Mouthguards can reduce the risk or severity of some dental injuries and protect tooth surfaces or restorations in selected grinding cases. They cannot prevent every injury, stop all grinding, or guarantee that a tooth will not fracture.
But not all mouthguards are the same, and not every situation calls for the same type. This guide covers the three main reasons people need mouthguards, the different types available, and when a custom-fitted option from a dentist is worth the investment.
Sports mouthguards
If you play a contact sport, you need a mouthguard. That includes rugby, AFL, hockey, basketball, martial arts, boxing, and cricket. It also includes sports where incidental contact is common, such as soccer and netball.
A sports mouthguard absorbs and distributes impact force across the jaw rather than concentrating it on individual teeth. It protects against:
- Knocked-out teeth
- Fractured or cracked teeth
- Cut lips and tongue from impact against teeth
- Jaw fractures in some cases
Custom vs boil-and-bite
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are available from pharmacies and sports stores. You heat them in hot water, bite into them, and they take a rough impression of your teeth. They cost between $10 and $50.
The fit is approximate. They tend to be bulky, which makes breathing and speaking difficult. Many athletes, particularly younger ones, end up removing them during play because they are uncomfortable. A mouthguard in a sports bag is not protecting anyone.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are made by a dentist from a precise mould or digital scan of your teeth. They are fabricated in a dental laboratory from high-grade EVA material in layers calibrated to the sport and the patient's bite.
The fit, material thickness, extension, and bite can be controlled more closely than with a generic guard. Retention, comfort, breathing, speech, and protection still depend on the design, fit, sport, impact, and whether the guard is worn correctly.
At Ivy Dental, custom sports mouthguards start from $100. Available colours and customisation are confirmed when you book.
Mouthguards for children and growing mouths
Children involved in organised sport should wear a mouthguard from the time they have their adult front teeth (around age 7 to 8 for most children). Mixed dentition (a combination of baby and adult teeth) does not prevent fitting a mouthguard. The design is adjusted to accommodate the changing bite.
Custom mouthguards for children may need more frequent replacement as the jaw grows and new teeth erupt. CDBS and private-health-fund coverage is item- and policy-specific, so eligibility and any rebate should be checked rather than assumed. See our kids dentistry page for more detail.
Book a mouthguard fitting at Ivy Dental →
Night guards for teeth grinding
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a different problem with a different mouthguard solution. Grinding typically happens during sleep. You may not know you do it until a dentist notices the wear patterns, or until you develop symptoms: jaw pain, headaches, worn or flattened teeth, cracked fillings.
A night guard or stabilisation splint is a custom-made appliance worn over the upper or lower teeth. It does not necessarily stop grinding. Depending on the diagnosis and design, it can separate tooth surfaces, distribute contact, and help protect teeth and restorations.
Why a night guard matters
Grinding and clenching can contribute to cumulative wear, cracks, and restoration failure, although not every person who grinds develops the same damage. A splint is one possible protective measure after assessment; it is not a cure for bruxism.
If you have porcelain veneers or crowns, a night guard is particularly important. These restorations are strong under normal forces but can chip or fracture under the sustained, heavy forces generated by bruxism. For detail on grinding and bruxism treatment, see our dedicated page.
Night guard vs sports mouthguard
These are not interchangeable. A sports mouthguard is thicker and softer, designed to absorb sudden impact. A night guard is thinner and harder (usually rigid acrylic), designed to distribute sustained grinding forces evenly.
Wearing a sports mouthguard at night is uncomfortable and does not manage grinding forces effectively. Wearing a night guard during sport does not provide adequate impact protection. You need the right device for the right purpose.
Custom night guards at Ivy Dental start from $650. For a detailed comparison of splints, guards, and retainers, see our guide on night guards vs splints vs retainers.
Sleep appliances (oral appliances for sleep apnoea)
This is a separate category. A mandibular advancement splint (MAS) is an oral appliance used as part of dental sleep medicine. It holds the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep to keep the airway open in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.
This is not a mouthguard and is not prescribed for teeth protection. It requires a diagnosis of sleep apnoea (usually from a sleep physician) before a dentist can fabricate the appliance. Ivy Dental offers dental sleep medicine through the MDSA pathway. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnoea and want to explore an oral appliance, speak with your dentist about a referral.
How to know which device you need
Situation | Device | Starting cost |
|---|---|---|
Contact sport | Custom sports mouthguard | From $100 |
Teeth grinding or clenching | Night guard / occlusal splint | From $650 |
Diagnosed sleep apnoea | Mandibular advancement splint | Varies (referral required) |
Retaining teeth after orthodontics | Orthodontic retainer | Separate from mouthguards |
If you are unsure, your dentist can assess your teeth for signs of grinding damage, discuss your sports involvement, and recommend the right device. In some cases, patients need both a sports mouthguard for daytime activity and a night guard for sleep.
Getting a custom mouthguard at Ivy Dental
The process usually involves a records appointment and a fitting or review, but the number of visits depends on the device and any adjustments required.
Appointment 1: Your dentist takes a digital scan or impression of your teeth. You choose the colour and any customisation for a sports guard. For a night guard, the dentist assesses your bite and grinding patterns.
Appointment 2: The finished mouthguard is fitted, adjusted for comfort, and checked for proper coverage and retention. Your dentist shows you how to care for and store it.
The team will confirm the current laboratory turnaround and fitting plan when you book. We are open seven days a week at Everton Park and Nundah.
Caring for your mouthguard
Proper care extends the life of any mouthguard:
- Rinse under cold water after every use
- Clean with a soft toothbrush and mild soap (not toothpaste, which is abrasive)
- Store in a ventilated case
- Keep away from heat (do not leave in a hot car)
- Bring it to your dental check-ups so your dentist can assess the fit and condition
Next steps
If you play sport without a mouthguard, grind your teeth, or wake up with jaw tension, a conversation with your dentist is the practical starting point. The cost of prevention is a fraction of the cost of repair.
Ivy Dental is open seven days across Everton Park and Nundah, with Indooroopilly opening soon.
Book a mouthguard consultation →, or call (07) 3266 7120.
All pricing is indicative until a clinical assessment is completed. CDBS eligibility is subject to Services Australia criteria.
