A mouthguard is a protective appliance worn over the teeth during activities where there is a risk of impact to the mouth.
A custom mouthguard is made according to the shape and arrangement of your own teeth rather than using a standard one-size-fits-all design.
Its close fit helps it remain more securely positioned while you move, communicate and participate in sport.
The mouthguard creates a protective barrier over the teeth and can help absorb and distribute some of the forces created by an impact to the mouth.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
Who May Need a Custom Mouthguard in Pretoria?
A mouthguard is worth considering whenever an activity creates a realistic risk of a blow, collision or fall involving the face or mouth.
Patients commonly discuss mouthguards for activities such as:
- Rugby
- Hockey
- Boxing
- Martial arts
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Combat sports
- Other contact or collision activities
The appropriate level of protection depends on the activity, age of the patient and condition of the teeth.
Our Pretoria dentist can assess your mouth and discuss whether a custom mouthguard is appropriate for the sport or activity you participate in.
Custom Sports Mouthguards for Children and Teenagers in Pretoria
Children and teenagers can be particularly active in school and club sport, where accidental collisions and falls are common.
A dental injury can affect both appearance and oral health, especially when a permanent front tooth is chipped, displaced or knocked out.
A properly fitted mouthguard provides an additional layer of protection during suitable activities.
Because children’s mouths continue developing, their mouthguards may eventually need reassessment as permanent teeth erupt, teeth move or their jaw grows.
Parents should also have the mouthguard checked if it becomes uncomfortable, damaged or noticeably loose.
Custom Mouthguards for Adults in Pretoria
Dental injuries are not limited to school sport.
Adults participating in recreational rugby, martial arts, boxing, hockey, soccer and other physical activities may also benefit from wearing appropriate dental protection.
A previous dental restoration can also influence the importance of protecting the mouth. Patients with crowns, bonding or other dental work should discuss their sporting activities with the dentist so that the condition of their teeth can be considered when the mouthguard is planned.
Whether you participate competitively or recreationally, our dentist can assess your teeth and arrange a custom mouthguard where appropriate.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
Custom Mouthguards vs Shop-Bought Mouthguards in Pretoria
Ready-made and boil-and-bite mouthguards are widely available, but they differ from a mouthguard produced according to the shape of an individual patient’s teeth.
A professionally fitted mouthguard is designed specifically for your mouth.
This can provide a closer, more secure fit and may make the appliance easier to keep in position while participating in sport.
A poorly fitting mouthguard may feel bulky, move around excessively or require the wearer to clench their teeth simply to keep it in place.
Comfort also matters because a mouthguard only provides useful protection when the person actually wears it consistently.
How Custom Mouthguards Are Made at Our Pretoria Dental Practice
The process begins with an assessment of your teeth and gums.
Our dentist will look at the condition and arrangement of your teeth and discuss the sport or activity for which the mouthguard is required.
Information about the shape of your teeth is then used to produce a mouthguard designed specifically for your mouth.
Once the mouthguard is ready, its fit can be checked to make sure it sits appropriately over the teeth.
You will also receive guidance on inserting, removing, cleaning and storing the appliance.
Should a Mouthguard Feel Tight?
A custom mouthguard should fit securely enough to remain in position without constantly needing to be held in place by biting down.
It should not, however, cause persistent pain or place uncomfortable pressure on individual teeth.
A new mouthguard can initially feel unfamiliar because you are wearing an appliance over your teeth, but you should still be able to use it comfortably for its intended activity.
If the mouthguard repeatedly falls out, feels excessively tight or causes sore areas, bring it to Laomai Medical Centre so that the fit can be assessed.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
Can You Talk and Breathe With a Custom Mouthguard?
A mouthguard naturally occupies some space inside the mouth, so wearing one may initially feel different.
A close-fitting custom mouthguard is designed to remain securely positioned without requiring constant clenching.
Being able to keep the appliance comfortably in place can make breathing and communication during activity easier than with a poorly fitting guard that continually moves.
Athletes should become familiar with wearing their mouthguard during practice rather than using it for the first time during an important match or competition.
Mouthguards for Patients With Braces in Pretoria
Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment can still participate in sport, but protecting the teeth and mouth becomes particularly important.
Fixed braces add brackets and wires to the surfaces of the teeth, which means a direct impact can injure the lips and other soft tissues as well as damage the orthodontic appliance.
A standard mouthguard designed for teeth without braces may not be appropriate because orthodontic treatment involves ongoing tooth movement.
If you or your child wears braces, tell our dentist when discussing sports protection. The current orthodontic treatment and changing tooth positions need to be considered when deciding on an appropriate mouthguard solution.
Can a Mouthguard Prevent a Chipped or Knocked-Out Tooth?
No mouthguard can guarantee that a dental injury will never happen.
However, wearing appropriate dental protection can reduce the direct forces reaching the teeth during many sporting impacts and can reduce the likelihood or severity of certain mouth and dental injuries.
A mouthguard is particularly valuable for protecting the front teeth, which are exposed during falls and blows to the face.
Even when wearing a mouthguard, a significant impact can still result in dental trauma.
If a tooth becomes chipped, loosened, displaced or knocked out during sport, arrange prompt dental assessment.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
What Should You Do After a Dental Injury During Sport?
Stop participating and examine the mouth if you experience a significant impact.
Contact Laomai Medical Centre promptly if a tooth has broken, become loose, moved from its normal position or been knocked out.
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires urgent dental attention.
If you can find the tooth, handle it carefully by the visible crown rather than unnecessarily touching the root. Contact a dentist immediately for guidance.
A knocked-out baby tooth should not simply be pushed back into the socket.
Serious facial injuries, uncontrolled bleeding or other significant trauma may also require urgent medical attention.
How to Clean Your Custom Mouthguard
A mouthguard collects saliva, plaque and bacteria while it is being worn, so regular cleaning is important.
Rinse the mouthguard after use and clean it according to the instructions provided by your dental team.
Allow it to dry appropriately before storing it in its protective case.
Avoid exposing the appliance to very hot water or other excessive heat because this may distort the material and change the way it fits.
The protective case should also be kept clean.
How Should You Store a Mouthguard?
Keep your custom mouthguard in its protective case whenever it is not being worn.
Leaving it loose in a sports bag increases the chance of it becoming dirty, damaged or lost.
Do not leave it where pets can reach it, as mouthguards are particularly easy for dogs and other animals to chew.
Avoid leaving the appliance in excessive heat, such as inside a hot vehicle, where the material could potentially distort.
Bring the mouthguard with you to dental appointments when you would like its condition or fit checked.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
How Long Does a Custom Mouthguard Last?
There is no fixed replacement period that applies to every patient.
Adults whose teeth remain stable may use a well-maintained mouthguard for longer than growing children whose mouths and teeth are changing.
A mouthguard should be reassessed if:
- It becomes cracked or torn
- The material becomes significantly worn
- It no longer fits securely
- It begins causing discomfort
- Your teeth have moved
- You have undergone significant dental treatment
- A child’s permanent teeth have continued erupting
- The appliance has been significantly damaged
An appliance that no longer fits properly should not simply continue being used indefinitely.
When Children May Need a New Mouthguard
Children and teenagers can outgrow mouthguards as their teeth and jaws develop.
Permanent teeth may erupt, baby teeth may be lost and orthodontic treatment can significantly change tooth positions.
A mouthguard that once fitted properly can therefore become uncomfortable or unstable.
Parents should periodically check whether their child still wears the appliance comfortably and bring it for assessment if the fit has noticeably changed.
This is particularly important at the beginning of a new sporting season if the child has experienced significant dental changes since the previous year.
Can You Wear a Mouthguard With Crowns, Fillings or Bonding?
Patients with dental restorations can still participate in sport, but existing dental work should be considered when a mouthguard is planned.
A custom appliance is designed around the current shape of the teeth, including restorations that form part of the bite.
Tell our dentist if you have recently received crowns, fillings, composite bonding or other significant dental treatment.
If major dental work is completed after your mouthguard has already been made, the appliance may need to be reassessed because the shape of the teeth may have changed.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
Sports Mouthguard vs Night Guard
A sports mouthguard and a night guard are designed for different purposes.
A sports mouthguard is worn during activities where the mouth may experience an accidental impact.
A night guard is generally intended for patients who grind or clench their teeth while sleeping and is designed around those repeated biting forces.
One appliance should not automatically be used as a replacement for the other.
If your main concern is nighttime grinding rather than sports injuries, our dentist can assess whether a night guard is more appropriate.
Medical Aid and Custom Mouthguards in Pretoria
Laomai Medical Centre accepts patients from major South African medical aid schemes.
Benefits for custom mouthguards vary between schemes and individual plans. Some dental benefits may contribute towards protective appliances, while others may provide limited or no cover.
Our team can assist with confirming the relevant medical aid information before treatment where necessary.
Custom Mouthguards for Pretoria and Surrounding Areas
Laomai Medical Centre provides custom sports mouthguards from our dental practice in Pretoria Central.
We welcome children, teenagers and adults from Pretoria and surrounding areas, including Sunnyside, Arcadia, Muckleneuk, Hatfield, Brooklyn, Groenkloof, Waterkloof, Menlo Park, Gezina, the Moot and Pretoria West.
Whether you need dental protection for school rugby, hockey, martial arts, boxing or another activity where your teeth may be exposed to impact, our dentist in Pretoria can assess your mouth and arrange an appropriate custom mouthguard.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
Book a Custom Mouthguard Appointment in Pretoria
Protecting your teeth before an injury happens can help reduce the risk of dealing with chipped, broken or displaced teeth after a sporting accident.
Visit Laomai Medical Centre for professional custom mouthguards in Pretoria. Our dentist will assess your teeth, discuss the activity you participate in and arrange a mouthguard designed specifically for your mouth.