Soccer Mouthguards: Choosing a Custom Guard
Soccer isn't usually thought of as a contact sport, but aerial duels, a stray elbow, a collision in the box or a hard fall can all chip or crack a tooth. The American Dental Association lists soccer among the contact sports where it recommends wearing a properly fitted mouthguard. On the field, a guard also has to let you breathe hard for 90 minutes and talk to your teammates. This guide covers whether you need one, how to choose it, why we recommend NanoBite, and how clubs order.
Do soccer players have to wear a mouthguard?
Not under the Laws of the Game. IFAB Law 4 lists a player's compulsory equipment as a shirt, shorts, socks, shinguards and footwear, and it permits non-dangerous protective equipment. A mouthguard isn't on the compulsory list, so for most players it's a personal choice. Leagues and competitions can set their own equipment rules, so check with yours.
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. That matters in soccer, where a bulky guard that makes it hard to breathe or call for the ball usually ends up in a sock or a bag. Custom guards cost more than over-the-counter options; you are paying for fit, comfort and durability. More on the difference: why custom mouthguards outperform boil-and-bite, and what a custom guard costs in how much a custom mouthguard costs.
Our pick for soccer: NanoBite
NanoBite ($94.99) is the AlienGuard we recommend for soccer. It is our ultra-slim, 4 mm, lowest-profile guard and the best of our models for breathing and talking, and soccer is on its Best-for list alongside other team sports like basketball, hockey, lacrosse and rugby.
- Base colors: Clear, White or Black.
- Custom text: up to 3 characters, such as your jersey number or initials.
- 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.
See all NanoBite options in the NanoBite collection, or compare every model in the model comparison. Our 5 mm guards, Origin and Origin Pro, are made for boxing, MMA and other combat sports with heavy, direct strikes. The sizing and fit guide explains how we match thickness to the sport.
Braces 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 and wearing a mouthguard with braces.
Ordering for a soccer club or 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.
- 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.
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.
Soccer mouthguard FAQ
Is a mouthguard required in soccer?
Not by the Laws of the Game, which permit non-dangerous protective equipment. Your league or competition may have its own rules.
Which AlienGuard is best for soccer?
NanoBite. It is our slimmest guard and the best of our models for breathing and talking.
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.
How do I clean it?
Rinse it in cool water before and after each use, and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, not toothpaste. Keep it out of hot cars and away from heat. See how to clean and care for your mouthguard.
Do clubs get a discount?
Yes. Clubs 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.
More answers are in the FAQ. Read more on our blog: do soccer players need a mouthguard? Play other team sports too? See our football, basketball, lacrosse and rugby mouthguard guides. Matching club colors? See mouthguard colors to match team uniforms.