Dental care
Mouthguards (Sport & Night Guards)
Off-the-shelf mouthguards can feel bulky, ill-fitting, and are often left in a sports bag rather than worn when they're needed most.
Care that starts with you.
Overview
What you should know
Custom-fitted mouthguards, made specifically for your teeth, offer a level of comfort, fit and protection that generic alternatives generally can't match. At Footscray Dental Studio, we provide custom mouthguards for sport, as well as night guards designed for patients who grind or clench their teeth during sleep.
What's Involved
The process for a custom mouthguard or night guard typically includes:
- Assessment — your dentist discusses your needs, whether for sport, teeth grinding, or both.
- Digital scan or impression — a digital scan or physical impression of your teeth is taken to capture an accurate model of your mouth.
- Custom fabrication — your mouthguard is made to fit your teeth precisely, using this model.
- Fitting — your dentist checks the fit and comfort of the finished mouthguard and makes adjustments if needed.
Sport Mouthguards
Custom sport mouthguards are recommended for patients, including children and teenagers, participating in contact or high-impact sports. A well-fitted mouthguard can be worn more comfortably and consistently than a generic option, which matters since protection is only effective when a mouthguard is actually worn during play.
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Night guards are recommended for patients experiencing teeth grinding or clenching, a condition known as bruxism. This often occurs during sleep and can contribute to worn or damaged teeth, jaw discomfort, and headaches over time. Your dentist can help identify signs of bruxism during a check-up and discuss whether a night guard is appropriate for you.
Benefits of Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
- Fit precisely to your teeth for improved comfort compared with generic options
- Can be worn more consistently due to improved comfort and fit
- Designed to accommodate your specific bite and dental structure
- Suitable for a wide range of sports and for managing teeth grinding
- Can be adjusted or remade as needed, including for growing children
Is this right for you?
Who It's Suitable For
- Sport mouthguards — recommended for patients, including children and teenagers, participating in contact or high-impact sports
- Night guards — recommended for patients experiencing teeth grinding or clenching, which your dentist can help identify during a check-up
Caring for Your Mouthguard
Your dentist will provide guidance on cleaning and storing your mouthguard to help it last, along with when it may need to be checked or replaced — particularly important for children whose mouths are still developing.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Are custom mouthguards better than store-bought ones?
Custom mouthguards are made to fit your teeth precisely, generally offering better comfort and protection than generic, off-the-shelf alternatives, and are more likely to be worn consistently.
How long does it take to get a custom mouthguard?
Turnaround time can vary depending on fabrication — our team can confirm timing when you book your appointment.
Do children need custom mouthguards for sport?
Yes, children participating in contact sports can benefit from a custom-fitted mouthguard, and we can accommodate growing or changing teeth with periodic remakes.
How do I know if I need a night guard?
Signs of teeth grinding include jaw soreness, headaches, or visible tooth wear — your dentist can assess this during a check-up and discuss whether a night guard would help.
How often should a mouthguard be replaced?
This depends on wear, growth (for children), and changes to your teeth over time — your dentist will advise at your regular check-ups.
Can I use the same mouthguard for multiple sports?
In most cases, yes — let your dentist know what activities you need it for so they can advise on the most suitable design.
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