How to Fit a Mouthguard the Right Way (And Why Most Athletes Do It Wrong)
You mold your new mouthguard, and it feels great. A few practices later, it’s loose, and you’re clenching just to keep it in. Most of the time, the guard isn’t the problem. The fitting is, and a few small moments during molding make all the difference.
In this blog, you’ll learn how to fit a mouthguard step by step, the easy mistakes to skip, how to check your fit, and how to remold it when your teeth change.
How to Fit a Mouthguard: The Short Answer
To fit a mouthguard, soften it with heat, line it up over your top teeth, and bite down gently. Then press the sides in with your fingers, suck out the air, and hold still while it sets.
That's the basic idea for most moldable guards. With Goon Guard, the heat comes from your microwave, not a pot of boiling water. The patented SmartForm™ material then shrinks as it cools and locks onto your teeth. You get a custom impression without a dentist visit.
Before You Start: Pick Your Guard and Grab Your Gear
A great fit starts before you heat anything. Sort out these two things first:
Pick Strapped or Strapless for Your Sport
Both styles mold the exact same way. The only real choice is the strap, and your sport makes that an easy call.
Playing hockey or football? Go with the Goon Guard Strapped 2-Pack. The strap clips to your face mask, so your guard stays with you when it's out of your mouth.
For wrestling, BJJ, MMA, boxing, basketball, or rugby, the Goon Guard Strapless 2-Pack keeps things clean, with nothing outside your mouth.
Grab These Four Things
You don't need a pot, a thermometer, or a stopwatch. Here's everything you'll use:
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A microwave
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A wet paper towel
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A microwave-safe plate
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A shallow bowl of cold water
Set it all out next to the microwave, and you're ready to go.
How to Mold a Mouthguard Step by Step
These are the same mouthguard fitting instructions that come with every Goon Guard. Want to see it done first? Watch the video in our Goon Guard fitting guide.
Step 1: Heat It in the Microwave
Wrap the guard completely in a wet paper towel and set it on a microwave-safe plate. If you have the strapped version, leave the strap out of the towel. Microwave it on high for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Give It a Quick Cool-Down
Lift the guard out gently so you don't squish the soft walls. Dip it in cold water for 3 to 5 seconds. That takes the edge off the heat without letting it firm up.
Step 3: Mold It to Your Top Teeth
Place the guard over your top teeth, lined up with the middle of your front teeth. Bite down gently, just enough to hold it in place. Then use your fingers to press the material firmly against the outside of your teeth.
Wearing braces? Skip the finger pressing. The guard forms around your brackets and wires on its own.
Step 4: Suck In and Hold
Close your lips and suck in tight to pull out the air. Keep pressing over your lips with your fingers, and hold that position for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
Step 5: Let It Settle
The SmartForm material keeps settling for the next 24 hours, which tightens the fit even more. If you can, mold it at least a day before game day. If the back edges bug your gums, trim them a little at a time.
Why Most Athletes Get the Fit Wrong (And the Easy Fixes)
Most fit problems come from a few easy-to-miss moments. The good part? Every one has a simple fix.
|
Common mistake |
What it causes |
The easy fix |
|---|---|---|
|
Biting down hard |
Thin spots in the guard |
Bite just enough to hold it, and let your fingers do the shaping |
|
Skipping the finger press |
Loose sides that don't grip |
Press firmly around the outside of your teeth |
|
Cutting the hold short |
A fit that feels sloppy |
Keep the suction going for the full 90 seconds |
|
Chewing on it between plays |
Tears and a looser fit over time |
If you catch yourself chewing, check the fit |
|
Leaving it in a hot car |
A warped guard that won't fit |
Keep it in its case, away from heat |
|
Never remolding |
A guard that slowly stops fitting |
Remold after braces adjustments or new teeth |
Fix these, and you'll get a fit that stays put without clenching. Boil-and-bite guards add one more tricky part: timing the water just right. A microwave-mold guard skips that step completely.
How to Tell If Your Mouthguard Fits Right
You don't have to guess whether you nailed it. Once the guard has set, run these five quick checks:
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Open wide: Mouthguard stays on your top teeth without clenching.
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Say a full sentence: Your teammates can understand you.
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Take a sip: You can drink without pulling it out.
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Shake your head: Nothing rattles or shifts.
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Run your tongue along the edges: Nothing pokes your gums or the back of your mouth.
Goon Guard's thin, low-profile design makes these checks easy to pass. You can talk, breathe, and hydrate without taking it out. If your guard misses one, no stress. Just remold it and try again.
How to Remold a Mouthguard When Your Teeth Change
Teeth move, especially for growing kids and athletes in braces. Your guard can move with them.
To remold a Goon Guard, just repeat the five steps above. It's braces-compatible and remoldable as teeth shift. Good times to remold include:
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After a braces adjustment
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When your kid loses a tooth or a new one comes in
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When the guard starts to feel loose
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When your first fit didn't feel quite right
Playing in braces? Our mouthguards for braces collection helps you find the right guard for your sport.
How to Keep Your Fit Locked In
A few simple habits keep a great fit great. Rinse your guard after every use, and give it a deeper clean with Goon Guard Mouthguard Cleaner. Store it in the case that comes with every Goon Guard, away from heat. Keep the spare from your two-pack in your bag, and you'll always have a backup ready.
FAQs
How long does it take to fit a mouthguard?
A couple of minutes, start to finish. It's 30 seconds in the microwave, a quick dip in cold water, and a 90-second hold.
Should a mouthguard go on the top or bottom teeth?
The top teeth. Sports mouthguards are made to fit over your upper teeth.
Can you remold a mouthguard?
Yes. Goon Guard is remoldable as teeth shift. Just repeat the fitting steps.
Can I microwave a boil-and-bite mouthguard?
No. Only microwave a guard that's made for it, and always follow its instructions.
Why does my mouthguard feel loose?
Usually, the sides weren't pressed in, or the hold was cut short. Remold it and keep the suction going for the full 90 seconds.
Nail Your Fit the First Time With Goon Guard
Fitting a mouthguard the right way comes down to a few small moves: a gentle bite, a firm finger press, a full 90-second hold, and a day to settle. Get those right, and your guard stays put, lets you talk and drink, and stays out of the lost-and-found. When your teeth change, just remold it and keep playing.
Goon Guard makes that whole process simple. Molds in seconds. No boiling. No impressions. No wait.
Ready to lock in your fit? Find the right Goon Guard for your sport.