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Custom Sports Mouthguard

Name: Custom Sports Mouthguard
Creator: Dore Medical Editorial Board
Published: 2026-05-11

A protective mouthguard custom-made to fit the athlete's unique mouth structure. Unlike ready-made options, it provides a precise fit, comfortable breathing, and superior impact protection.

Medically reviewed. Last updated: May 18, 2026.

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What Is a Custom Sports Mouthguard?

A custom sports mouthguard is an intraoral protective appliance designed to protect the teeth, lips, jaw joint, and surrounding soft tissues from impact during contact sports or activities with a high risk of injury. It is also known as a "mouthguard" or "athletic guard." Unlike ready-made mouthguards sold in pharmacies, a custom sports mouthguard is fabricated in a dental laboratory using impressions taken from the patient's own teeth. This ensures a precise fit, does not obstruct breathing, does not interfere with speech, and provides maximum protection.

A sports mouthguard is considered essential protective equipment in contact sports such as boxing, kickboxing, MMA, American football, rugby, basketball, hockey, judo, and karate. It is also recommended for activities with a high risk of falls, such as cycling, skateboarding, skiing, and snowboarding. Without a mouthguard, impact can result in broken teeth, cracked teeth, tooth avulsion (teeth knocked out), injuries to the lips and tongue, jaw fractures, and TMJ disorders. A sports mouthguard prevents the majority of these injuries or significantly reduces their severity.

Before the mouthguard is fabricated, an examination is performed to assess the type of sport and risk profile. A digital impression is taken using the iTero intraoral scanner. The mouthguard is custom-fabricated in the laboratory from high-durability thermoplastic material. Options include single-layer, dual-layer, or triple-layer designs, selected based on the intensity of the sport. During the fitting appointment, the mouthguard is placed in the mouth, its fit is checked, and fine adjustments are made as needed. You can also choose colors—multi-color combinations matching team colors can be produced.

With proper care, a sports mouthguard can be used for a long time. It should be brushed after training sessions and games, and stored dry in a dedicated protective case. It should not be exposed to hot water, as heat can cause the mouthguard to deform. During routine follow-ups, wear and tear are assessed, and a new mouthguard is fabricated when necessary. For young athletes, the mouthguard must be replaced more frequently as the mouth and teeth continue to develop. For emergency evaluation after oral injuries, you can refer to our broken tooth and toothache pages.

Treatment Process

Alternative Treatments

Important Considerations

Paying attention to certain points when using a custom sports mouthguard increases both its protective effectiveness and its lifespan.

Usage Guidelines

Wear it during every training session and competition: A sports mouthguard only provides protection when it's worn. The "I'll only wear it during competitions" approach is risky—there's also a risk of impact during training.
Brush your teeth before sports: Brushing your teeth before inserting the mouthguard is important for hygiene. Placing the mouthguard over unbrushed teeth can increase bacterial buildup.
Use the mouthguard only during sports: A sports mouthguard is not a night guard or retainer—it should only be worn during athletic activities.
Don't bite or chew on the mouthguard: Some athletes bite or chew on their mouthguard due to stress or habit. This causes deformation and reduces its protective effectiveness.
Storage: When not in use, the mouthguard should be stored in a ventilated storage case. Bacteria multiply faster in closed, airless environments.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Rinse after each use: The mouthguard should be rinsed with cold or lukewarm water after each sports session. Hot water can deform it.
Regular brushing: Brush it a few times a week with a soft toothbrush and plain soap or a denture cleaning tablet. Toothpaste can scratch the surface.
Odor control: If not cleaned regularly, the mouthguard can develop odor. Use a weekly denture cleaning tablet (such as Polident or Retainer Brite).
Drying: The mouthguard should be lightly dried before placing it in its storage case. Putting it in the case completely wet increases bacterial growth.
Protect from heat: Never leave your sports mouthguard in a car glove compartment, on a sunny windowsill, or in hot environments. Heat will deform it.

Situations Requiring Attention

If the fit is compromised: If the mouthguard doesn't fit properly on your teeth, feels loose, or causes discomfort, stop using it and contact the clinic. An ill-fitting mouthguard cannot provide adequate protection.
After a new filling or crown: Dental treatments can alter the fit of your mouthguard. After getting a new filling or crown, we recommend having your mouthguard checked.
During growth periods in children: Since children's oral structures change during growth, the fit of their sports mouthguard should be checked more frequently and renewed as needed.
During orthodontic treatment: Because tooth positions change during braces or Invisalign treatment, the fit of your sports mouthguard should be checked regularly. A new mouthguard should be made after treatment is completed.
If the mouthguard cracks or breaks: A cracked or broken sports mouthguard cannot provide adequate protection and may cause injury inside your mouth. Stop using it and have a new one made.

Why Aren't Store-Bought Mouthguards Recommended? Ready-made sports mouthguards sold in sporting goods stores or online (including "boil-and-bite" types) cannot properly conform to your individual oral anatomy. An ill-fitting mouthguard may shift during sports, fail to provide adequate protection, and make speaking and breathing difficult. Custom-made sports mouthguards provide an exact fit to your oral structure, offering incomparably superior protection, comfort, and stability compared to store-bought alternatives.

Who Is It Suitable For?

A custom sports mouthguard can be used by anyone who wants to protect their mouth and teeth during contact sports. It doesn't matter if you're a professional or amateur athlete — anyone at risk of impact needs protection. Below you'll find the most common patient profiles who benefit from sports mouthguards.

🥊 Combat Sports Athletes

In combat sports like boxing, kickboxing, muay thai, MMA, taekwondo, judo, and karate, the risk of direct impact to the face and jaw is very high. In these disciplines, a sports mouthguard is mandatory or strongly recommended protective equipment.

This group faces the highest risk of broken teeth and avulsion (tooth loss).
Helps prevent lip and tongue injuries.
Can reduce the impact of blows to the jaw joint.
Many federations require mouthguard use during competition.

⚽ Team Sports Athletes

In team sports like basketball, football, handball, rugby, hockey, and water polo, there's a risk of player contact, elbow collisions, and ball impacts. In these disciplines, a sports mouthguard is important protective equipment.

There's a high risk of unexpected contact and collisions.
Ball impacts can directly affect the mouth area.
Professional athletes in the NBA and many international leagues use mouthguards.
Use is strongly recommended even at amateur levels.

🏋️ Individual and Strength Sports Athletes

In sports like weightlifting, CrossFit, gymnastics, cycling, mountain biking, skiing, and skating, there's a risk of falls, equipment impact, or teeth clenching during exertion. In these disciplines, a sports mouthguard helps prevent both trauma and clenching damage.

There's a risk of falls and equipment collisions.
Teeth clenching during heavy lifting can cause tooth wear.
Cycling and skiing carry a risk of facial impact.
A protective mouthguard reduces both trauma and bruxism effects.

🧒 Young and Youth Athletes

Children and teenagers who play sports face a higher risk of dental trauma than adults. Newly erupted permanent teeth are especially vulnerable to injury. A custom sports mouthguard can be made for young athletes too.

Newly erupted permanent teeth are vulnerable to trauma.
A mouthguard customized to a child's mouth structure fits better.
The mouthguard may need more frequent replacement during growth as mouth structure changes.
Use is strongly recommended for school teams and clubs.

😊 Athletes Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment

For athletes undergoing braces treatment, impact risk is especially significant. Brackets increase the risk of inner lip injury; after an impact, bracket detachment or wire puncture can cause serious soft tissue trauma.

Prevents brackets from cutting the inside of lips and cheeks.
Reduces the risk of bracket detachment after impact.
Specially designed for patients playing sports during orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign patients can remove their aligners during sports and wear a sports mouthguard.

💎 Athletes Who Want to Protect Their Restorations

For athletes who have zirconia, laminate, porcelain crowns, or implants in their mouth, a sports mouthguard protects these restorations from impact damage.

Reduces the risk of crown and veneer fractures.
Protects implant superstructure from impact.
Safeguards your treatment investment during sports.
Customized to fit your restorations.

Use and Care

Proper use and regular care of your sports mouthguard are essential to maintain its protective effectiveness and extend its lifespan.

Usage Protocol

During every training and competition: Your sports mouthguard should be worn during every sports activity that carries impact risk. It's recommended to use it consistently during both training sessions and competitions.
Insertion and removal: When inserting the mouthguard, apply equal pressure from both sides to position it properly. When removing it, start from the back areas and remove gently. Don't pull forcefully from one side; this can deform the mouthguard.
Not for use outside sports: Sports mouthguards are designed only for use during athletic activities. They're not intended for nighttime use, bruxism protection, or retention purposes; different appliances (night guard, retainer wire) are available for these purposes.
During breaks and halftime: When you remove your mouthguard, always place it in its storage case. Wrapping it in a napkin, putting it in your pocket, or leaving it on a table are the most common causes of loss and damage.

Mouthguard Lifespan

For adults: A custom sports mouthguard typically lasts 1-2 years, depending on usage frequency and the impact intensity of your sport. This period may be shorter for high-contact sports like combat sports.
For children and adolescents: During growth periods, the oral structure changes, so the mouthguard needs to be replaced more frequently. A fit check is usually recommended every 6-12 months; if the fit has changed, a new mouthguard is made.
Signs for replacement: Your mouthguard should be replaced when you notice significant wear, holes, cracks, edge deterioration, loss of fit, or deformation.

Mouthguard Fabrication Process

Examination and assessment: During your initial examination, Uzm. Dt. Merve Özkan Akagündüz evaluates your oral structure, bite relationship, any existing orthodontic treatment or restorations, and the type of sport you practice.
Impression taking: At Doredent, we take a traditional impression for your sports mouthguard. The impression process takes just a few minutes and is painless.
Fabrication: Based on your impression, your custom sports mouthguard is prepared in the laboratory. It's designed to fit your upper jaw.
Delivery and fit check: The mouthguard is tried in your mouth, the fit is verified, and adjustments are made if needed. Usage and care protocols are explained in detail.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Regular checkups: During your routine dental checkups every 6 months, your sports mouthguard's condition can also be evaluated. We check for wear, cracks, deformation, or fit issues.
Frequent monitoring during growth: For young athletes in their growth phase, the mouthguard's fit should be checked more frequently as the oral structure changes.
During orthodontic treatment: Since tooth positions change continuously during braces or Invisalign treatment, your sports mouthguard's fit should be monitored regularly, and a new mouthguard should be made after treatment completion.
After new dental work: Following fillings, crowns, or tooth extractions, your mouthguard's fit may change; a checkup is recommended.

An Important Note for Athletes

The cost and duration of treating a dental injury far exceed the investment in a custom sports mouthguard. A broken front tooth requires a crown, a knocked-out tooth needs an implant, and a fractured veneer requires retreatment. A sports mouthguard is a simple, effective protective device that prevents most of these risks. Protecting your oral health is as important as your athletic performance. A custom sports mouthguard provides this protection in a safer, more comfortable, and more effective way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a custom sports mouthguard?

A custom sports mouthguard is a protective intraoral appliance made specifically for an athlete based on their dental structure and jaw shape using a traditional impression technique in a laboratory. It is worn on the upper jaw and aims to protect the teeth, lips, inner cheek tissues, gums, and jaw joint from impact during sports. The most important difference from ready-made sports mouthguards is that it fits the patient's oral anatomy exactly. This ensures it stays in place during sports, minimally affects speech and breathing, and distributes impact absorption more evenly. It can be used in a wide range of sports, from combat sports to team sports and individual sports to children's sports. At Doredent, sports mouthguards are planned by Uzm. Dt. Merve Özkan Akagündüz after evaluating the patient's oral structure, the type of sport, and the level of protection needed.

Should I choose a ready-made mouthguard or a custom mouthguard?

A custom sports mouthguard is always a safer, more comfortable, and more effective option. Ready-made sports mouthguards (including "boil-and-bite" types purchased from sports stores or online) cannot fit your oral anatomy properly. An ill-fitting mouthguard can shift during sports, fail to provide adequate protection, make speaking and breathing difficult, and even injure soft tissue during impact. Additionally, the impact absorption capacity of ready-made mouthguards is significantly lower compared to custom-made ones. Because a custom sports mouthguard fits your oral anatomy exactly, it stays stable, distributes impact energy more evenly, and offers far superior comfort. The cost and process of treating a dental trauma far exceed the cost of a custom sports mouthguard.

Does a sports mouthguard make speaking or breathing difficult?

With a custom-planned sports mouthguard, difficulty in speaking and breathing is minimal. This problem can be noticeable with ready-made mouthguards because a mouthguard that does not fit your oral anatomy takes up too much space and can restrict the airway. You may experience an adaptation period during the first few training sessions; this is completely normal. Most athletes adapt to the mouthguard within 2-3 sessions and no longer notice its presence. There may be slight changes in the pronunciation of some sounds; this is temporary. The mouthguard design is planned according to the type of sport. For sports where speaking is important (such as coaching or refereeing), the mouthguard thickness and design can be adjusted accordingly. In high-intensity sports where breathing is critical, airway clearance is prioritized.

How long does a sports mouthguard last?

The lifespan of a custom sports mouthguard varies depending on frequency of use, the intensity of contact in the sport, and the patient's age. For adult athletes, it can typically be used for 1-2 years. In high-contact sports like combat sports, wear occurs faster, so this period may be shorter. For children and adolescent athletes, the mouthguard should be replaced more frequently during growth periods as the oral anatomy changes; a fit check is generally recommended every 6-12 months. Signs that the mouthguard needs replacement include: significant wear or thinning, cracks or perforations, edge deterioration, the mouthguard not fitting properly on the teeth, or looseness. If any of these signs are present, the mouthguard cannot provide adequate protection and should be replaced. The condition of the mouthguard can also be evaluated during regular dental check-ups.

In which sports should a sports mouthguard be used?

A sports mouthguard is recommended for all sports that carry a risk of impact, contact, or falls. This list is not limited to combat sports alone. The main sports where a sports mouthguard is strongly recommended include: combat sports such as boxing, kickboxing, muay thai, MMA, taekwondo, judo, and karate; team sports such as basketball, soccer, handball, rugby, hockey, and water polo; individual sports with a risk of falls such as gymnastics, cycling, mountain biking, skiing, skating, and skateboarding; strength sports with a risk of teeth clenching during heavy lifting such as weightlifting and CrossFit. Professional or amateur status does not matter; every athlete at risk of impact is advised to use a mouthguard. Many international sports federations require mouthguards in competitions. The appropriate protection plan based on your sport's risk level is thoroughly evaluated at Doredent.

I am undergoing orthodontic treatment. Can I use a sports mouthguard?

Yes, a sports mouthguard can and is strongly recommended for athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment. Athletes receiving braces treatment are at additional risk from impact: brackets can cut the lips and inner cheek, and after an impact, a detached bracket or a wire piercing the mucosa can cause serious soft tissue trauma. For patients with braces, a sports mouthguard is specially designed to fit over the brackets. The mouthguard protects the brackets and the inner lip surface from impact. Because tooth position changes during treatment, the fit of the mouthguard should be checked regularly and replaced when necessary. Athletes undergoing Invisalign treatment can remove the Invisalign aligner during sports and wear a sports mouthguard. After sports, they can return to the Invisalign aligner. This transition is completely safe.

Treatment Pricing

Pricing

Custom Sports Mouthguard Pricing

At Doredent, we offer transparent pricing for our international patients. As every case is different, the final treatment cost depends on your individual evaluation.

The cost of Custom Sports Mouthguard varies based on factors such as the type of mouthguard (single or double arch), material used, and custom design requirements. For an accurate quote, a personalized assessment is recommended.

For pricing details, reach out via WhatsApp or book your initial consultation.

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