General dentistry
Custom mouthguards
A custom mouthguard is made from an impression or scan of your teeth, so it stays in place, allows you to speak and breathe, and helps reduce the risk of dental injury during contact and collision sport.
- Provided by Dr Shruti Biyani, Principal Dentist
- 3/54 Nullarbor Avenue, Franklin ACT 2913
- HICAPS on-the-spot claiming
How we assess whether it's right for you
- Check of erupting teeth in children, as growth affects fit
- Discussion of sport, level of contact and any braces
Suitability is decided after an examination, not from a photograph or a phone description. If a treatment is not right for you, your dentist will say so and set out what else is available.
What the process involves
1. Scan or impression
A digital scan or impression is taken of the upper teeth.
2. Fabrication
The guard is made in the laboratory in your chosen colours.
3. Fit
The guard is fitted, adjusted and care instructions provided.
Risks and limitations
- No mouthguard eliminates the risk of dental or jaw injury; it reduces it.
- Children's mouthguards need replacing as teeth erupt and jaws grow, often each season.
- A poorly cleaned or heat-distorted guard will not fit properly and should be replaced.
Alternatives to consider
- Over-the-counter guards, which fit less accurately and are generally less protective
Any dental procedure carries risks. This page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal advice. Outcomes vary between people, and suitability can only be determined after an examination by a registered dental practitioner.
What affects the cost
- Fees depend on the treatment actually required, and are confirmed in a written plan before treatment begins.
- Cost depends on the thickness and layering required for the sport.
- Health fund rebates vary by fund, level of cover and remaining annual limits. We can process claims on the spot with HICAPS where your fund supports it.
See fees and payment options for health funds, CDBS, DVA and payment plans.
Ready when you are
Book online in about a minute, or speak to reception if you would like to ask something first. No obligation to proceed with treatment at the first visit.
- Clinic
- 3/54 Nullarbor Avenue, Franklin ACT 2913
- Phone
- (02) 6274 0404
Before your appointment
What to bring
Your Medicare card, private health fund card, any concession or DVA card, and a list of medicines you take. If you have had recent X-rays elsewhere, bring them or tell us where they were taken.
How long it takes
Appointment length depends on what is found at the examination. Reception gives you an estimated time when you book, and your dentist confirms it once the plan is agreed.
Nervous patients
Tell reception when you book. Your dentist can explain each step before it happens, agree a stop signal with you, and break treatment into shorter visits.
Children and families
Family appointments can often be arranged back to back. Eligible children can be treated under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
Custom mouthguards — questions we're often asked
How long does it take?
Usually two appointments — a scan and a fit — about one to two weeks apart.
Can I have club colours?
Yes, custom colour combinations are available.
My child has braces — can they wear one?
Yes, a guard can be made to accommodate braces. Let us know when booking.
From the blog
Related reading
- Payment and schemesChild Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) at Franklin Bright SmilesWhat the CDBS covers, how eligibility is checked and what happens if the benefit runs out mid-treatment.
- Payment and schemesDepartment of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) dental careHow DVA Gold and White Card arrangements work for dental treatment at the practice.
- Payment and schemesUsing your private health fund at Franklin Bright SmilesHow rebates, annual limits and on-the-spot claiming work, and how to check your cover before treatment.
Book an appointment
Book online at a time that suits you, or call reception on (02) 6274 0404 to talk it through first.