Mouthguard Care FAQ's

Protecting your smile on the field requires the right gear and proper daily maintenance. Crafted in our Brisbane laboratory, Curated Smiles custom-laminated mouthguards are engineered for maximum impact dispersion, easy breathing, and lasting durability.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about daily cleaning, safe storage, when to replace your guard, and how custom laboratory protection compares to store-bought options.

1. Protection, Fit & Customisation

Why is a custom lab mouthguard better than a boil-and-bite guard?

Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards thin out drastically across the chewing surfaces when bitten into, leaving vulnerable spots. Curated Smiles pressure-laminates mouthguards at 4–6 bar over a precise 3D model of your teeth. This ensures a uniform 4–6 mm thickness, optimal impact dispersion, secure retention without clenching, and easy breathing and speaking.

What colour and design options are available?

You can choose from 35 single-colour options and around 20 custom design styles (such as stripes, splatters, fades, and team combinations). Depending on the design you pick, you can mix and match up to 10 colours to match your team kit or show off your own style. Ask your club or school coordinator to share our colour and design charts, or explore the full range below before scan day.

Do athletes with braces need special mouthguards?

Yes. Athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment require mouthguards specifically designed to provide clearance around brackets and archwires. These should be checked or replaced every 3 to 6 months to ensure they do not restrict tooth movement while still keeping lips and teeth shielded from impact.

2. Care, Cleaning & Storage

How should I clean and store my custom mouthguard daily?

Always rinse your mouthguard immediately under cool or lukewarm water after training or matches to clear away saliva and plaque. Gently brush it using a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap or cool water—avoid regular toothpaste, as abrasive particles can scratch the surface. Let it air-dry completely on a clean paper towel for 15 to 20 minutes before placing it in its ventilated storage case.

Can I soak my mouthguard in cleaning solutions?

Yes, we recommend a weekly deep clean. Soak your guard for 10 to 15 minutes in cool water with a non-abrasive denture or retainer cleaning tablet (such as Polident or Retainer Brite), then rinse thoroughly. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes or bleach, as these can dry out and degrade the material.

What should I avoid doing with my mouthguard?

Never expose your mouthguard to hot water, boiling temperatures, or direct sunlight on car dashboards—heat warps the medical-grade EVA material and ruins the custom fit. Avoid chewing on the ends during breaks, as this compresses the protective layers, and never leave a damp mouthguard sealed inside a sports bag where bacteria and mould can thrive.

3. Replacement & Lifespan

How often do kids and teens need a new mouthguard?

Growing athletes aged 6 to 17 should have their mouthguard replaced every 6 to 12 months—ideally before each new sporting season. Rapid jaw growth, shedding baby teeth, and erupting adult teeth mean older guards can quickly bind against new teeth, causing a poor fit and reduced protection.

How often should adults replace their mouthguard?

For adults with fully developed jaws, a custom mouthguard generally lasts 1 to 2 seasons. Over time, high-impact collisions, involuntary clenching, and bite wear gradually compress the EVA layers, reducing shock absorption even if the guard still looks intact.

What are the warning signs that a mouthguard must be replaced immediately?

Replace your mouthguard right away if it feels loose or drops down when speaking, shows visible bite-through tears or cracks, feels brittle, rubs sore spots on your gums, or holds persistent odours despite thorough cleaning. A loose guard will not properly absorb impact or protect against dental trauma.

4. Orders, Turnaround & Rebates

How fast is the turnaround from scan to delivery?

Our standard turnaround time is 14 days from the date your intraoral scans are taken. Completed mouthguards are delivered directly to your club or school coordinator, ready for collection. Express turnaround is available for an additional fee, though colour and design options may be limited.

Can private health insurance rebates be claimed?

No. At this stage, mobile clinic mouthguards are not eligible for private health fund rebates.

Protect your team this season

Want custom-fitted protection brought straight to your club or school? Secure a mobile mouthguard clinic session with Caitlin today and give your athletes professional-grade safety on the field.