This complete mouthguard guide explains how fit, materials, and design influence protection across different sports.
What Is a Mouthguard and Why Do You Need One?
A mouthguard is a protective oral device that fits over the teeth to help reduce the risk and severity of dental injuries, including fractured teeth, tooth loss, and soft tissue damage to the lips and cheeks.
In contact or collision sports, impacts to the face are frequent and often unexpected, making the presence of a mouthguard critical.
Research suggests that up to 39% of all dental injuries are sports-related, with the majority involving the upper front teeth. These injuries aren’t just painful, they can also be life-altering. Dental trauma can require years of treatment and is often accompanied by social, physical, emotional and financial costs. It has been estimated that properly fitting mouthguards can reduce the incidence and severity of dental injuries anywhere between 60 – 80%.
Despite the risks, many sports people continue to wear low-quality mouthguards or none at all. Their reasons are personal and varied and may include: lack of awareness, cost, orthodontics (i.e. wearing braces or aligners), a history of poor fit and discomfort with over-the-counter mouthguards, or lack of convenience and accessibility.
Neomorph was developed to address the common concerns of over-the-counter mouthguards. With its slim comfortable profile, secure custom-like fit and the ability to re-mould if required for orthodontic treatment, Neomorph makes high-level protection accessible to all athletes aged 11+ without the need for a dental visit. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, it may only take one impact to have devastating and lasting consequences, so a mouthguard should be non-negotiable.
Choosing the right sports mouthguard protection is about more than just thickness — it’s about fit, comfort, practicality and how well the mouthguard performs during real-world impact.
Types of Mouthguards Explained
Modern re-mouldable sports mouthguards aim to bridge the gap between traditional boil-and-bite options and professional dental-made mouthguards yet few do it successfully.
When selecting a mouthguard, it’s important to understand the three primary types available:
- stock (preformed)
- boil-and-bite (mouth-formed)
- custom-made (dental made).
Each offers different levels of fit, comfort, protection, and cost.
We discuss these briefly below. For an even more detailed comparison of these types of mouthguards please see our guide to the different types of mouthguards.
Stock (Pre-Formed) Mouthguards
These are a pre-moulded, one-size-fits-all loose overlay typically found in sporting goods stores. They are the cheapest option, often made of a single plastic material, and cannot be shaped or adjusted to fit the user. As a result, they tend to be bulky, loose, and uncomfortable. Athletes often need to clench their teeth to keep them in place, making it harder to breathe or speak. Due to their poor retention and limited coverage, most dental professionals advise against their use.
Mouth-Formed (Boil-and-Bite) Mouthguards
This type of mouthguard is generally referred to as a “Boil & Bite” mouthguard because they are made from thermoplastic materials that soften when immersed in hot water. Once softened, the wearer then bites together and uses finger pressure & suction to mould the material around the teeth. They offer a better fit than stock guards and are widely available at an affordable price. However, traditional boil-and-bite guards can be inconsistent in coverage, retention, and comfort. Many users report they are bulky, uncomfortable and don’t fit securely, offering reduced protection.
Neomorph was designed to address this problem through its completely mouldable triple-layered construction and interlocking design. The inner NCore® layer enables Neomorph to shape closely to the contours of teeth then acts to disperse (spread) impact energy away from the direct underlying teeth for added protection. The outer layers interlock through the NCore® layer to follow the secure fit, while also offering their own benefits of impact absorption, comfortable liner for teeth, lips and cheeks and a barrier to prevent locking onto bracketing systems.
Custom-Made (Dental-Made) Mouthguards
These are made by dental professionals using impressions or 3D scans of the athlete’s teeth. They are typically fabricated from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) material using vacuum or pressure-forming techniques under high heat. This technique applies heat and vacuum or pressure, to ensure the material conforms precisely to the contours of the patient’s teeth on the study model.
Custom mouthguards offer the best fit. They can be sport-specific in thickness, which means that with heavier impact sports an additional layer can be added to provide thicker protection. They often cost between $150–$300 and generally require a clinic appointment and lead time (generally 1 week) to manufacture. This type of mouthguard cannot be re-moulded if the teeth change i.e for orthodontic patients.
Where Neomorph Fits
Neomorph bridges the gap between mouth-formed mouthguards and custom-made mouthguards. While Neomorph does technically come under the “mouth-formed mouthguard banner”, it differs from all others in its design and triple-layered system.
All 3 layers of Neomorph are re-mouldable so you will never experience hard casings or hard bits within Neomorph. When heated the internal layer (coloured) softens to conform tightly around teeth, and when it sets, it locks to hold that custom fit in place and then becomes a semi-rigid structure to spread the load of impact energy away from underlying teeth.
The external layers are interlocked with the middle layer so they also follow the contour of the internal layer to fit securely. These external layers assist with absorbing impact energy, they enable Neomorph to feel smooth and comfortable and act as a barrier to prevent attachment to orthodontic appliances so you can wear Neomorph with braces or clear aligner attachments (remove your aligners before fitting and wearing).
Neomorph delivers the convenience and price-point of an over-the-counter product with protection and fit that is more in line with the dental-made mouthguard.
With up to 10 remoulds possible, Neomorph offers a cost-effective and practical alternative for those who choose not to wear a dental-made mouthguard, and for those undergoing orthodontic treatment.
How Mouthguards Protect Against Dental Injury
The role of a mouthguard goes far beyond preventing broken teeth. It acts as a shock absorber, redistributing the energy from impacts to minimise the risk of dental, skeletal, and soft tissue injury.
The upper front teeth (maxillary incisors) are the most vulnerable during sport and account for nearly 80% of all dental trauma cases. A well-fitted mouthguard protects these teeth by dispersing (spreading) impact forces across a broader area, while also absorbing energy to cushion the blow. In high contact sports like boxing, football, rugby, hockey, lacrosse and basketball (where impact to the mouth is frequent), this kind of protection is invaluable.
Although some claim that mouthguards can prevent concussions, the evidence is inconclusive. However, by limiting jaw shock and reducing dental trauma, they may help lessen the severity of secondary injuries associated with head impact. At the very least, they prevent complex, painful, and costly dental outcomes that can sideline athletes and lead to long-term dental issues.
There is ongoing discussion around the role of mouthguards in concussion prevention — our article on mouthguards and concussions explains what the current evidence does and does not support.
Understanding Neomorph’s Triple-Layer Protection
Neomorph’s multi-layered construction is 3.5mm thick and provides a re-mouldable mouthguard that has the ability to absorb and disperse impact energy to protect for a broader range of impacts.
The choice of materials and the way in which they interlock to work together, has provided the formula for a mouldable mouthguard with a closer, more custom-like fit and a slimmer profile than traditional over-the-counter mouthguards.
At the centre of Neomorph is NCore®, a 1mm temperature-sensitive layer that is super mouldable.
When heated NCore® moulds firmly around teeth to form a secure custom-fit. When it has cooled, it sets to hold that custom fit in place and becomes a semi-rigid, non-compressible structure, to disperse impact energy, meaning that when a person receives an impact to the mouth, the NCore® layer will help to spread the impact energy throughout the mouthguard and away from the immediate underlying teeth.
It is this central NCore® layer that gives Neomorph its secure, custom-like fit and protective benefits, and sets it apart from other re-mouldable mouthguards.
The outer layer (surrounding NCore®) is made from the same EVA material as is used for dental-made mouthguards.
This ticks all our other practical boxes. It offers
- a comfortable liner for teeth and lips,
- cushioning to absorb impact energy,
- a barrier to prevent attachment to braces,
- and a bite pad to help in protection for tooth on tooth impacts.
In independent impact testing, Neomorph compared favourably with dual-laminate, technician-made mouthguards. Its snug fit helps keep the mouthguard in place during active play, and its triple-layer technology provides protection without the bulk.
Complete Mouthguard Guide: How to Choose the Right Mouthguard
Choosing the right mouthguard involves more than just picking a product off the shelf. A poorly fitting mouthguard can cause discomfort, distract from performance, and offer poor protection.
When evaluating your options, look for the following criteria:
- secure fit & retention,
- thickness,
- comfort,
- ease of speaking and breathing, and
- re-mouldability particularly if wearing dental appliances, and overall cost.
Fit and Retention
A good mouthguard should stay in place without needing to be clenched and should cover the teeth and gums to at least the back of the first molars. If a mouthguard has a poor fit it can move or dislodge during impact, which means its protective qualities are compromised. The edges should be smooth and flush with the gum line to avoid irritation or obstruction.
Learn more about the importance of a properly fitting mouthguard in sports.
If you wear an over-the-counter mouthguard, understanding how to fit a mouthguard correctly is critical to ensuring it stays in place and provides effective impact protection.
How Fit Affects Comfort, Breathing and Speech
These are key for athletes who need to communicate on the field or maintain endurance. Bulky guards make it harder to breathe or talk, especially in sports requiring lots of running or communication.
Thickness and Protection
When it comes to selecting a mouthguard, the thickness is a major factor in protection. Striking the right balance between protection and comfort is key. Research suggests that for a single material EVA mouthguard, a thickness of 4mm at impact-prone areas is a wise choice to safeguard your smile without compromising on your sporting performance or comfort.
Thickness should be sufficient to absorb impact (3-4 mm at the lip and biting surfaces), but not so excessive that it feels intrusive and uncomfortable.
The Neomorph Mouthguard is a dual-material, triple-layered mouthguard that is 3.5mm thick.
In independent impact testing, 15 of the 16 technician-made dual-layered mouthguards failed before the test rig’s maximum impact. Neomorph reached the maximum without damage in 3 of 4 samples.
Re-mouldability and Cost Considerations
Finally, re-mouldability is often overlooked.
For athletes with growing teeth or undergoing orthodontic treatment i.e braces/aligners, a re-mouldable solution is a good option. It is also important for people who may not fit the mouthguard correctly the first time or those who need to change the mouthguard fit periodically throughout orthodontic treatment.
Some over-the-counter mouthguards are one-time mouldable i.e they will only mould to fit once. Ensure the mouthguard you buy is fit for purpose.
Neomorph was designed as a re-mouldable alternative to the dental-made mouthguard. Its triple-layered structure combines performance-grade materials with the ability to refit the mouthguard up to 10 times, saving money and ensuring continued protection as the mouth changes.
How Custom Mouthguards Are Made (Dental vs Re-Mouldable)
Achieving a secure, custom fit is the cornerstone of mouthguard effectiveness. A properly fitted mouthguard remains in place, cushions impact, and allows the wearer to focus on performance without distraction.
Dental practitioners require an appointment to make a custom-made mouthguard. When the patient is in the dental chair they will take an alginate impression or digital scan of the patient’s teeth. The patient is then free to go. The practitioner will then either send the impressions or scans to a laboratory for a technician to complete the process or they may complete the process in house.
The next step involves the impression or scan, being used to make a working model that replicates the patient’s teeth. These working models are then used within a pressure-forming or vacuum-forming machine as the base for the layers of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) mouthguard material to mould around. Depending on the machine used, the material is heated under radiant heat then high pressure forces (most common) OR the high vacuum suctions the EVA sheet material over the working model so it contours the teeth perfectly.
The practitioner or technician may use 1- 3 sheets to layer over the working model dependent on the protection required. A low impact mouthguard may have 1 layer only (2mm) generally only recommended for young children, a standard contact sport mouthguard will generally be dual laminated (2 layers 3-4mm) and a heavy impact sport may be triple-layered (3 layers 5-6mm). These are less tolerated as they can feel quite bulky. The ultimate result however is a precise fit.
This process generally takes anywhere between 3 – 7 days turnaround.
Neomorph eliminates the clinical steps while retaining many of the benefits. The fitting process begins with heating the guard in boiling water to soften the thermoplastic materials. After a nominated heating time, the user places the guard in the mouth and applies firm to hard finger pressure for 60 seconds to conform the mouthguard around the contours of the teeth. The user then closes their mouth and sucks all of the air from their mouth for approx. 30-60 seconds to help further contour the mouthguard around the wearer’s teeth. Once the shape is formed, the mouthguard can be placed into cold water to set, which secures the fit into place.
How to Tell If a Mouthguard Fits Properly
You should do a practice run for fitting your mouthguard prior to heating. This is especially important for mouthguards that only mould once as you do not get another go.
Once you have completed your fit by closely following the manufacturer’s instructions, you will need to check that it fits correctly.
- To check the fit of a store bought mouthguard the wearer should place the formed mouthguard into their mouth, suck to remove all the excess saliva and check that it adequately covers the outside of their teeth.
- Ensure the mouthguard is comfortable and fits securely so it won’t dislodge on impact.
- You should not be able to remove a mouthguard from behind your front teeth when using your tongue, and when you close your teeth together your mouthguard should feel even and not feel like it’s rocking.
- If you can remove the mouthguard easily with your tongue from behind your front teeth then it is not tight enough and you should repeat the fitting process for a tighter fit.
If you wear a Neomorph Mouthguard and there are areas that you are not entirely happy with, you can adjust those sections by placing the localised sections into freshly boiled water – you do not have to heat the entire mouthguard for adjustments.
This is not possible for all re-mouldable mouthguards. Ensure you check the manufacturer’s fitting instructions prior to doing so.
You should NEVER need to hold a mouthguard in your mouth by clenching your teeth together.
Care and Maintenance
A mouthguard goes in your mouth—so its cleanliness and condition are very important.
When not cared for properly, mouthguards can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to unpleasant odours, oral irritations and a shortened lifespan for the mouthguard.
To maintain hygiene, rinse your mouthguard with cool water immediately after each use. Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a non-abrasive toothpaste to gently clean the surfaces. Avoid abrasive toothpastes, as they can cause microscopic scratches that harbour bacteria.
Ideally the mouthguard should be air dried before placing it in a ventilated case. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, so try not to leave it too wet or in a sealed, unbreathable container.
Avoid soaking or cleaning your mouthguard with bleach, alcohol, or boiling water, which can damage the material and distort the shape.
Ensure the case is also clean and inspect the guard regularly for any signs of damage, odour, or fit issues.
Neomorph’s materials are biocompatible (safe), yet proper care ensures it remains effective for longer use.
For Neomorph’s complete cleaning, storage and maintenance guidance, see our blog on how to clean and care for your mouthguard.
Special Considerations for Braces, Aligners, and Children
For those undergoing orthodontic treatment, a re-mouldable mouthguard is a good option and often recommended by practitioners.
Braces introduce bracket edges that significantly increase the risk of soft tissue injury if impacted during sport. Impacts can cause deep lacerations to the lips, cheeks, or tongue, and damage to brackets may delay treatment or require costly repairs.
Neomorph addresses this by using a soft inner layer that conforms around braces, offering both cushioning and retention without interfering with tooth movement or applying excessive pressure. Neomorph is also re-mouldable so can be adjusted as teeth move throughout orthodontic treatment.
For sports people wearing a Neomorph mouthguard with fixed braces or bonded attachments please ensure you follow Neomorph’s specific orthodontic fitting instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should mouthguards cover all your teeth?
A well-designed mouthguard should adequately cover the cheek side of your teeth. Most mouthguards, including most dentist-made guards, cover the teeth to the back of the first molar, which is the recommended coverage for sport. Extending to the second molar is generally only recommended for mouthguards made for extreme impact. This ensures even distribution of force during impact and reduces the risk of injury.
Can I wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes, and it’s strongly recommended.
Neomorph’s design specifically accommodates braces and can be re-moulded as teeth move—protecting both the bracketing system and the soft tissues.
How do I know if it fits correctly?
A properly fitted guard should stay in place under impact and general wear. You should be able to speak and breathe naturally, with no bulkiness or discomfort. The mouthguard should not rock or move and when closing your teeth together your guard should feel even.
A good test to ensure proper fit is to try removing your mouthguard from behind your front teeth with your tongue. If you can remove the mouthguard easily with your tongue from behind your front teeth then it is not tight enough and you should repeat the fitting process for a tighter fit.
A good fitting mouthguard should make you feel protected yet not distract you from performing at your best i.e breathing and communication.
How often should I clean my mouthguard?
Rinse after each use, brush daily with mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste and always try to dry your mouthguard before storing in a ventilated mouthguard case.
What if my mouthguard starts to smell?
Odour is a sign of bacteria. Clean your mouthguard thoroughly and check for any damage or areas where bacteria could get in.
If the smell persists and/or the guard is damaged, replace it.
Can I use a mouthguard with crowns or veneers?
Absolutely, crowns and veneers are not inexpensive so it is important to protect your investment.
Is a custom mouthguard better than over-the-counter?
Custom-made mouthguards offer a premium fit, yet there are many sports people that do not think dental-made mouthguards are a practical option for them, for reasons such as orthodontics (as once they are made they do not re-mould), price point, accessibility and convenience.
Neomorph is a re-mouldable alternative to the dental-made mouthguard addressing the majority of traditional over-the-counter concerns.
How do I fit Neomorph correctly?
You will find the Neomorph fitting instructions in the pack supplied with the mouthguard. Additionally there are fitting videos and PDF instructions on our website.
Sports That Should Require Mouthguards
There are many sports that could benefit from a mandatory rule for mouthguards. However not enough sporting associations enforce this rule.
Any sport with the risk of physical contact or collision such as AFL, Rugby, Boxing, Basketball, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, MMA, Lacrosse, BMX, Roller Derby, Soccer — should consider a mandatory mouthguard policy. These sports have a moderate-high risk of dental injury. Some of these sports do already implement the mandatory mouthguard policy, however not all of them.
This is just a small list of the most common sports that are at moderate to high risk of dental injury.
Conclusion – Choosing Protection That Fits Your Life
Mouthguards are an essential part of the protective kit – and should not be viewed as optional accessories. They protect your smile, your investment in dental care, and your ability to play without fear. Whether you’re a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or a parent looking for dependable protection, choosing the right mouthguard can make all the difference.
With a clear understanding of fit, comfort, and protection, the final step is choosing the right sports mouthguard for your level of play and contact risk.
Neomorph Mouthguards were developed with dental professionals, scientists and real sportspeople. They have been material and impact tested, performance tested against other mouthguards (including technician-made), and are trusted by dental professionals and sportspeople nationwide.
With a re-mouldable fit, orthodontic compatibility, independently tested protection and slimline comfort, Neomorph bridges the gap between accessibility and performance.
Protect what matters. Play with confidence. Choose Neomorph.
