Sports Safety 101: Choosing the Best Custom Mouthguard in Brisbane
If you play a contact sport or even something that involves speed, sticks, balls, elbows, or accidental collisions, a mouthguard isn’t optional. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your teeth, gums, jaw, and even your long-term dental health.
The tricky part is figuring out which mouthguard will actually do the job without making it hard to breathe or talk.
Summary: A custom mouthguard is made specifically for your teeth, which means it fits snugly, stays in place, and offers more reliable protection than boil-and-bite options. In Brisbane, the “best” mouthguard is the one that suits your sport, age, and comfort needs, and is made properly with the right thickness and coverage. If you want a mouthguard you’ll actually wear every time, custom is usually the smartest choice.
Why mouthguards matter more than most people think
A good mouthguard helps reduce the risk of:
Chipped or knocked-out teeth
Cracked fillings or crowns
Cut lips and gums
Jaw injuries from impact
Damage that leads to expensive dental work later
Even in non-contact sports, accidents happen. If there’s any chance of a hit to the face, a mouthguard is cheap insurance.
Custom vs boil-and-bite: what’s the real difference?
Boil-and-bite mouthguards (chemist or sports store)
These are the ones you soften in hot water and bite into.
Pros:
Cheap upfront
Easy to buy on the spot
Cons:
Often bulky or uneven
Can feel loose and shift during play
Harder to breathe and speak clearly
Less consistent protection because the fit isn’t precise
Custom mouthguards (made to your teeth)
Custom mouthguards are made from a mould or scan of your teeth and designed for your bite.
Pros:
More secure fit (less slipping, less distraction)
Better comfort, which means you’re more likely to wear it
Easier breathing and talking
Can be made to match the demands of your sport
Cons:
Higher upfront cost than store-bought
If you’ve ever found yourself “forgetting” your mouthguard or spitting it out mid-game, it’s usually a fit problem. Custom solves that.
What makes a custom mouthguard “the best” for you?
There isn’t one perfect mouthguard for everyone. The best custom mouthguard in Brisbane for you depends on a few key factors.
1) Your sport and level of contact
Different sports create different risks. A junior playing weekend footy needs something different from an adult playing high-level rugby, boxing, hockey, or martial arts.
Higher impact sports generally need:
More thickness through key areas
Stronger material
Better coverage around molars and gumline
2) Upper vs lower mouthguards
Most mouthguards are made for the upper teeth because that’s where they typically sit best and protect most effectively.
You might consider a lower mouthguard if:
You have orthodontic work or dental structures that make an upper difficult
Your clinician recommends it for your bite and jaw
3) Comfort and wearability
A mouthguard only works if you actually wear it. Comfort isn’t a “nice to have”, it’s part of safety.
A well-made custom mouthguard should:
Feel snug, not tight
Stay put without needing to bite down constantly
Let you breathe through your mouth without feeling blocked
Allow basic communication on the field
4) Age and growth (kids and teens)
Kids’ mouths change quickly. For juniors, the best option is usually:
A well-fitted custom guard that allows for reasonable growth changes
A plan to review it as teeth shift and adult teeth come through
If the mouthguard starts to feel loose or uncomfortable, it’s time for a check.
5) Braces and orthodontic appliances
If you or your child has braces, a mouthguard is still essential, and it can actually help protect lips and cheeks from cuts.
A custom mouthguard for braces can be designed to:
Fit comfortably over brackets
Reduce soft tissue injury
Allow for tooth movement (within reason)
What to look for when choosing a clinic in Brisbane
If you’re investing in a custom mouthguard, you want it made properly. Here’s what matters:
Experience and precision: fit and bite accuracy make a huge difference
Material quality: it should be durable and designed for impact, not flimsy
Clear guidance: the clinician should ask what sport you play and how often
Finishing and edges: rough edges irritate gums and make people stop wearing them
Aftercare advice: cleaning, storage, and when to replace
How the custom mouthguard process usually works
Most custom mouthguards are straightforward:
Quick appointment to take impressions or a scan
Mouthguard is made to match your teeth and bite
Fitting appointment to check comfort and retention
Advice on wear, cleaning, and replacement timing
If something feels off at fitting, a good clinic will adjust it so it’s right.
Caring for your mouthguard so it lasts
A few simple habits can extend the life of your mouthguard:
Rinse with cool water after use
Brush gently with a soft toothbrush (no harsh toothpaste)
Let it dry before storing
Keep it in a ventilated case
Don’t leave it in a hot car (heat can warp it)
And if it’s cracked, torn, or no longer fits snugly, replace it.
When should you replace a mouthguard?
Replace it if:
It feels loose or you’re biting down to keep it in
There are holes, cracks, or thinning areas
Your teeth have moved (including after orthodontics)
Your child has had noticeable growth or tooth changes
It’s discoloured, smells, or can’t be cleaned properly
For active juniors, replacement is often more frequent simply because their mouths change faster.
Get a custom mouthguard in Brisbane that you’ll actually wear
At Denture Haus, we believe everyone deserves to smile with comfort and confidence. Based in Aspley, Brisbane, we’ve been helping locals with natural-looking dental solutions for over 25 years, and that same care and precision matters when you’re protecting your teeth for sport.
If you want a custom mouthguard that fits properly and feels comfortable from the first session, book an appointment with Denture Haus today.
Key takeaways
The best mouthguard is the one you’ll wear every time because it fits properly
Custom mouthguards are generally more comfortable and protective than boil-and-bite
Your sport, age, and bite affect the ideal thickness and design
Good fit means better breathing, easier talking, and fewer distractions
Replace your mouthguard if it’s damaged or no longer fits snugly
FAQs
Are custom mouthguards worth it?
For most people who play sport regularly, yes. They tend to be more comfortable, more secure, and more protective, which makes you far more likely to wear them consistently.
Can my child get a custom mouthguard?
Absolutely. Kids and teens often benefit the most because they’re active and more likely to have collisions. Just expect to review fit as their teeth change.
Do custom mouthguards work with braces?
Yes. They can be made to accommodate braces and help protect the lips and cheeks too.
How long does it take to get a custom mouthguard made?
It depends on the clinic’s process, but it typically involves a fitting appointment after your mould or scan is taken. Ask your clinic what their turnaround time is when booking.