Professionally made mouthguards are proven to offer the best protection against sports-related dental injuries. Numerous studies confirm their safety benefits, yet many athletes and parents remain hesitant about their use or fail to have them checked annually.  Recent research has revealed that professionally made, custom-fitted mouthguards do more than just shield teeth — they also help reduce jaw dislocation and head acceleration following an impact. By absorbing and dissipating the force of a blow, properly fitted mouthguards protect the skull and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) from severe injury. Despite their proven effectiveness, common reasons athletes avoid them include:

• Discomfort or poor fit

• Difficulty speaking or breathing

• Cost concerns

Types of Mouthguards

1. Boil and Bite Mouthguards

Fitted by biting into softened material, these are the most common type found in stores. However, they offer minimal protection due to:

• Poor fit

• Thin and fragile material

• Limited durability

• Interference with speech and breathing

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) discourages the use of boil-and-bite mouthguards due to their inferior quality and low protective value.

2. Custom-Made Mouthguards

Custom-made mouthguards are fabricated using a precise cast of the person’s upper jaw, sometimes including the lower jaw for better balance and retention. Advanced pressure lamination machines ensure superior adaptation, stability, and comfort.

Benefits of professional mouthguards include:

• Custom fit for maximum protection

• Negligible distortion or movement

• Optimized thickness throughout

• Ability to add inserts or air pockets for extra cushioning

These are the gold standard recommended by dental professionals for all sports that pose a risk of facial injury—including football, martial arts, rugby, basketball, and netball.

How Custom Mouthguards Work

A well-designed mouthguard stabilizes the skull by increasing jaw muscle activity when clenching. The balanced occlusion and open jaw position help protect the TMJ complex by reducing stress on the condyle and surrounding tissues. The protective effectiveness depends largely on the thickness and structural design of the mouthguard. Studies show optimal energy absorption occurs at around 4mm thickness. However, to maintain comfort and usability, ongoing research explores advanced materials to achieve thinner, more protective designs. Innovations like the University of Tokyo Dental School’s EVA mouthguard insert with a buffer layer show promise in enhancing energy absorption and reducing injury severity. Introducing mouthguards at an early age helps children develop protective habits. Dental injuries are common in young athletes and can have long-term consequences for tooth development.

Professional custom mouthguards can be safely designed for children with growing or orthodontically treated teeth, ensuring comfort and proper fit as their mouths develop.

Choosing the Right Mouthguard

Conclusion

Not all mouthguards are created equal. Mass-produced versions cannot deliver the same level of protection or comfort as a custom one. Boil and bite guards can lead to serious injury risks. Professionally made, custom-fitted mouthguards constructed from dental impressions provide superior protection, comfort, and durability.