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Mouthguard Instructions

A well-fitted mouthguard plays a crucial role in protecting your teeth during sport or physical activity. Whether your child needs a mouthguard for rugby, hockey, netball, or martial arts, learning how to mould it correctly ensures they get the best comfort and protection. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to mould a boil-and-bite mouthguard at home, along with helpful tips to ensure a secure and customised fit.

Instructions for Moulding Mouthguards

Gather the Necessary Materials

To properly fit your mouthguard, make sure you have everything prepared. You will need:

  • A boil-and-bite mouthguard
  • Scissors (for trimming, if required)
  • A bowl or small pot that can hold boiling water
  • A second bowl filled with cold water
  • A clean towel
  • Soap and warm water

Wash your hands and the mouthguard before beginning. Clean hands help prevent bacteria transferring onto the guard, and a quick rinse of the mouthguard removes any manufacturing residue.

Trim the Mouthguard for Length

Place the mouthguard into your mouth and bite firmly for 3 seconds. Remove the mouthguard and have a look at the indents on the inside surface. You may need to trim the ends of the mouthguard to make sure it fits comfortably and doesn’t irritate the back of your mouth.

If the ends extend too far back—causing discomfort or triggering a gag reflex—trim a small amount off the back using scissors. Round the edges to keep them smooth. Remember: the front teeth are the most vulnerable during impact, so it’s safe to shorten the back as long as the fit remains comfortable. A mouthguard is mostly used to protect the vulnerable front teeth, not the molars, so you’ve got some wiggle room with regard to cutting it at the end.

Heat the Mouthguard in Boiling Water

Boil enough boiling water to submerge the mouthguard. Start a small pot of boiling water on the stove. You can alternatively boil some water in the hot water jug or use a microwave.

Pour the hot water into a bowl or keep it in the pot, ensuring there is enough depth to fully submerge the mouthguard. Place the mouthguard gently into the water and let it soften for around 20 seconds. Avoid leaving it in too long, as the material may lose its shape.

Remove the Mouthguard

Using a large spoon, carefully take the mouthguard out of the boiling water – be careful to make sure the sides do not fold and touch each other. Quickly place the mouthguard into a container of cold water for no more than 2 seconds. Then, blot the mouthguard using the towel and get it into your mouth as quickly as possible, adjusting it against your upper teeth. It should be warm but not uncomfortably hot.

Shape the Mouthguard To Your Teeth

Using your thumbs, push the mouthguard up and back against your molars and adapt it around your front teeth. Bite down firmly to get the impression of your lower teeth on the underside of the mouthguard. Place your tongue against the roof of the mouth to create pressure and suck the guard firmly against your top teeth. This will achieve a tight fit around your teeth.

Hold this position for 30–45 seconds. Do not chew the mouthguard or move it around in your mouth while you’re fitting it.

Place the Mouthguard in Cold Water

Remove the mouthguard and soak it in the cold water. Let it cool for a minute and try the fit. It should fit snuggly against your top teeth without having to hold it in with you tongue, and it should fit naturally onto your lower teeth. If it feels uncomfortable or is ill-fitting, try remoulding it again until you get a proper fit.

If you feel a little nervous about the steps, here is a video to help. Your mouthguard is slightly different from the one shown in video – it generally will not have the front strap.

Need Expert Advice on Mouthguards?

If you’re uncertain whether your child’s mouthguard fits correctly—or if they need a more customised solution—our orthodontic team is happy to help. A qualified Auckland Orthodontist can assess your child’s bite, recommend the best mouthguard style, and ensure they have the right level of protection for sport or training.

We also provide guidance on orthodontic appliances, plates, and early treatment options to keep your child’s smile healthy and safe.

Book a consultation today and make sure your child’s teeth stay protected both on and off the field.

Shakespeare Orthodontics: Shaping a Smile You Will Love

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Ph: 09 2166 888

Our team of specialist orthodontists at Shakespeare Orthodontics includes:

  • Dr Mo Al‑Dujaili, BDS, DClinDent, MRACDS‑Orth, MOrthRCSEd
  • Dr Azza Al‑Ani, BDS, DClinDent, MRACDS‑Orth, MOrthRCSEd
  • Dr Adriana Perez, BDS (Ven/Esp), MDS‑Orth (Arg)

They provide expert care across our Auckland clinics in Takapuna, Epsom, Warkworth, and Howick, offering tailored treatment based on your individual needs.

PLEASE NOTE: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical or orthodontic advice. Each patient’s dental and orthodontic needs are unique and require personalised assessment. For accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, please consult a registered specialist orthodontist.

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Mouthguard Instructions

Dr. Adriana Perez

BDS (Ven/Esp) | MDS-Orth (Arg)
 
Dr. Adriana Perez grew up in Caracas, Venezuela. She is one of the registered specialist orthodontist working at Shakespeare Orthodontics in Auckland.

 

In 2008, Adriana graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Santa Maria University in Caracas, Venezuela. After graduation, she worked in Venezuela in private practice, at the Orthopaedic Children’s Hospital (Dentistry/Orthodontics unit), and as a lecturer in the National Experimental University of the Armed Forces.

In the year 2011, Adriana moved to Argentina to specialise, gaining the Specialist Orthodontist degree from the University of Buenos Aires in 2013. While in Argentina, she worked as a part-time lecturer at the Orthodontics Department in the University of Buenos Aires, private practice, and at the Craniofacial Unit in the Paediatric Hospital Garrahan, looking after cleft lip new-born, children, and adolescent patients.

Adriana is a Spanish speaker. On her spare time she likes going to the beach, travelling, socialising with friends, playing video games, cooking, and going to the gym.

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Orthodontist Adriana Perez

Dr. Azza Al-Ani

BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS-Orth | MOrthRCSEd

Dr Azza Al-Ani, grew up in Christchurch, is a registered specialist orthodontist working at Shakespeare Orthodontics in Auckland. You can find her at one of the clinics in the city, or at their Takapuna clinic on the North Shore. 

In 2009, Azza graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Credit from the University of Otago.

She worked as a dental house surgeon at Auckland, Greenlane and Middlemore Hospitals; and as a dental officer at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital.

In 2012, she completed the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) primary examinations.

Before commencing her specialist training, she held a part-time Professional Practice Fellow position at the Faculty of Dentistry, while working as a dentist in private practice.

In 2016, Azza graduated from the University of Otago with a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Orthodontics. She passed examinations to gain memberships into the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

She is also certified with the Australasian Orthodontic Board, and is a member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, and the New Zealand Dental Association.

Azza’s area of research interest is hypodontia.
She has presented about this topic at the European Orthodontic Society Congress, and at the International Association Dental Research ANZ Scientific Meeting, and has been involved in the publication of numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Outside of work, Azza loves spending time with her son and Mo (her husband), socialising with family and friends, overseas travel, and tries to keep up with Mo mountain biking.

Waiheke Island

Dr. Mo Al-Dujaili

BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS-Orth | MOrthRCSEd

Mo is a Specialist Orthodontist. He grew up in both New Zealand and Australia.

After completing a year in Health Sciences, and later physiotherapy, he qualified as a dentist in New Zealand. He spent the next four years working alongside his father in Sydney where he practised general dentistry. Mo then returned to Dunedin to specialise, gaining his specialist degree – Clinical Doctorate in Orthodontics from the University of Otago.

During the three years of specialist training, Mo had the privilege of learning from the best. The combined clinical and academic acumen of professors, doctors and staff provided an invaluable experience.

Meanwhile, Mo published and presented significant research and clinical cases at both national and international forums, including the International Association of Dental Research, the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontics, the European Orthodontic Society and the New Zealand Dental Association conference.

A firm believer in maintaining high clinical standards, Mo successfully completed further examinations to become affiliated with the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (Sydney).

Mo is currently a part time senior lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, a Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists and also holds professional memberships with the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, the New Zealand Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontists.

He has also been involved in the supervising and lecturing of students at the Auckland University of Technology.

Outside of work, Mo enjoys the precious time with his young family and the outdoors. He especially loves mountain biking, running, fishing, diving and, in winter, snowboarding.

Traveling along with his best friend and wife (Azza) around the world has also been a big part of Mo’s life. Mo is primarily based in Shakespeare Orthodontic’s city clinics and on the North Shore.

 
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Mo holding a large snapper