Custom Fit Mouthguards vs Boil-and-Bite: Why 3D Scanned Mouthguards Offer Superior Protection

If You Play Contact Sport, Your Mouthguard Matters

Whether you’re boxing in London, playing rugby in Berkshire, or training MMA after work, your mouthguard isn’t just another piece of kit. It protects your teeth, jaw, and long-term oral health.

Yet most athletes still rely on cheap boil-and-bite mouthguards.

Let’s break down the difference between:

• Boil-and-bite mouthguards

• Custom fit mouthguards

• 3D scanned dentist-made mouthguards

And why the technology behind them matters.

What Is a Boil-and-Bite Mouthguard?

Boil-and-bite mouthguards are:

• Bought online or from sports shops

• Softened in hot water

• Self-moulded at home by biting into them

They’re popular because they’re cheap and convenient.

The Problems With Boil-and-Bite

❌ Inaccurate fit – You’re not a dentist. Self-moulding often leads to distortion.
❌ Poor retention – They can fall out during impact.
❌ Bulky design – Harder to breathe and speak.
❌ Reduced protection – Gaps mean less shock absorption.
❌ Short lifespan – They wear down quickly.

For low-contact sports, they may be acceptable.
For boxing, rugby, MMA, hockey? They’re often not enough.

What Is a Custom Fit Mouthguard?

A custom fit mouthguard is:

• Made specifically for your teeth

• Produced from dental impressions or 3D scans

• Manufactured in a professional dental lab

Because it’s built around your exact anatomy, it offers:

✔ Superior fit
✔ Better comfort
✔ Stronger protection
✔ Improved breathing
✔ Longer durability

When athletes search for “custom fit mouthguards near me” or “dentist made mouthguards in London”, this is what they should be looking for.

Why 3D Scanned Mouthguards Are the Gold Standard

Traditional impressions use physical moulding material.

Modern custom mouthguards use intraoral 3D scanning.

At Sereclean, we use digital intraoral scanning for our ProGuard mouthguards, and here’s why that matters.

 Unmatched Precision

Digital scanning captures thousands of data points across your teeth and gum margins. No distortion. No shrinkage. No guesswork.

No Gagging or Mess

No impression trays. No uncomfortable mould material.

Better Shock Distribution

Because the fit is exact, impact forces are distributed evenly, reducing the risk of:

• Fractured teeth

• Jaw injury

• Soft tissue trauma

Secure Retention

A properly scanned mouthguard clicks into place and stays there, even during heavy sparring or tackles. 

Customisation

Gym colours. Name lettering. Layered impact zones.
Professional-level protection with a personalised finish.

Why Fit = Protection

A loose mouthguard absorbs less force.

A distorted mouthguard creates pressure points.

A bulky mouthguard affects breathing, which affects performance.

A 3D scanned custom fit mouthguard:

• Sits flush against the teeth

• Locks into undercuts naturally

• Allows you to breathe and speak properly

• Feels secure without clenching

That confidence changes how you train.

The Long-Term Cost Difference

Boil-and-bite: £10–£25
Custom 3D scanned mouthguard: higher upfront cost

But consider the cost of:

• A broken front tooth

• Root canal treatment

• Emergency dental appointments

• Cosmetic repair

Suddenly the cheaper option isn’t cheaper at all.

Who Should Consider a Custom Fit Mouthguard?

If you train in:

• Boxing

• MMA

• Rugby

• Muay Thai

• Hockey

• Martial arts

Or if you’re searching for:

• Custom mouthguards in London

• Dentist made mouthguards Berkshire

• 3D scanned mouthguards near me

• Sports mouthguards SE London

A professionally made custom fit mouthguard is strongly recommended.

Final Thoughts

Boil-and-bite mouthguards are better than nothing.

But they are not the same as a dentist-made, 3D scanned custom fit mouthguard.

If you’re serious about your sport, and serious about protecting your teeth, precision matters.

Looking for Custom Fit Mouthguards in London or surrounding areas?

We provide:

• On-site 3D scanning at gyms & sports clubs

• Lab-manufactured custom fit mouthguards

• 10–14 day turnaround

• Multi-colour and letter customisation

If you're interested in booking a scan day or learning more about custom fit mouthguards in your area, get in touch and email us admin@sereclean.com

Your teeth are not replaceable.
Your mouthguard shouldn’t be generic.