Kickboxing Mouthguards: Choosing a Custom Guard
Kickboxing puts punches and kicks in range of your face every round, on the pads, in sparring and in the ring. A mouthguard is part of your kit from the first sparring class. This guide covers how to choose a kickboxing mouthguard, which AlienGuard we recommend, and how gyms order. To shop directly, see our combat sports mouthguards.
Stock, boil-and-bite or custom?
Stock guards are pre-formed and offer basic protection. Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and bitten into for a closer fit. Custom-fit guards, like AlienGuards, are made from an impression of your own teeth, so there is no size chart and no guessing. A custom guard is more comfortable and secure than a store-bought guard, does not slip or fall out, and is easier to keep in through long sparring sessions. More in our guide to the best mouthguard for sparring. Custom guards usually cost more than over-the-counter options. You are paying for that fit, comfort and durability. More on the difference: why custom mouthguards outperform boil-and-bite.
Our pick for kickboxing: Origin
Origin (from $104.99) is our combat guard for boxing, MMA, Muay Thai and kickboxing. It has reinforced impact zones and is 5 mm thick, the industry standard for competitive combat sports. Combat guards are 5 mm, compared with 4 mm for non-combat sports, because the extra material absorbs more force from direct strikes.
Origin Pro: more breathable and comfortable
Origin Pro ($129.99) has the same 5 mm protection as Origin, with more breathability and comfort, plus an optional High Impact 6mm upgrade (+$15) for super high-impact training and fights. Compare both on the model comparison, or read how thick a mouthguard should be.
Kickboxing, Muay Thai or boxing?
All three are combat sports with direct strikes, so we recommend the same guards for each: Origin or Origin Pro. If you also train Muay Thai, see our Muay Thai mouthguard guide. If you box, see custom boxing mouthguards. Cross-training in MMA? Read boxing vs. MMA mouthguards.
Grappling or lifting too?
If you also train jiu-jitsu or wrestling, NanoBite ($94.99) is our ultra-slim, low-profile guard for grappling and team sports. See the MMA and BJJ mouthguard guide. For powerlifting and weightlifting, PowerBite ($99.99) is our lifting guard.
Make it yours
Origin and Origin Pro can carry colors, text, a logo or full custom art. Add your name or your gym's logo, and add Impression Storage so you can reorder without taking a new impression. See real guards from our lab on Our Designs. For ideas, read choosing the right color and design and the aesthetic appeal of custom mouthguards.
Braces, kids and youth kickboxers
Every order requires a liability waiver. 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. There is no age limit, but younger athletes' teeth are still changing, so plan to replace their guard more often. Parents can read our guide to custom mouthguards for kids and youth athletes.
Kickboxing gyms and teams
Gyms, fight teams and schools can order through the AlienGuards Association:
- 20% off mouthguards and merch (all models, including NanoBite and PowerBite), with a minimum order of 5 mouthguards.
- Your gym logo plus athlete names or numbers on every guard.
- On-site fitting to help every athlete take a good impression (minimum order and location apply).
- Models kept on file for quick replacements (minimum order; athletes 14+ without braces).
More on team programs: custom mouthguards for gyms and teams.
How ordering works
- Build and order. Pick your model, colors and custom logo or text. We ship you an impression kit.
- Take your impression. Follow the impression guide at home. It takes about 10 minutes, and the putty sets in 2 minutes 30 seconds. Then mail the impression back to our lab.
- We make it. Your guard is formed on a model of your bite, pressure-formed from dental-grade material and finished by hand in the USA. It is crafted within 10–14 business days after we receive a good impression, then shipped with tracking. The full timeline is in how long a custom mouthguard takes.
Kickboxing mouthguard FAQ
Which AlienGuard is best for kickboxing?
Origin, our combat guard with reinforced impact zones and 5 mm thickness. Choose Origin Pro for the same 5 mm protection with more breathability and comfort, and the optional High Impact 6mm upgrade.
Can I wear one with braces?
Yes. Your dentist needs to take your impression instead of using our at-home kit, so your 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.
Is there an age limit?
No. Younger athletes' teeth are still changing, so plan to replace their guard more often.
Do kickboxing gyms get a discount?
Yes. Gyms and teams that order through the AlienGuards Association get 20% off mouthguards and merch, including NanoBite and PowerBite, with a minimum order of 5 mouthguards.
How often should I replace it?
We recommend every year, or sooner if it is damaged or worn. See how often to replace your mouthguard.
More answers are in the FAQ.