Sports Mouthguards in Ashburton
A custom-fitted mouthguard protects teeth, lips and jaw during contact sport — and fits far better than anything you can boil at home.
Why custom matters
Over-the-counter mouthguards are bulky, loosen when you talk or breathe hard, and offer uneven protection. A custom guard is made from a model of your own teeth, so it stays put, lets you speak and breathe, and spreads impact force properly.
Dental injuries in sport are common and expensive to fix — a knocked-out front tooth can mean a lifetime of replacements. A mouthguard is cheap insurance by comparison.
What’s involved
Made for your mouth
Impressions or a digital scan produce a guard that fits precisely and stays in place.
Choose your colours
Team colours or a design of your choice — kids are far more likely to wear one they picked.
Growing children
Young mouths change quickly. We’ll check the fit at your regular visits and remake when needed.
Health fund cover
Many extras policies include mouthguards under general dental. We’ll check for you.
Who should wear one
Anyone playing footy, rugby, hockey, basketball, netball, martial arts, boxing or other sports where a knock to the face is possible. Book a few weeks before the season starts.
Wearing braces? We make guards designed to fit over them. If a tooth does get knocked out, see what to do after a dental injury and call us straight away.
Common questions
How long does it take to make?
Usually about a week or two after your impressions or scan.
How long does a mouthguard last?
Adults often get more than one season. Children need a new one as their teeth change. We check the fit at regular visits.
How do I clean it?
Rinse it in cool water after use and keep it in its case. Hot water can warp it.
Can my child pick the colours?
Yes. Team colours make kids far more likely to wear it.
Health funds: we’re a preferred provider for Bupa Members First Platinum, HCF More for Teeth and nib First Choice, and we claim on the spot through HICAPS for all other funds. Cover depends on your policy, waiting periods and limits. Call (03) 9885 7588 and we’ll check before you book.
What happens at your appointment
- Quick check. Your dentist looks at your teeth and gums. Decay, loose teeth or broken fillings should be fixed before a guard is made.
- Moulds. A mould of your teeth is taken. It only takes a few minutes.
- Your choices. You pick the colours. Your dentist talks about your sport and how thick the guard should be.
- Collection. The guard is tried in. We check it sits firmly, your bite meets it evenly, and you can breathe and talk. Edges are trimmed if needed.
Wearing it well
- Wear it at training as well as games. A knock can happen at either.
- Put it in before you run on, not when the game gets rough.
- Keep it in a vented case and out of a hot car or kit bag left in the sun.
- Bring it to your check-ups so we can check the fit.
Signs it needs replacing
- It feels loose, or you have to bite down to keep it in.
- It has cracks, tears or holes from chewing.
- It has thinned out, or it has warped.
- You have taken a big hit while wearing it.
- New adult teeth have come through, or you have had new crowns, fillings or braces fitted.
A sports guard is not a grinding splint
A sports guard is made to absorb impact during play. It is not designed to be worn all night for grinding. If you grind your teeth, see our teeth grinding treatment page for night splints.
If a tooth is knocked out, every minute counts. Read what to do in the first 30 minutes and call us on (03) 9885 7588.
More questions about sports mouthguards
Should I take out my plate or denture before I play?
Usually, yes. A removable plate or denture can break or be knocked loose during a hit. Your guard is made to fit your mouth without it. Tell us when we take the moulds if you wear one, so the guard is made to suit.
What if my mouthguard feels too big?
Tell us. A custom guard can be trimmed and adjusted so it feels less bulky and does not make you gag. A guard that is uncomfortable tends to stay in the bag, so it is worth getting the fit right.
Do adults with crowns or implants need a guard?
If you play a sport where your face can be hit, a guard is worth considering. Crowns, veneers and implants can chip or break with a knock, just like natural teeth. The guard is made to fit over them. See dental implants for more on implant care.
Is it OK to chew on my mouthguard?
Try not to. Chewing thins the material, tears the edges and loosens the fit, which means less protection when you need it. If your child chews theirs, check it often for damage.
At Aesthetic Mee
Custom mouthguards are made here from a mould of your teeth.
Book an appointment
Same-day and Saturday appointments available, with free on-site parking in Ashburton.
Book online (03) 9885 7588