How Often Should You Replace Your Mouthguard?

A mouthguard only protects you if it still fits and is still in one piece. Even a custom guard wears over time, and young athletes' mouths keep changing. Here is how often to replace your mouthguard, the signs it's time, and how to get a new one without starting from scratch.

The short answer

Replace your mouthguard every year, or sooner if it becomes damaged or worn. That is our recommendation for every AlienGuard, and it is the same advice you'll find in our FAQ. Kids and teens may need a new one sooner, because their teeth are still changing.

Signs it's time for a new mouthguard

• It's damaged. Cracks, tears, chewed edges or spots that look thinner than the rest mean there is less material where you need it.
• It doesn't fit like it used to. A custom guard should stay put without you clenching to hold it in. If it feels loose, rocks or falls out, it's no longer doing its job.
• It has changed shape. Heat from hot water, a dishwasher, a hot car or direct sun can warp a guard. Once the shape is off, so is the fit.
• Your teeth have changed. Growth, braces, new dental work or a lost tooth can all change how a guard sits.
• It's been about a year. Even if it looks fine, a year of regular use is a good point to replace it.

Kids and youth athletes

There is no age limit for AlienGuards. Younger athletes' teeth are still changing, so plan to replace their guard more often than an adult's, and check the fit at the start of each season. A guard that fit last year may not fit now. See custom mouthguards for kids and youth athletes.

Braces and dental work

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. Your dentist can take an impression or 3D scan, then ship it to us or email it to impressions@alienguards.com. Because braces move teeth, a guard made earlier may stop fitting. If teeth have moved or you've had dental work since your last impression, contact us before reordering from a stored model. Read more in can you wear a mouthguard with braces?

How to make your mouthguard last

• Rinse it in cool water before and after each use.
• Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, not toothpaste, which can scratch and dull the guard.
• Let it air-dry and store it in a ventilated case.
• Keep it away from heat: hot water, dishwashers, hot cars and direct sun.
• Skip mouthwash, alcohol and bleach.

The full routine is in our mouthguard care guide, and the durability of custom mouthguards explains what makes a guard last.

Replacing an AlienGuard

• With Impression Storage: add Impression Storage when you build and we keep your model on file. You get 20% off future reorders, and you can reorder without taking a new impression, as long as your teeth haven't changed.
• Without a stored model: build a new guard and we ship you an at-home impression kit, the same as your first order. Follow the impression guide. Your guard is crafted within 10–14 business days after we receive a good impression, then shipped with tracking.
• Teams and gyms: with team orders we keep athletes' models on file for quick replacements (minimum order; athletes 14+ without braces).

Normal wear over time is expected and isn't a fit problem. If a new guard doesn't fit properly, our refund and remake policy covers a free remake first.

Which guard to reorder

• Origin and Origin Pro: boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing and other high-contact combat sports.
• NanoBite: our thinnest guard, for wrestling, BJJ, football, rugby, lacrosse, hockey, basketball and other team sports.
• PowerBite: powerlifting and weightlifting.

Not sure? Compare our models.

FAQ

How often should you replace a mouthguard?

We recommend every year, or sooner if it becomes damaged or worn, no longer fits snugly, or has been warped by heat.

How often should kids replace their mouthguard?

More often than adults. Their teeth are still changing, so check the fit each season and replace the guard when it gets loose or tight.

Can I reorder without a new impression?

Yes, if you chose Impression Storage when you built your guard and your teeth haven't changed since. Impression Storage also gives you 20% off future reorders.

Should I get a new mouthguard after braces?

Yes. Braces move teeth, so a guard made before or during treatment may not fit afterwards. While braces are on, your dentist takes the impression or 3D scan instead of our at-home kit.

Is normal wear covered by the remake policy?

No. Normal wear over time isn't a fit problem, which is why we recommend replacing your guard every year. A guard that doesn't fit properly when it arrives is covered by our refund and remake policy.