Lacrosse Mouthguards: Choosing a Custom Guard
Lacrosse combines a hard ball, swinging sticks and body contact, so a mouthguard is essential gear on the field. Mouthguards help protect against chipped, cracked or knocked-out teeth in sports with a high risk of falls or contact. A lacrosse guard also has to stay in through checks and ground balls, and still let you breathe on long runs and call out slides and picks. This guide covers how to choose a lacrosse mouthguard, the 2026 mouthguard rule change, why we recommend NanoBite, and how teams order. To shop directly, see our lacrosse 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, which gives the most comfortable and secure fit. A custom guard does not slip or fall out, and it is easier to keep in for a full game. 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 lacrosse: NanoBite
NanoBite ($94.99) is the AlienGuard we recommend for lacrosse. It is our ultra-slim, 4 mm, lowest-profile guard and the best of our models for breathing and talking, so you can keep communicating on defense and in transition. It is the same guard we recommend for football, rugby, wrestling and team sports like hockey and basketball.
- Base colors: Clear, White or Black.
- Custom text: up to 3 characters, such as your number or initials, with a choice of text colors, including metallic and satin finishes.
- Extras: Impression Storage keeps your model on file and takes 20% off future reorders. Expedited Lab Service (3 Day) is available if you are working to a deadline, like the start of the season.
Our Origin and Origin Pro are combat guards, made for boxing, MMA, Muay Thai and kickboxing. Compare every model in the model comparison, or read how thick a mouthguard should be for each sport.
2026 rule change: mouthguard color
For the 2026 season, USA Lacrosse and the NFHS updated the boys' high school rule on mouthguards. There are no longer any color restrictions, so clear and white guards are allowed. Mouthguard attachments that serve no protective purpose or are purely decorative are now prohibited. Source: USA Lacrosse, boys' rule changes for 2026.
Youth (14U and under) and girls' lacrosse have their own rule books, so check your league's current rules or ask your officials if you are unsure about your guard.
Fit through four quarters
A guard that shifts after a check ends up in your hand instead of your mouth. Because a custom guard is formed on a model of your own bite, it is more comfortable and secure than a store-bought guard. It doesn't slip or fall out, so you aren't adjusting it between shifts, and it's easier to wear through a full game and practice. Custom guards are thin and precise, so most players breathe and talk normally while wearing one. Also play hockey? See the hockey and lacrosse mouthguard guide.
Braces, kids and youth players
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 players' teeth are still changing, so plan to replace their guard more often. Parents can read more in our guide to custom mouthguards for kids and youth athletes.
Ordering for a lacrosse team
Coaches, clubs 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 team logo plus player names or numbers on every guard.
- On-site fitting to help every player 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. Players who lift can add PowerBite ($99.99), our guard built for powerlifting and weightlifting.
How ordering works
- Build and order. Pick your base color and custom 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. Email us a photo of the impression, then mail it 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. See how long a custom mouthguard takes.
Lacrosse mouthguard FAQ
Which AlienGuard is best for lacrosse?
NanoBite. It is our slimmest guard and the best of our models for breathing and talking.
Can my lacrosse mouthguard be clear or white?
For boys' high school lacrosse in 2026, yes. USA Lacrosse and the NFHS removed the color restrictions for mouthguards. Youth and girls' lacrosse use separate rule books, so check your league's rules.
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.
Do lacrosse teams get a discount?
Yes. 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. With Impression Storage you can reorder without a new impression. More in how often to replace your mouthguard.
More answers are in the FAQ. Also play football? See the football mouthguard guide. Soccer too? See the soccer mouthguard guide. Prices for every model are in how much a custom mouthguard costs, and color ideas in mouthguard colors to match team uniforms.