Sports Mouth Guards Reservoir
Why a Custom-Fitted Mouth Guard Beats a Chemist One
Chemist mouthguards are either ready-made or softened in hot water to create a basic fit. A custom mouthguard is made from an impression or digital scan of your teeth, so it holds on its own without you clenching to keep it there. You can breathe and talk properly, and most players stop noticing it after the first few minutes.
A close fit also helps cushion impact and spread force more evenly across the teeth and jaw. Custom guards also last longer than chemist ones, but comfort matters just as much—the guard that fits properly is the one that actually gets worn every week.
Sports We Fit Mouth Guards For
Any sport with a ball, a stick, a board or a body coming at speed:
Football (AFL), rugby and soccer
Basketball and netball, where elbows cause more dental injuries than people expect
Hockey and cricket
Boxing and martial arts
Skateboarding, BMX and skiing
If you are not sure whether your sport needs one, ask us. The rule of thumb is simple: if a collision is possible, a mouth guard is worth wearing.
Mouth Guards for Kids and Teens
Growing mouths change quickly, so children’s mouth guards usually need replacing every 12 to 18 months, or sooner if teeth are erupting or falling out. The guard should also suit the child’s age, sport and level of contact.
Comfort matters because a bulky guard that makes breathing or talking difficult is less likely to be worn. A properly fitted custom guard stays comfortably in place, while team colours can make it more appealing. Book before pre-season so it is ready for the first training session.
Mouth Guards and Braces
Yes, you can and absolutely should wear a mouth guard with braces. The risk of a lip or cheek injury is higher, not lower, with brackets in place.
A guard for braces is made with extra room to allow for tooth movement, so it stays usable as treatment progresses. It will need remaking more often than a standard guard. If you are having orthodontic treatment or Invisalign with us, mention your sport and we will plan around it.
What It Costs and What Your Health Fund Covers
A custom mouth guard costs more than a chemist option but far less than repairing a broken front tooth. The price depends on the required thickness and the sport you play. Call us on 03 9460 4922 for current pricing; we will confirm the cost before making your guard.
Most extras policies provide a rebate under dental item 151, although the amount depends on your cover. Royal Parade Dental is a preferred provider for Medibank, Bupa and HCF, and eligible children may receive gap-free cover through Medibank or Bupa. We process claims through HICAPS, while Afterpay and CommBank StepPay are available if you prefer to spread the cost.
A Sports Mouth Guard Is Not a Night Guard
These are often confused and not interchangeable.
A sports mouth guard absorbs impact. It is worn during play.
A night guard, or occlusal splint, protects teeth from grinding and clenching while you sleep. It is a different thickness, shape and material.
Wearing a sports guard overnight will not treat grinding, and it wears out quickly. If you wake with a sore jaw or headaches, see our page on teeth grinding and bruxism.
Getting Fitted - Two Short Visits
Your first visit involves taking a quick impression of your teeth. At the second appointment, we check the fit and bite, make sure you can breathe and speak comfortably, and adjust the guard if needed. As it is made by a dental laboratory, book a few weeks before the season begins.
Care checklist:
- Rinse with cold water after each use.
- Brush gently without toothpaste.
- Store dry in its ventilated case.
- Keep it away from heat and sunlight.
- Bring it to your dental check-ups.
- Replace it if it becomes worn, damaged or loose. Children may need a new guard every 12–18 months as their teeth develop.
What To Do If a Tooth Is Knocked Out
Minutes matter. A permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved if it is replanted quickly.
Step 1. Pick the tooth up by the crown, never the root.
Step 2. If it is dirty, rinse briefly in milk or saline, not water, and do not scrub.
Step 3. If you can, place it back in the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth.
Step 4. If you cannot, store it in milk. Not water, not a tissue.
Step 5. Get to a dentist immediately.
Do not attempt to replant a baby tooth. See our emergency dental care page, or ring us straight away on 03 9460 4922.
FAQs on Sports Protection
Essential information for parents on maintaining their child’s mouthguard and knowing when to use it.
How much does a custom sports mouth guard cost?
It depends on the thickness and the sport it is made for. Ring us on 03 9460 4922 for a current price, and we will quote you before anything is made. Most extras policies pay a rebate that brings the out-of-pocket cost down.
Does private health insurance cover mouth guards?
Most extras policies include a rebate for a custom-made guard, with the amount varying by fund and cover level. It is claimed as item 151, and most funds allow one guard per benefit year. We are a preferred provider for Medibank, Bupa and HCF and claim through HICAPS at the front desk, so you only pay the gap. Bring your card, and we will check before you proceed.
Are custom mouth guards really better than chemist ones?
Yes, mainly because of fit. A custom guard is moulded to your teeth, so it stays in place without clenching, distributes impact more evenly, and lets you breathe and talk. A guard that feels fine is a guard that stays in, and that is what actually protects the teeth.
Can my child wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes, and it is more important than ever. Guards for braces are made with extra space to allow teeth to move, and need remaking more often as treatment progresses.
How often should a mouth guard be replaced?
Every 12 to 18 months for children and teenagers, because their mouths are still growing. Adults can go longer, but replace it whenever it tears, thins, or no longer grips firmly.
When should I book before the season starts?
Ideally, a few weeks before pre-season training. February and March are our busiest period for junior sport, so booking early means the guard is ready for the first session.
How to Get Started
Getting started with Royal Parade Dental Clinic Smiles is simple. Just follow these three easy steps and you’ll be on your way to a healthier, brighter smile
Book Your Appointment
Call us on 03 9460 4922 or book online. Choose a time that suits your lifestyle—we offer same-day appointments for emergencies.
Visit Our Clinic
Find us at our Reservoir location within the Royal Parade complex. Our friendly team will welcome you into our calming, aromatherapy-scented environment.
Smile with Confidence
We’ll provide a clear, personalized treatment plan and answer all your questions, getting you back to smiling confidently.
Where to Find Us
We are located at 2A Royal Parade, Reservoir, situated within the Royal Parade complex. Look for our signature signage to guide you straight to our front door.
Free Parking
Convenient parking is available right at our doorstep. You’ll find one reserved space directly in front of the surgery, with plenty of free street parking throughout the immediate area, making your arrival simple and stress-free.
Public Transport Access
Multiple routes service the Royal Parade/Edwardes St area. Train: We are a short distance from Reservoir Station (Mernda Line).
If you have any trouble finding us, call 03 9460 4922 and our team will guide you in.
Book Your Appointment!
Plan your visit with ease — we’re open throughout the week for your convenience.
Monday:
8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday:
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday:
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday:
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday:
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday:
Closed
Book a Mouth Guard Fitting in Reservoir
It takes two short appointments to protect a smile for a whole season. We fit players of all ages from Reservoir, Preston, Thomastown, Lalor, Epping, Bundoora and across Melbourne’s north.
Call 03 9460 4922 or book online.
2A Royal Parade, Reservoir VIC 3073. Close to Reservoir Station.