Inside view of a gold and white custom sports mouthguard.

3 min read8 sections

When to replace your mouthguard

Replace a sports mouthguard when it is cracked, torn, thinning, warped or no longer fits. We recommend a new guard every year for players under 18, because their teeth are still changing.

Signs of wear and damage

Cracks, splits, holes, chew marks and thin spots are all reasons to replace a guard. A guard that has been left in heat can warp without any visible tear.

Don't glue, trim or reshape a damaged guard yourself.

How long does a sports mouthguard last?

The Australian Dental Association says a guard that is well looked after can last several seasons once you've stopped growing, so replace yours when it cracks, thins or stops fitting. Players under 18 need a new one each year.

In a 2025 Australian study, junior footballers' guards had turned rough after one season, and rough surfaces held about eight times as much bacteria. Go by the guard's condition and fit, not its age alone.

How often should kids replace a mouthguard?

Plan on a new guard every year until your child turns 18. New adult teeth and growing jaws change the shape the guard was made for, so children and teenagers need their guard checked each season.

Our Light guard, for 15 and under, is $230.

When the fit changes

A guard that feels loose, tight or rubs, or that you have to bite down to keep in, may no longer match your teeth. New adult teeth, braces, fillings, crowns and other dental work can all change the fit.

How to make your mouthguard last longer

Clean it after every use, dry it, and keep it cool. Rinse it in cold water, brush it with mild liquid soap and a soft brush, and let it air dry before it goes in a rigid, vented case.

Keep it out of hot water, direct sun and hot cars, which can warp it. Don't chew on it, and keep it away from pets.

How long does a night guard last?

A night guard lasts until it no longer fits, or it bends, wears through or breaks. The Australian Dental Association says that is when a splint needs replacing, and that dental work such as a crown can mean it needs adjusting or replacing.

We make night guards for $400 at the same time as a sports mouthguard, from the same scan.

Reordering from your saved scan

We keep scans on file. If your teeth and bite have not changed, the team can check whether your scan is suitable for a replacement. Growing teeth, orthodontic treatment or dental work may mean a new scan is needed.

When you contact us, tell us roughly when we last scanned you and whether you have had dental work since.

A saved 3D scan of teeth on a laptop beside the intraoral scanner in its cradle.

Timing before the season

Check your guard before preseason training starts. If you need a new one, allow 7 to 10 working days after your scan.

Questions

Should I replace my mouthguard after a big hit?

Yes, if the hit left a crack, a tear, a bite-through or a bent edge, or if the guard no longer sits the way it did.

Does a custom mouthguard last longer than a boil and bite?

Usually. The American Dental Association says custom-made guards are durable and may last longer than shop guards, and the Australian Dental Association notes that moulding a boil and bite at home can leave thin spots.

Can I claim a replacement mouthguard on my health fund?

Usually, under item 151 on extras cover, but many funds limit how many mouthguards they pay for per person each year. Check your cover before you book, especially if you've already claimed one this year.

Can I use my old mouthguard as a spare?

Only while it is still in good condition and matches your teeth. Once it is cracked, thin or loose, throw it out rather than keep it in the bag.

All mouthguard questions
A gloved hand holds a yellow custom guard printed with a name, in front of the Guard Your Game wall.

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Design your guard online, then book a scan. Questions first? Call us on (02) 9715 6567.

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