Made around your mouth
Your teeth, gums, restorations and bite guide the design. We check retention and whether the guard feels secure without constant clenching.
ENHANCE DENTAL · ST KILDA ROAD, MELBOURNE
Custom mouth guards.
Your sport. Your fit.
At Enhance Dental we provide high-quality, custom-fitted mouth guards in a wide range of colours. Our dentist-led process brings together 3Shape TRIOS scans, a digital bite record and laminated laboratory construction for children, teenagers and adults.
Tell us what you play, your level of contact and what matters to you. We will plan a mouthguard around your teeth, gums and sporting needs, then check its fit before you take it onto the field.
Level 2, Suite 219 · 566 St Kilda Road · Melbourne VIC 3004
Looking for a guard for teeth grinding? Our occlusal splint service covers custom night-time protection, nylon bite splints and fitting. This page focuses on sports mouth guards.
PROTECTION STARTS WITH A GUARD YOU CAN WEAR
Custom mouth guards in Melbourne: fit, coverage and comfort
A mouthguard helps cushion a blow and spread force across the protected area. Research supports wearing one where there is a risk of dental or facial injury; it cannot make sport injury-proof. The Australian Dental Association recommends a professionally made, custom-fitted mouthguard. [1] [2]
Comfort that supports use
A guard should let you breathe and communicate as comfortably as possible. Custom designs performed better on several comfort and stability measures in a basketball trial. [3]
A fitting appointment
We assess the finished mouthguard in your mouth, check the edges and bite, and discuss care. You have a practice to contact if it needs review.
Our aim is a practical balance of protection, fit and wearability. Tell us if you gag easily, have had a previous dental injury or found an earlier mouthguard difficult to wear. Those details can influence the prescription and the fitting conversation.
DIGITAL RECORDS · CLINICAL FITTING
3Shape TRIOS scans of both jaws and your bite
We use a 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner to record the upper and lower dental arches, together with a digital bite registration. These records help Foradent Laboratories design the mouthguard around your mouth and the way the opposing teeth come together.
Recording the lower jaw matters even when the appliance fits over the upper teeth. The bite record helps plan the lower-tooth contacts on the mouthguard surface, with the aim of a stable appliance and well-distributed contact. We then check the bite clinically at the fitting visit. Digital records support this process; they do not guarantee perfectly equal impact forces or that a guard can never be dislodged. [12]
Scanning avoids taking a conventional impression with a tray of impression material. A recent clinical trial found a more comfortable digital impression experience, but did not establish better injury prevention from scanning itself. [4]
TEETH · GUMS · CAREFULLY SHAPED BORDERS
Mouth guards: coverage beyond the biting edges
We assess the gum and vestibular areas as part of the records and fitting. The mouthguard is designed to cover the crowns of the teeth and extend over the adjacent gums towards the sulcus — the fold where the lip or cheek meets the gum. The border is shaped to your anatomy, with room for normal soft-tissue movement.
This is not the narrow gum pocket around an individual tooth, and a mouthguard does not cover tooth roots directly. The aim is to cushion the exposed teeth and surrounding tissues and reduce transmitted forces. Appropriate extension, rounded edges and a checked bite are important design considerations; forcing material too deeply into movable tissue can cause discomfort. [6]
Secure does not mean bulky or pinching. Tell us if the finished guard lifts, rocks, rubs, makes you gag or is difficult to breathe through. A fit check is part of the service, and a change in your teeth or bite can mean it needs another review.
CHOOSE WITH THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Dentist-made, shop-bought, online or DIY mouth guards?
Stock and boil-and-bite mouth guards are commonly sold through sports shops, pharmacies and online stores. If you are comparing products from retailers such as Rebel Sport or Chemist Warehouse, check the actual type, material and fitting instructions. A retailer’s name alone does not establish the quality of every product it sells; the studies below do not test every current brand or listing.
| Option | How it is fitted | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Dentist-prescribed, laboratory-made | Individual records, a clinical prescription and an in-person fitting. | Allows personal assessment of coverage, retention, material, bite contacts and adjustment needs. |
| Boil-and-bite / DIY | A ready-made form is softened and moulded by the wearer. | Fit and remaining thickness depend on the product and moulding. Some wearers find stability, speech or comfort less satisfactory. [3] |
| Stock / ready-to-wear | A standard size is selected without an individual model. | There is limited adaptation to your particular teeth and gums. Check whether it stays in place and lets you breathe comfortably. [1] |
| Online custom / mail-order | May use a home impression kit, a scan or other records; services vary. | Ask who assesses your oral health, checks the bite, fits the guard and handles adjustments. “Custom” alone does not describe the full clinical service. |
Custom mouth guards have practical advantages in personal fitting and follow-up. However, clinical research does not justify claiming that every retail product is useless, or that a scanned guard prevents a stated percentage more injuries than every DIY alternative. A 2026 review found direct comparisons too limited and varied for that conclusion. [5]
Already have a mouthguard? Bring it to your appointment. We can assess its current fit and condition and explain whether an adjustment, a different design or replacement is appropriate.
AUSTRALIAN LABORATORY CRAFTSMANSHIP
Laminated mouth guards from Foradent Laboratories
Enhance Dental works with Glenn Fordham at Foradent Laboratories for our custom laminated mouth guards. It is the same trusted laboratory relationship described on our dentures page. Your assessment, records, prescription, fitting and reviews are coordinated through our practice.
We prescribe high-quality laminated mouthguard material with a design suited to the activity. Layers allow the laboratory to build the planned shape and thickness in relevant areas. The finished result matters: research shows that the forming and layering sequence can change the thickness remaining at different parts of a guard. [7]
We discuss the intended sport, level of contact and your mouth before choosing the design. At fitting, we check that the guard feels stable and that the opposing teeth meet it appropriately. If changes are needed, we coordinate them with the laboratory.
Ask about your own prescription. We can explain the proposed style, material and thickness, the available colours and the current production time. No single laboratory design is suitable for every athlete.
YOUR ACTIVITY · YOUR LEVEL OF CONTACT
Different sports, styles and colours
We provide mouth guards for training and games in football, rugby, boxing, martial arts, basketball, hockey, squash and soccer. They may also be appropriate for activities such as horse-riding, skateboarding and trampolining. Tell us about the actual risk of collisions, falls or equipment striking the face.
Boxing & combat sports
Repeated direct blows may call for a thicker or differently laminated design. We consider the sport’s rules, the level of impact and your ability to breathe and communicate.
Field & court sports
Football, rugby, hockey and basketball involve different collision and equipment risks. Describe your position, competition level and any other protective equipment.
Juniors & active families
Growing teeth and changing bites need review. We can discuss mouthguard planning alongside children’s dental care, including any orthodontic needs.
A boxing mouthguard may be prescribed with more thickness than one for a less intense activity, but simply making every area thicker is not the goal. Laboratory impact studies show that thickness and design affect shock absorption; they do not provide a universal thickness recipe for every person or sport. [8]
Choose from a wide range of colours and ask about matching your club colours. We will confirm what is available in the selected design. Your preferred appearance is part of the conversation, alongside fit and protection.
FROM FIRST VISIT TO FIRST GAME
Getting your mouth guards, step by step
Discuss & assess
Tell us your sport, level, previous injuries and deadline. We assess the teeth and gums and discuss the design and fees.
Scan & prescribe
We scan both arches with TRIOS, record the bite and provide the laboratory with your individual prescription.
Make & fit
Foradent fabricates the laminated mouthguard. We check coverage, retention, comfort and bite contacts at your fitting visit.
Wear & review
Use it for the activity it was prescribed for. Follow the care instructions and arrange a review if its fit or condition changes.
Book before your season starts so there is time for the laboratory stage and any fitting adjustments. Let us know about a tournament or school requirement when you enquire. We will confirm the current turnaround and explain any additional dental care that should be addressed before the guard is made.
PUBMED RESEARCH · EXPLAINED CLEARLY
What research on mouth guards actually shows
Lower oral injury risk
A 2019 systematic review included 26 studies. Its pooled cohort analysis found non-users had about 2.3 times the orofacial injury risk of users. The studies varied and had weaknesses; this compares use with non-use, not your guard with a particular shop product. [2]
Comfort & stability
A 2024 trial enrolled 60 male basketball players, with data available for 48. Custom guards generally received better comfort and wearability ratings than boil-and-bite guards. These were usability outcomes, not a measurement of injury prevention. [3]
Scanning is a useful workflow
A 2026 crossover trial with 46 completers found digital impressions quicker and more comfortable. Conventional guards were rated better fitting by a majority, while later comfort was similar. A scan is a valuable tool, not proof of superior protection. [4]
Protection has limits
No mouthguard guarantees freedom from dental injury, jaw injury or concussion. Evidence for concussion reduction is less consistent than for dental and oral injury. Continue to follow safe-play rules and your sport’s head-injury procedures. Suspected concussion needs medical assessment, even when a mouthguard was worn. [9]
The research informs design choices and the questions we ask at your visit. It does not clinically certify Enhance Dental, Foradent or an individual mouthguard. The references below distinguish clinical studies, laboratory testing and professional guidance so you can explore the evidence in context.
PERSONAL CARE · A LOCAL TEAM
The team behind your custom mouth guards
From a parent organising a first sports mouthguard to an adult preparing for a new season, our team can help you find a starting point. Bring your current guard and tell us what has or has not worked for you.
Dr Joseph Paino
Principal dentist
Assessment, prescription and clinical fitting.
Brigitte
Practice manager
Help with appointments and practical questions.
Meet our team · Our Difference · Directions and patient parking
CLEAR ANSWERS BEFORE YOU BOOK
Mouth guards: 16 helpful questions
Why choose dentist-fitted mouth guards?
Which sports and activities may need mouth guards?
Ask about football, rugby, boxing, martial arts, basketball, hockey, squash and soccer, as well as horse-riding, skateboarding and trampolining. Consider the chance of collision, a fall or a blow from equipment. Follow your sport’s rules and use appropriate protection during training as well as competition. [1] [10]
How are Enhance Dental mouth guards made?
We assess your mouth, scan your upper and lower teeth with 3Shape TRIOS, record your bite digitally and send the records and prescription to Foradent Laboratories. The laminated mouthguard is then fitted and checked at the practice. Tell us your sport, playing level, colour preference and any deadline when you book.
Are digital scans better for making mouth guards?
Scanning avoids a conventional impression tray and is a useful way to record your teeth. A 2026 trial found the digital impression process more comfortable and quicker, with broadly similar mouthguard comfort over time. It did not show that scanning prevents more injuries. Either workflow still needs careful design and fitting. [4]
Why scan both jaws if the guard usually fits over the upper teeth?
The lower scan and digital bite record help the laboratory plan how the opposing teeth meet the guard. At fitting, we check the contact pattern, stability and comfort. These records guide the work; a digital record alone cannot prove that impact forces will be perfectly equal. [12]
Do mouth guards protect tooth roots?
The guard cushions the teeth and surrounding tissues and aims to reduce forces transmitted through them. It covers the tooth crowns and extends over adjacent gums, but roots remain inside the supporting tissues. Suitable coverage may contribute to protection; it cannot guarantee prevention of root fractures or other injuries. [6]
Should custom mouth guards stay in place without clenching?
That is an important fitting aim. It should feel stable without constant biting to hold it in position. We check retention and your bite before you use it. If it rocks, comes loose, rubs or interferes with breathing, contact us for a review. No guard can be guaranteed never to dislodge during impact. [6]
Are shop-bought and online mouth guards all the same?
No. Stock guards, boil-and-bite products and remotely made custom guards differ. The sales channel alone does not tell you the material, fit or clinical support. Ask who checks the mouth, how records are taken, whether the bite and thickness are assessed, and how adjustments are provided. Bring an existing guard if you would like us to check it.
Can mouth guards prevent concussion?
It should not be relied on for that purpose. Mouthguards are principally used to reduce dental and oral injury risk; concussion findings vary between studies and sports. They do not replace safe-play rules, appropriate protective equipment or medical assessment after a suspected concussion. [9]
Are boxing mouth guards thicker?
We can prescribe a thicker or differently layered design for boxing and other high-impact activities than for a lower-impact requirement. The decision also considers your age, mouth, bite and comfort. Thickness needs to be appropriate across the finished guard, rather than chosen simply by the starting sheet thickness. [7] [8]
Can I choose my mouthguard colour?
Yes. We offer different styles and a wide range of colours. Tell the team your preference or club colours when arranging your visit; we will confirm the options available for your prescribed design. Colour is a personal choice and does not by itself establish the level of protection.
Can children or people with braces have a sports mouthguard?
Yes, but the design needs individual assessment. Growing mouths, erupting teeth and orthodontic movement may change the fit. If you have braces or Invisalign, discuss the appliance with your dentist and orthodontist before playing sport. A sports guard must accommodate your treatment and be reviewed as things change. [11]
How long do mouth guards last?
There is no fixed lifespan for everyone. Bring your guard to dental visits and arrange a review if it becomes loose, worn, split or uncomfortable, after a significant impact, or when your teeth or dental work change. Children and people in orthodontic treatment may need more frequent replacement. [1]
How should I clean and store mouth guards?
Rinse after use, clean with cool water and mild liquid soap as advised, then dry and store in a protective ventilated case. Keep it away from heat, boiling water and direct sun, and avoid chewing it. Follow the care instructions supplied for your particular appliance. [1]
How much do custom mouth guards cost, and how long do they take?
Ask our team for a quote and current laboratory timing. The prescription, design and any additional dental care can affect the plan. We will explain fees before proceeding. Book ahead of the season or an event so there is time for scanning, laboratory work and fitting; we cannot promise a fixed turnaround without checking.
Are sports mouth guards the same as night guards?
No. A sports mouthguard is designed for impact protection during activity. An occlusal splint for grinding or clenching has a different purpose and prescription. Tell us whether your concern is sport, grinding, jaw discomfort or more than one issue so we can discuss the appropriate appliance. For grinding protection, see our custom occlusal splints and night guards. For pain, clicking or locking, read our jaw pain assessment guide.
READ THE SOURCES
Research and professional guidance
Sources checked November 2026. These links provide background evidence and do not replace an individual dental assessment.
- Australian Dental Association — sports mouth guards ↗Patient guidance on custom fit, retail types and care.
- Knapik et al. (2019) — injury prevention systematic review ↗Review of 26 studies; supports mouthguard use where sports injury risk is significant.
- Doğan et al. (2024) — custom versus boil-and-bite trial ↗Randomised basketball study of comfort, stability and usability.
- Macías Bautista et al. (2026) — digital versus conventional impressions ↗Randomised crossover trial of two custom mouthguard workflows.
- Perrotta et al. (2026) — comparative clinical evidence review ↗Highlights favourable custom-mouthguard outcomes and limited direct comparative evidence.
- Roberts (2023) — materials, design and fabrication overview ↗Technical review of mouthguard design, coverage and research needs.
- Mizuhashi & Koide (2020) — laminated mouthguard thickness ↗Laboratory study showing that layer arrangement influences final thickness.
- Comparison of mouthguard shock absorption (2017) ↗Laboratory impact testing; findings are not clinical injury-reduction percentages.
- American Dental Association — athletic mouth protectors ↗Evidence overview, including the limitations of concussion claims.
- Sports Medicine Australia — mouthguard policy ↗Club policy resource developed with the Australian Dental Association.
- Orthodontic mouth guards — randomised wearability trial (2022) ↗Patient preferences during sport while wearing fixed orthodontic appliances.
- Digital occlusion technologies — review (2023) ↗Explains the capabilities and limitations of digital bite records.
GET READY FOR YOUR NEXT SEASON
Book custom mouth guards in Melbourne
For a custom-fitted mouthguard in your choice of available colours, call our friendly team at Enhance Dental. Tell us your sport, playing level and preferred timing so we can plan the next step.
Level 2, Suite 219 · 566 St Kilda Road · Melbourne VIC 3004
For a broken, loosened or painful tooth after an impact, contact us promptly for urgent dental assessment. A mouthguard does not rule out an injury.