Mouthguard vs Custom-made Mouthguard: What’s the Difference?
February 20, 2019
A mouthguard is an essential part of a player’s uniform when participating in contact or high-impact sports. Designed to protect your teeth from trauma, mouthguards play a crucial role in reducing the risk of chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth during sporting activities.
What many people don’t realise is that mouthguards also help support the jaw and may assist in reducing the severity of impact forces, including those associated with concussion.
With the sporting season underway, it’s the perfect time to understand the difference between over-the-counter and custom-made mouthguards — and which option is best suited to your needs.
Over-the-Counter Mouthguard
Over-the-counter mouthguards are widely available from sports retailers and pharmacies. Popular brands such as Shock Doctor and Achilles offer a variety of options designed to suit different sports and levels of contact.
These mouthguards typically range in price from approximately $120 to $240 and come in a range of styles, including classic, slim-fit, sport-specific, and designs suitable for braces. Many also offer varying levels of protection through single, dual, or triple-layer construction.
Some over-the-counter mouthguards use a “boil-and-bite” method, allowing users to soften the material in hot water and mould it around their teeth at home. While this can improve fit compared to pre-formed options, the result is often less precise than a professionally made alternative.
Although convenient and accessible, over-the-counter mouthguards may not provide the same level of comfort, retention, or protection as custom-made designs, particularly for athletes involved in regular or high-impact sports.
What Is a Custom-Made Mouthguard?
A custom-made mouthguard is individually designed to fit your teeth and mouth. At Coastal Dental Care, these are created using detailed impressions of your teeth, either through traditional moulds or modern digital scanning technology.
This process allows a dental laboratory to fabricate a mouthguard that closely matches your unique dental structure, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. The improved fit not only enhances comfort but also helps ensure the mouthguard stays in place during activity, which is essential for effective protection.
Types of Custom-Made Mouthguards
At Coastal Dental Care, we offer several types of custom mouthguards tailored to different age groups and sporting needs:
Single-Layer Mouthguard
Ideal for younger children (typically under 12), single-layer mouthguards are lighter and more flexible. They are designed to protect while remaining comfortable for developing teeth and growing jaws.
Dual-Layer Mouthguard
Suitable for older children and adults participating in moderate-contact sports, dual-layer mouthguards offer increased durability and protection compared to single-layer designs.
Dual-Layer Mouthguard with Hard Insert
Recommended for high-impact sports, this option provides enhanced protection with an added hard layer to help absorb and distribute impact forces more effectively.
Benefits of a Custom-Made Mouthguard
Superior Fit and Comfort
Custom-made mouthguards are designed specifically for your teeth, gums, and bite. This results in a more secure fit, making them more comfortable to wear and less likely to move during activity.
Improved Protection
Because they fit correctly and remain in place, custom mouthguards can offer more consistent protection for teeth, gums, and jaw structures.
Encourages Regular Use
Comfort plays a major role in compliance. A well-fitting mouthguard is more likely to be worn consistently, which is key to maintaining protection during sport.
Personalised Design
Custom mouthguards can be tailored to your preferences, with options for colours, patterns, and even personalised details such as initials or team colours — particularly popular for children and athletes.
Which Option Is Right for You?
While over-the-counter mouthguards can be a suitable short-term or entry-level option, custom-made mouthguards are generally recommended for individuals participating in regular or contact sports.
They provide a higher level of comfort, fit, and protection — making them a worthwhile investment in your long-term oral health.
Book Your Mouthguard Appointment
At Coastal Dental Care, we offer custom-made mouthguards tailored to your needs, sport, and level of activity. Our team uses modern techniques to ensure a precise fit and optimal protection.
With multiple locations across QLD and Northern NSW, it’s easy to book an appointment and get game-ready for the season ahead.
Protect your smile this sporting season. Book your custom mouthguard appointment with Coastal Dental Care today and play with confidence.
