A mouthguard shouldn’t break the bank (especially if you are the type of person that loses one during the season)
A mouthguard is an important addition to any contact sport and we are increasingly seeing an upturn for Australian sporting clubs to implement their own mouthguard policies to ensure their players are protected. Over the last decades with have seen a dramatic rise in orthodontics, so now there is even more reason to protect your teeth from those heavy impacts and clashes.
In saying that, the quality and price of a mouthguard can differ substantially, so it is important to do your research before purchasing. We know quality and affordability can be achieved; read below to find out our first choice for mouthguard protection.
5 things to consider when purchasing an affordable quality mouthguard:
- Custom Fit: Affordable custom fit mouthguards can be custom fit as well, so this is where your research is most important. A mouthguard that isn’t custom fit will provide little to no dental protection and will almost definitely infuriate you when you are on the field, court or ring. The whole point of wearing a sports mouthguard is to protect your teeth from impact, so a custom fit guard that you mould at home should be on the top of your list.
- Warranty: Look for a mouthguard that offers a dental warranty should an accident occur while you are wearing it. Read the terms and conditions of the warranty and always check the warranty amount to know your coverage (the higher the dental value is generally a much better option). If a warranty is available, make sure you know whether the mouthguard needs to be registered with the manufacturer to activate your warranty. Don’t forget warranties expire too, so check the warranty coverage period as well.
- Comfort: It’s hard to know how comfortable a mouthguard will be before you purchase it. Be sure to research the thickness of the mouthguard and read some customer reviews to see if there is a consensus about comfort. Don’t forget though, a mouthguard needs to offer protection, so make sure you keep this in mind too.
- Longevity: Are you likely to lose your mouthguard during the season? If you are a little forgetful with where you last placed your mouthguard then an affordable price becomes very important. Also, if you like to resize your mouthguard for comfort (or for orthodontic reasons) during the season then choosing a remouldable guard may be important to you.
- Price vs Quality: Don’t be tempted to purchase the cheapest mouthguard you find. Do your research and you may find that a mouthguard for only a few dollars more will provide better overall protection and comfort. It’s worth the extra $10-$20 dollars for a mouthguard that you will be happy to wear; otherwise, you will be taking out of your mouth every few minutes to breathe or talk (and will more likely lose it on the sidelines).
Our recommendation: The SISU Aero Sports Mouthguard. The SISU Aero ticks all the boxes above (including a very lucrative up to $50,000 dental warranty) and is available for under $50.
We know costs associated with playing contact sport can add up, so doing a little research for an affordable quality mouthguard will definitely provide you with benefits for the season without hurting your hip pocket.