeth following orthodontic treatment.
- Protecting dental work investments such as crowns or veneers.
Who Should Consider Custom Mouthguards?
Custom mouthguard is an excellent choice among preventive dentistry, particularly recommended for:
- Children and teenagers participating in school sports.
- Weekend warriors engaging in contact recreational activities.
- Professional athletes who seek optimal performance and protection.
- Individuals with existing dental work or orthodontic appliances.
- Patients with diagnosed teeth grinding habits or TMJ issues.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Mouthguards
While custom mouthguards require greater initial investment than off-the-shelf options, they offer substantial long-term value. Consider that:
- The average cost of treating a knocked-out tooth from a St Clair dentist can exceed AUD $5,000 in 2025.
- Sports-related dental injuries may require lifelong treatment.
- Preventive dentistry measures significantly reduce lifetime dental costs.
- Many private health funds provide rebates for custom mouthguards.
Hence, getting a mouthguard custom-made for you is important. Our experts at Your Healthy Smile Dental Clinic also give you a quick comparative analysis for easy understanding.
Comparing Costs vs. Benefits:
| Factor | Stock Mouthguard | Boil-and-Bite | Custom Mouthguard |
| Fit | Poor | Moderate | Excellent |
| Comfort | Low | Medium | High |
| Protection Level | Basic | Moderate | Maximum |
| Lifespan | Short | Moderate | Long |
| Breathing Ease | Limited | Moderate | Unrestricted |
| Cost | Low | Medium | Higher (but worth it) |
Maintenance Involved in Custom Mouthguards
With proper care, a mouthguard custom-made for you by our St Clair dentist can last significantly longer than over-the-counter alternatives. Maintenance of this popular preventive dentistry measure includes:
- Rinsing before and after each use.
- Regular cleaning with a dentist-prescribed cleaning solution and cool water.
- Storage in a ventilated case when not in use.
- Periodic professional inspection for wear and damage.
- Replacement when signs of deterioration appear.
Why Choose Your Healthy Smile?
As your trusted St Clair dentist at 154 Bennett Rd, Your Healthy Smile is committed to providing top-notch dental care under Dr. Lekha Menon and her team of dentists.
✅Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in creating custom mouthguards tailored to your needs.
✅Quality Materials: We use only the best materials to ensure durability and comfort.
✅Personalised Care: Every mouthguard is designed with your unique dental structure in mind and our team ensures you get the best care when you Call Us.
Protect That Precious Smile Of Yours With Us
At Your Healthy Smile, we believe that preventive dentistry measures like custom mouthguards are essential components of comprehensive dental care. Our team, led by the best St Clair dentist at 154 Bennett Rd, is dedicated to creating precisely fitted protective devices that safeguard your smile during all activities.
Custom mouthguards from us offer an unmatched level of protection over the other mouthguard types. The costs involved in this preventive dentistry measure justify its distinct advantages over the long term.
Contact our clinic today to protect your teeth and get a mouthguard custom-made for you.
Common Questions on Custom Mouthguards
Q1. What is the lifespan of a custom night guard?
A well-maintained custom night guard lasts 3-5 years, depending on usage and wear. Regular dental check-ups ensure its longevity as part of preventive dentistry.
Q2. How long do custom mouthguards last?
With proper care, a custom mouthguard lasts 3-5 years, though athletes and bruxism sufferers may need replacements sooner due to wear. It makes them a better investment for long-term preventive dentistry.
Q3. Do night guards cause gum recession?
No, a properly fitted night guard does not cause gum recession. Poorly fitted ones, however, can lead to irritation and gum issues over time.
Q4. Does a custom night guard stop teeth grinding?
While it won’t stop bruxism, it prevents enamel wear and jaw strain, making it a key tool in preventive dentistry.
Q5. Can a mouthguard help with TMJ pain?
Yes, a custom mouthguard can reduce jaw strain and relieve TMJ-related discomfort by properly aligning the bite.
Q6. Will mouthguard custom made for me affect my breathing or speaking?
No, a well-fitted custom mouthguard allows normal breathing and speech, unlike bulky over-the-counter options.