Your teeth are designed to last a lifetime, but an unexpected sporting impact or chronic night-time grinding (bruxism) can cause irreversible damage in an instant. At Malvern Dental Care, we craft high-performance, custom-fitted mouthguards engineered to absorb shock, prevent dental trauma, and keep your smile fully protected.
The Two Types of Custom Protection We Offer
We design and fabricate heavy-duty protective appliances tailored to your specific lifestyle or athletic requirements.
1. Custom Sports Mouthguards
Whether you or your child plays contact sports like footy, rugby, netball, or hockey, an impact to the face can lead to broken teeth, lip lacerations, or jaw fractures.
- How it works: We take a highly precise digital or physical mould of your teeth to fabricate a multi-layered, shock-absorbing guard.
- The Fit: It sits snugly over your upper teeth without shifting, allowing you to breathe naturally and communicate clearly with teammates on the field.
2. Night Guards / Occlusal Splints (For Teeth Grinding)
Waking up with a dull headache, a sore jaw, or notices of worn-down, chipped teeth are classic signs of bruxism (unconscious teeth grinding or clenching during sleep).
- How it works: A slim, durable acrylic guard is custom-moulded to create a smooth protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth.
- The Benefit: It safely absorbs grinding forces, relaxes the jaw muscles, protects expensive dental work, and prevents premature tooth wear.
Custom Dental Mouthguards vs. Over-the-Counter “Boil & Bite” Guards
Many retail pharmacies sell inexpensive “boil and bite” mouthguards. While they seem convenient, they offer a false sense of security and can actually increase the risk of injury.
| Feature | Custom Dental Mouthguard | Pharmacy “Boil & Bite” Guard |
|---|---|---|
| Fit & Retention | Perfect. Moulded exactly to your teeth; will not fall out during an impact. | Loose. Prone to slipping, forcing the wearer to clench their teeth to keep it in. |
| Impact Absorption | Maximum. Engineered with uniform thickness to redistribute heavy forces safely. | Poor. Biting down during fitting thins out the material at critical impact points. |
| Speech & Breathing | Easy. Allows you to breathe freely and talk without removing the guard. | Difficult. Bulky design obstructs airflow and makes clear speech impossible. |
| Jaw Protection | High. Minimises the risk of concussion and jaw fractures by cushioning the bite. | Minimal. Provides basic surface coverage but lacks structural shock-absorption. |
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Custom Guard
Getting fitted for your custom mouthguard is quick, non-invasive, and completed across just two short appointments:
- The Impression: We take a gentle, highly accurate impression of your upper and lower teeth. You can even choose from a wide range of custom team colours!
- The Fabrication: Our laboratory technicians use clinical-grade, biocompatible materials to pressure-form your mouthguard, ensuring uniform thickness and structural integrity.
- The Fitting: You return a few days later to try it on. We check your bite and make precision adjustments so it feels entirely comfortable and secure.
Caring For Your Mouthguard
To keep your mouthguard hygienic and prevent the material from warping, follow these simple care rules:
- Rinse Immediately: Clean your mouthguard with cool water and a mild soap or antibacterial mouthwash after every use.
- Avoid Heat: Never rinse your guard in hot water, leave it in a hot car, or expose it to direct sunlight, as high temperatures will warp the custom fit.
- Store Safely: Always store your guard dry inside its ventilated protective case to keep it safe from family pets (who are notorious for chewing them!).
- Bring it to Check-ups: Bring your mouthguard to your 6-monthly check-up so we can inspect it for wear and tear and ensure it still fits perfectly—especially for growing children.