
Whether you are in New Zealand and suffering from tooth grinding, playing contact sports, or looking at protecting dental work from damage, you have probably wondered about the best mouth guard NZ options available. The great news is that you don't have to spend a fortune. Let us browse the most affordable mouth guards New Zealand has to offer. From types to costs to uses to the pros and cons of each option, you can have a smart smile-saving choice.
Why Should You Use a Mouth Guard?
Mouth guards aren’t just for athletes in contact sports—they serve a range of functions:
Sports Safety
Vital for sports like rugby, hockey, martial arts, and skateboarding, where dental injuries are common.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
A night guard can help prevent damage to your enamel, reduce headaches, and alleviate jaw pain.
TMJ Issues
Some mouth guards are designed to relieve pressure on the jaw joint and reduce facial pain.
Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Specialized mouth guards can open up your airway and help improve sleep by reducing snoring.
Custom vs Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards
The right mouth guard depends on your personal needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown:
Stock Mouth Guards
Stock mouth guards are the type of mouth guards that are readily available from the market. They are inexpensive and can be used right away. They are ideal for temporary or occasional use. However, they do not offer the best fit for everyone, which makes them slightly uncomfortable. Another type of store-bought mouth guards includes a boil-and-bite mouth guard. This type of mouth guard is slightly customised at home.
Customized Mouth Guards
This type of mouth guard is customized by a professional, keeping in view the individual’s dental structure. Since they are made according to each individual, they offer a more comfortable, snug-fitting, and protective option that helps you keep your teeth damage-free during intense sports activities.
Choosing the Right Mouth Guard: What to Consider
Here are some simple tips to help you find the right mouth guard:
Snug Fit
It should feel snug without being too tight. Boil-and-bite models can be customized to fit your mouth better.
Material
Go for options made with BPA-free and latex-free materials. EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a common choice—it’s safe, flexible, and durable.
Comfort & Breathing
The guard shouldn’t make it hard to breathe or talk, especially during sports or workouts.
Protection Level
For contact sports, consider dual-layer or gel-layered guards. If you need one for nighttime teeth grinding, softer materials may be more comfortable.
Affordable Mouth Guards in New Zealand
Brand | Type | Type | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Shock Doctor | Sports (High Impact) | Boil-and-bite / Dual layer | Starting at $16.99 |
Sisu | Sports (Light & Medium Contact) | Ultra-slim Guard | Starting at $44.99 |
Dentek | Night Grinding (Mild to Moderate) | Ready-fit / Boil & Bite | Starting at $16.02 |
Smilepath | For high-impact sports activities | Custom-fit | For |
Affordable Dental Mouth Guards NZ
To sum up, finding an affordable mouth guard in New Zealand is completely doable, and now more convenient than ever. Whether you're picking up a basic stock guard from your local pharmacy, opting for a semi-custom boil-and-bite version, or going for a low-cost mail-order custom guard that competes with those from dental clinics, there are plenty of options. The most important step is figuring out what you need it for—sports, sleep, or jaw pain, and then selecting a guard that meets both your needs and your budget.
FAQs
Boil-and-bite mouth guards are considered one of the inexpensive options. They are store-bought and slightly customized at home.
Yes, cheap mouth guards work. It depends on the type of mouth guard you opt for. Different mouth guards work differently.
Medicare doesn’t cover general dental appliances.
The cost of a dental mouth guard depends on the type: custom, boil and bite, or stock.
Citations:
American Academy of Pediatrics. Mouthguards: Information for Parents (https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Mouthguards.aspx). Accessed 1/10/2023.
American College of Prosthodontists. Mouthguards (https://www.gotoapro.org/treatments/mouthguards/). Accessed 1/10/2023.
American Dental Association Mouth Healthy. Mouthguards (https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/mouthguards). Accessed 1/10/2023.
American Sleep Association. Night Guard for Bruxism: Teeth Grinding and Clenching (https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/mouthguards). Accessed 1/10/2023.