Preventive Dentistry
Mouthguards in Buderim
Custom-fitted mouthguards at Sunny Dental Buderim are made from an impression of your own teeth for a fit no chemist product can match. Whether you play AFL, rugby, or grind your teeth at night — we have a mouthguard designed for your needs.
Two Types of Custom Mouthguards
Sports Mouthguards
A sports mouthguard sits over your upper teeth and cushions impact forces during contact or collision sport. It protects against chipped or fractured teeth, soft tissue injuries to the lips and cheeks, and jaw fractures. The Australian Dental Association recommends mouthguards for all contact sports — and a custom-fitted guard is significantly more protective than a generic boil-and-bite version.
Custom sports guards are available in a range of colours and can be colour-matched to team colours for junior players at Buderim, Sippy Downs, Mountain Creek, and Mooloolaba clubs.
Night Guards (Bruxism Splints)
A night guard — also called an occlusal splint — is a custom-made appliance worn during sleep to protect against the forces of teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching. Grinding puts enormous pressure on teeth and the jaw joint over time, leading to wear, cracks, sensitivity, and morning headaches or jaw soreness.
Night guards do not stop the grinding, but they absorb and redistribute the force — protecting your teeth and reducing strain on the jaw muscles. Patients from across the Sunshine Coast often find that a well-fitted night guard also helps with related headaches.
Why Custom Fit Matters
It Stays In
A custom guard made from an impression of your teeth fits snugly over your exact dental anatomy. It does not slip, fall out, or need to be held in place by biting down. A mouthguard that moves during play — or that a player removes because it is uncomfortable — provides no protection at all.
Better Breathing & Communication
Custom guards are thinner and more precisely contoured than over-the-counter alternatives, which means breathing and talking are less restricted during play. For children especially, this makes a significant difference to whether they will actually wear it on the field.
Proper Material Thickness
Laboratory-fabricated guards are made from materials of appropriate thickness for the level of sport and the size of the patient. Generic guards use uniform thickness, which may be too thin in high-impact areas and unnecessarily bulky elsewhere.
Long-Term Value
A custom mouthguard costs more upfront than a chemist option, but it lasts longer, requires fewer replacements, and — more importantly — is actually worn. The cost of a single chipped or fractured tooth, or a crown after a sports impact, far exceeds the cost of a well-made custom guard.
Updated as Teeth Change
For children whose teeth are still developing, mouthguards should be updated regularly as the dentition changes. We can advise on when it is time to replace a sports guard as part of your child's regular check-up schedule.
Fast Turnaround
The impression process takes around 15 minutes. Most custom mouthguards are ready within one to two weeks. If you are mid-season and need something quickly, talk to us — we can discuss options and timelines at your first appointment.
For Sunshine Coast Sports Players
The Sunshine Coast has a strong sporting culture — AFL, rugby league, rugby union, hockey, and martial arts clubs serve players from Buderim, Sippy Downs, Mountain Creek, Kuluin, Maroochydore, and Nambour. Sunny Dental Buderim is located at 2/64 King Street, Buderim — convenient to the local sporting precincts and just minutes from Buderim Village. We see players of all ages and can fit in a mouthguard appointment alongside your regular check-up.
Sports We Commonly Fit Guards For
- AFL (Australian Rules Football)
- Rugby League & Rugby Union
- Boxing & Martial Arts
- Field Hockey
- Basketball & Netball
- Waterpolo & Combat Sports
Night Guard — Signs You May Need One
- Waking with a sore or stiff jaw
- Morning headaches, particularly at the temples
- Tooth sensitivity that is getting worse
- A partner telling you that you grind at night
- Visible wear or flattening on your teeth
- Cracked or chipped teeth without a clear cause
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose a custom mouthguard over a chemist one?
A custom guard is made from an impression of your own teeth, so it fits precisely, stays in place, and does not obstruct breathing or speech. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards are bulkier, less comfortable, and more likely to be removed mid-game. A guard that does not stay in does not protect — and for contact sport, protection is the entire point.
What is a night guard and how does it help with grinding?
A night guard is a custom appliance worn during sleep that absorbs and distributes the forces of grinding (bruxism) and clenching. It protects tooth surfaces from wear, reduces the risk of cracks, and can lessen jaw muscle soreness and headaches associated with nighttime grinding. It does not stop the grinding behaviour itself, but it protects your teeth from its effects.
How long does it take to get a custom mouthguard?
Two appointments. At the first (about 15 minutes), we take an impression of your teeth. The guard is made at a dental laboratory and is typically ready within one to two weeks. At the second appointment, we check the fit and make any minor adjustments needed.
What sports are mouthguards recommended for?
The Australian Dental Association recommends mouthguards for all contact and collision sports, including AFL, rugby, boxing, martial arts, hockey, basketball, and netball. For junior players in Buderim, Sippy Downs, and Mountain Creek clubs, a well-fitted custom guard is one of the most practical pieces of sports equipment their parents can provide.
How do I care for my mouthguard?
Rinse your mouthguard with cold water before and after use, and clean it gently with a toothbrush. Store it in the ventilated case we provide, and keep it away from heat (car dashboards in Queensland summers are a common cause of warping). Bring it to your regular check-up so we can assess its condition and advise when it should be replaced.
Get Your Custom Mouthguard in Buderim
Custom sports guards and night guards at Sunny Dental Buderim, 2/64 King Street. Appointments are quick — most take under 20 minutes for the impression. Call us or book online. Open Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm.
Ready to Put Yourself First?
Whether it’s been months or years since your last visit, there’s no better time to start than now. Dr Louis and Dr Jeremy are here.