MMA & BJJ Mouthguards: Striking vs. Grappling Guide
A lot of fighters split the week between MMA sparring and jiu-jitsu. Striking days put heavy, direct hits on your teeth and jaw. Grappling days are about breathing hard through long rounds while elbows, knees and the mat still find your face. Every AlienGuard is custom-fit from your own impression, so the real choice is thickness, coverage and profile.
Striking vs. grappling: 5 mm or 4 mm
We make combat guards 5 mm thick for boxing, MMA, Muay Thai and other sports with heavy, direct strikes, because the extra material absorbs more force. Non-combat guards are 4 mm, and that group includes jiu-jitsu, wrestling and grappling, where hits are less direct. Choose by how hard you get hit, not by the size of your mouth. The sizing and fit guide explains trays and thickness.
The three models that fit mixed training
- Origin: for striking. Our combat guard, with reinforced impact zones and a 5 mm combat option. A base Origin is $74.99, Origin with text or a logo is $114.99, and full custom art (Apex) is $134.99.
- Origin Pro: for maximum coverage. $94.99. Extended teeth, gum and jaw coverage, with more material where the hits land. It can carry colors, text, a logo or full custom art.
- NanoBite: for rolling. $64.99. Ultra-slim and low profile, and the best of our models for breathing and talking. It is made for jiu-jitsu, wrestling and team sports, and it can carry colors and text.
See all four models side by side in the model comparison.
Which one if you do both?
- Mostly MMA, with hard sparring: Origin at 5 mm, or Origin Pro if you want the most coverage we make.
- Mostly gi or no-gi with no strikes: NanoBite, so you can breathe through a long roll.
- Both, and you train hard in each: some athletes keep two guards, a striking guard for sparring days and a NanoBite for the mats. Choose Impression Storage when you build, and we keep your model on file so a second guard or a replacement does not need a new impression.
Shopping by sport? Browse MMA mouthguards or BJJ mouthguards. If your striking is mostly stand-up, see our guides to boxing mouthguards and Muay Thai mouthguards.
Why fit matters in a scramble
A guard that shifts in a clinch or a scramble ends up in your glove or on the mat. Because a custom guard is made from your impression, it is more comfortable and secure than a stock or boil-and-bite guard. It does not slip or fall out, and it is easier to wear for a full session. Custom guards are thin and precise, so most athletes breathe and talk normally.
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 plaster 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.
Orders ship via USPS First-Class Mail with tracking, which usually arrives within five to seven days in the US (longer during holidays). International orders ship via USPS First Class International, with an estimated 15–20 days. See the shipping policy. Not sure your impression worked? Email a photo to support@alienguards.com and we will tell you if it can be used.
Gyms and fight teams
Coaches and gym owners can order through the AlienGuards Association: 20% off mouthguards and merch (excluding NanoBite and PowerBite), a minimum order of 5 mouthguards, and your gym logo plus athlete names on every guard. On-site fitting is available (minimum order and location apply).
Care
Rinse your guard with clean water before and after training, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush, store it in a ventilated case away from heat, and replace it every year. If you wear braces or have loose teeth, talk to your dentist before taking an impression.