If you play rugby in Sheffield, you already know the risks. Scrums, tackles, rucks and the occasional stray elbow come with the territory, and so do dental injuries. Chipped, cracked or knocked-out teeth are among the most common injuries in contact sport, and they can be painful, expensive and life-changing.
Most players know they should wear a mouthguard. Far fewer realise that the one they pick up from a sports shop may not give them the protection they think it does.
The problem with shop-bought mouthguards
Shop-bought mouthguards come in two main types: ready-made “stock” guards and “boil-and-bite” guards that you mould yourself at home. They’re cheap and convenient, but they have real limitations.
They don’t fit properly. Stock guards are one-size-fits-all, which means they fit almost nobody well. Boil-and-bite guards are better, but home moulding is hard to get right. They are often too thick in some places and too thin in others, and they rarely sit precisely against your teeth and gums.
They move around. A guard that doesn’t grip securely can shift on impact, which is exactly when you need it to stay put. Many players end up clenching their jaw just to hold it in place, which is tiring and uncomfortable.
They’re bulky and hard to wear. An ill-fitting guard can make breathing and talking difficult. Many players take it out during play or leave it in their kit bag. A mouthguard only works if it’s in your mouth.
They wear out quickly. Cheap materials can thin, warp or split after a few matches, often without you noticing, leaving you less protected than you realise.
What makes a personalised mouthguard different
A custom-made mouthguard is designed from an accurate impression of your own teeth, so it is built around your mouth rather than an average one.
A precise, secure fit. It clips snugly over your teeth and stays in place without you having to bite down on it. That means better protection when it matters, and fewer distractions during the game.
Better protection where you need it. Material thickness can be controlled across the guard, so the areas most exposed to impact are properly cushioned. A well-made guard helps absorb and spread the force of a blow, reducing the risk of broken teeth, damaged gums and lip and cheek injuries.
Comfort that means you’ll actually wear it. Because it fits properly, a custom guard is slimmer and more comfortable. You can breathe, talk and call plays far more easily, so it’s far less likely to end up in your pocket.
Built to last. Professional-grade materials hold their shape and stand up to a full season of training and matches far better than a cheap off-the-shelf alternative.
Suitable for braces and dental work. If you have braces, crowns, bridges or other dental work, a mouthguard designed by a dental professional can protect both your mouth and your existing treatment. A standard guard simply can’t be adapted to those needs.
Is it worth the cost?
A personalised mouthguard from Bealby and Jones Dental Practice costs £250.
It’s more than a high-street guard, so it’s fair to ask whether it’s worth it. Put it in perspective. Repairing or replacing a damaged tooth can involve multiple appointments, significant cost, and in some cases lifelong maintenance. A knocked-out front tooth isn’t just a dental problem. It affects your appearance, confidence and eating, and the bill can far exceed the cost of a mouthguard.
A custom mouthguard is a small, one-off investment that protects the teeth you’ll need for the rest of your life. Spread across a season of matches and training, it works out as very little per game.
Who should get one?
Anyone who plays contact or high-risk sport can benefit, including:
- Adult club and social rugby players
- Teenagers and junior players (we recommend regular checks as young mouths change quickly)
- Players who also take part in hockey, martial arts, boxing or other contact sports
- Anyone with braces, who needs extra protection for their orthodontic work
Getting yours at Bealby and Jones
Getting a custom mouthguard is quick and straightforward. We take a precise impression of your teeth, and your guard is then made to fit you perfectly. We’ll check the fit when it’s ready and give you simple advice on caring for it so it lasts.
Whether you’re playing for a local club, turning out at weekends or just starting out, don’t leave your smile to chance. Book your mouthguard appointment with Bealby and Jones Dental Practice today and play with confidence.
Written by
Ciara Dodd
Clinic admin — GDC -