A custom mouthguard is a removable guard made from a mould of your teeth. It sits between your upper and lower teeth to cushion a knock during sport or protect enamel from grinding at night. Whether it's for Saturday footy, netball, training or sleep, we make and fit guards for children and adults at our Gisborne Road clinic.
A chipped, cracked or knocked-out tooth from sport can mean several appointments and ongoing care for years afterwards, often with a crown or an implant. Victoria's Better Health Channel reports about 2,000 dental injuries treated in Victorian hospital emergency departments between 2002 and 2004, with people under 25 most at risk (71%). Sports such as football, basketball, netball, hockey and soccer account for up to 14% of dental injuries, and cycling, skateboarding and scooter accidents for about 44%. A well-fitted mouthguard absorbs and spreads the force of a hit, and protects your lips, cheeks and tongue as well as your teeth.
Grinding is slower but works the same way. About half of people grind their teeth from time to time, and around 5% do it regularly, according to the Better Health Channel (reviewed October 2025). Many people who clench at night don't know they do it until their dentist sees worn enamel, a cracked filling or sensitivity. A night guard puts a cushion between the teeth before that wear builds up.
We'll help you choose the right guard for you or your child at the appointment. Here's a quick overview first.
Mouthguards are part of our everyday general dentistry, and the teeth underneath still need regular care such as Airflow cleaning and, where gums need it, deep cleaning.
01 / For sport
For contact and collision sport such as AFL, rugby, hockey, basketball, boxing and martial arts, and for riding activities like skateboarding and mountain biking. The thickness is matched to how much contact you face.
Because it's shaped to your teeth, a custom guard stays in place during play without you having to bite down on it, and you can still breathe and call out to teammates.
02 / For night-time grinding
Bruxism is grinding or clenching your teeth without meaning to, usually while you sleep. Over time it can wear teeth down and cause jaw aches or headaches. A night guard cushions the teeth and may ease the pressure on your jaw and on existing fillings or crowns.
We take a mould of your bite so the guard fits closely. It is thin and shaped to stay in comfortably all night.
03 / For children & teens
Children's mouths change quickly as new teeth come through and jaws grow. Their guards usually need replacing every 12 to 18 months, or sooner if the fit becomes loose.
The fitting is quick and gentle. If your child wears braces, we can make a guard designed to fit over the brackets and protect both teeth and braces.
You or your child play contact sport
AFL, rugby league and union, hockey, basketball, netball, soccer, boxing, wrestling or martial arts. Any sport with bodies or a fast ball in play carries a risk to teeth.
You wake with a stiff jaw or a headache
Sore jaw muscles in the morning, aching temples or a partner who hears you grind are common signs that a night guard may help.
You have crowns, bridges, veneers or implants
Dental work is worth protecting. A close-fitting guard adds a layer of protection during sport or night-time grinding.
Your guard doesn't fit like it used to
Guards wear out, crack and thin with use, and new fillings or crowns can change the fit. If yours feels loose or damaged, have it checked.
You stopped wearing one because it was uncomfortable
A guard moulded to your own teeth feels quite different to a bulky boil-and-bite one. When it fits well, you are far more likely to keep wearing it.
Junior sport is a big part of family life, and most mouth injuries in kids' sport can be prevented with a good guard. Wear it at training and during warm-ups, not only on game day.
We keep the fitting relaxed for children. Taking the mould is quick, and we go at your child's pace if they feel unsure. Bring older guards along so we can compare the fit.
A mouthguard only helps when it's in your mouth, not in the kit bag. This is what a fitted guard changes.
Made from a mould of your teeth, a custom guard sits securely without you needing to clench to hold it in.
It is shaped around your own bite, so it feels less bulky and is easier to breathe and talk with through a whole game.
Guards can be made in different thicknesses for different levels of contact. We'll ask what you play and how often.
If you have crowns, veneers or implants, a close-fitting guard helps protect them, particularly from the steady force of night grinding.
Custom guards are made from professional-grade materials. Night guards can last one to five years, depending on how hard you grind.
Rinse, brush gently, let it dry and keep it in a vented case away from heat. We'll show you how at the fitting.
Two short visits and no surprises. Here's what to expect.
We ask about your sport, how often you train and play, any grinding, and any dental work or braces we need to allow for. For children, we include them in the conversation.
We take an impression of your upper and lower teeth. It only takes a few minutes, and we slow down for anyone who feels nervous.
Your impression goes to a dental laboratory, where the guard is made to your measurements. We'll tell you when to expect it when you book.
At a short fitting visit we check the guard seats properly, feels comfortable and lets you speak and breathe normally. Small adjustments are made there and then.
We explain how to clean and store the guard and when it may need replacing. Bring it to your check-ups so we can look at its condition.
It starts with one short visit. If you have questions first, call our Bacchus Marsh team and we'll talk through the options.
Book a fitting (03) 8001 7008It doesn't take long to protect your teeth: one visit for the mould and a short visit to fit your guard. Call us or book online. No referral needed.