Mouthguards and Your Dentist

Quick answer: a mouthguard made from a dental impression aims to reproduce your teeth precisely to improve retention and comfort. Your dentist remains the person to consult if you have orthodontic braces, pain, trauma, a loose tooth or a particular clinical situation. A remote service does not replace an oral examination.

In this guide

1. Three types of mouthguard
2. Understanding the dental impression
3. When to see a dentist
4. Braces and growth
5. Checks over time

Standard, boil-and-bite or made from an impression

A standard model is ready to wear but offers little individual adjustment. A boil-and-bite model (thermoformable) is softened according to the instructions and then moulded at home in hot water. A custom-fit model is made from a dental impression or a scan, depending on the process offered. These categories alone do not sum up quality: design, material, fit and the condition of the mouthguard, or gum shield, also count.

For occasional sport, a well-prepared boil-and-bite mouthguard can be an affordable option. For regular training or insufficient retention, a model made from an impression generally gives a more precise fit.

What is the dental impression for?

The impression reproduces the shape of the teeth and part of the surrounding area so that an individual mouthguard can be made. It must be usable and match your current situation. At Proteksports, a photo allows an initial check before manufacturing; the usual lead time is then 5–10 days. A doubtful impression should be taken again rather than approved by default.

An impression taken at home is not a diagnosis. It does not detect tooth decay, gum disease, a loose tooth or a bite problem. If you have any symptoms, see a professional before ordering or carrying on with your sport.

When should you ask a dentist for advice?

• After a blow with pain, a fracture, a displaced tooth or a loose tooth.
• If you have orthodontic braces, a dental prosthesis or an implant.
• If the mouthguard causes pain, a sore or persistent pressure.
• After a significant change in your teeth.
• If you are unsure about returning to sport after dental treatment.

A sports mouthguard must not be confused with a night guard for bruxism or a therapeutic device. The purposes, materials and conditions of use differ. Do not use one in place of the other without professional advice.

Orthodontics and growing teeth

Teeth move during orthodontic treatment. A mouthguard that fits too closely can quickly become unsuitable and interfere with the treatment. The orthodontist can recommend a model that leaves more space and say how often it should be checked.

In children and teenagers, tooth eruption and growth also require regular monitoring. A model that is still intact may no longer fit the mouth. Never force it if it becomes difficult to put in or take out.

Checks, hygiene and replacement

Clean the mouthguard after every use, dry it and keep it in a ventilated case. A lingering smell, a surface that has become rough, a crack or loss of retention are warning signs to take seriously. Bring the mouthguard to an appointment if you would like its fit checked.

To apply these criteria to a specific sport, browse our boxing, rugby and MMA guides.

Fit, care and ordering

Details of the kit are in the instructions. Choosing between the two ranges is covered in the comparison.

Any pain, loose tooth, braces or recent dental treatment must be assessed by the professional who looks after you, not by a product page.

Are you a dental surgeon or orthodontist? The dentist area explains how to send us a patient’s intraoral scan.