Custom Mouthguard Without a Dentist: How At-Home Impression Kits Work
Do you need a dentist to get a custom mouthguard? Not always. A custom guard is made on a model of your teeth, and that model starts with an impression. A dentist can take it, or you can take it at home and mail it to a lab. Here is how the at-home route works, when a dentist is the better choice, and how both compare with boil-and-bite.
The short answer
Yes, if you don't wear braces. You build your guard online, take your impression at home with the kit we ship you, send us a photo to check, and mail it back. Our lab makes your guard from that impression. If you wear braces, your dentist takes the impression instead.
How the at-home impression process works
- Build and order. Choose your model, colors and any text or logo. It takes about 2 minutes.
- Get your kit. The at-home impression kit comes with every custom mouthguard order: impression trays in more than one size, dental putty, step-by-step instructions and a return label.
- Take your impression. Pick the tray that covers all your teeth with a little room on the sides, mix the putty within 15 seconds, fill the tray, bite down fully and hold still for 2 minutes 30 seconds. It takes about 10 minutes. The impression guide shows every step with photos.
- Send us a photo. Email a clear photo of your impression to support@alienguards.com with your name and order number. We confirm it's good before you mail it.
- Mail it back with the included return label.
- We make it. We pour a plaster model of your teeth, heat and pressure-form dental-grade material onto it, and finish your design by hand in our lab in the USA. It's crafted within 10–14 business days after we receive a good impression, then shipped with tracking. See how it's made and how long a custom mouthguard takes.
When to see a dentist instead
- You wear braces. Don't use the at-home kit. Your dentist takes an impression or 3D scan and ships it to us or emails it to impressions@alienguards.com. You still get an AlienGuard.
- You have a retainer, another dental appliance or loose teeth. Talk to your dentist before taking an impression.
- You'd rather have a professional do it. The ADA's MouthHealthy site says "the best mouthguard is one that has been custom made for your mouth by your dentist." A dentist can also check the fit in person, which no mail-order kit can do.
At-home custom vs. dentist-made vs. boil-and-bite
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), custom mouthguards are made in a dental office or laboratory from an impression of your teeth, using vacuum-forming or pressure-forming. The ADA notes they cost the most and usually mean dental visits, and that many consider them the most protective.
| At-home custom (AlienGuards) | Dentist-made custom | Boil-and-bite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who takes the impression | You, with our kit and guide | Your dentist | No impression: you mold the guard in your mouth |
| How it's made | Pressure-formed on a plaster model of your teeth | Vacuum- or pressure-formed on a model of your teeth | Softened in hot water (about 15 seconds, per the ADA), then shaped by biting |
| Fit check | Photo check before you mail it; remake or refund if you're not 100% satisfied | In person | Up to you |
| Dental visit | Not needed (unless you wear braces) | Yes | No |
The ADA says boil-and-bite guards must be molded exactly as directed, because imprecise shaping can leave a poorly fitted guard. Some carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Pre-formed stock guards are the least effective type. Either way, the ADA's key message is that the best mouthguard is the one you actually wear. More in custom vs. boil-and-bite.
Which AlienGuard to order
- Boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing: Origin (from $104.99) or the more breathable Origin Pro ($129.99), both 5 mm.
- Wrestling, BJJ and team sports: NanoBite ($94.99), our thinnest guard at 4 mm, for wrestling, BJJ, football, rugby, hockey, field hockey, basketball, lacrosse and soccer. See football, basketball, soccer.
- Lifting: PowerBite ($99.99), a stable platform to clench on.
Prices and what's included are in how much a custom mouthguard costs.
Athletes with braces can get AlienGuards, but their dentist needs to take the impression instead of using our at-home kit, so the braces don't get damaged. The dentist can take an impression or 3D scan, then ship it to us or email it to impressions@alienguards.com. More in mouthguards with braces.
Ordering for a team, club or gym? Teams get 20% off every model, including NanoBite and PowerBite, with a minimum of 5, and we keep athletes' models on file for quick replacements. See team orders.
FAQ
Can I get a custom mouthguard without going to the dentist?
Yes, if you don't wear braces. You take your impression at home with our kit, we check a photo of it, and our lab makes your guard. With braces, your dentist takes the impression or a 3D scan.
What if my impression doesn't look right?
Email a photo to support@alienguards.com before you mail it. We'll tell you if it can be used. If not, a replacement kit is $25 and extra putty is $15.
More answers are in the FAQ. Ready? Shop all 4 models.