Custom-Fit Mouthguards: Why They’re Not Always the Best

The myth is that custom-fit mouthguards are automatically the gold standard.

I’ve been in the mouthguard industry for over 15 years, and let me tell you — custom-fit does not always mean best protection. In fact, I’ve seen two consistent problems in the world of custom-fit mouthguards that every athlete should know about.

Problem #1: Dentist Mouthguards Made Too Thin

The first big issue? Dentists and dental laboratories are making mouthguards too thin.

Now, let me be clear — this isn’t a knock on dentists. Dentists are highly trained professionals when it comes to diagnosing and treating patients. But they aren’t trained to design sports mouthguards. Most of the time, dentists outsource mouthguard fabrication to dental labs.

And here’s the problem: dental labs aren’t trained in proper mouthguard thickness either. Without industry standards, the result is often a guard that’s comfortable but dangerously thin.

Problem #2: Competitors Making Mouthguards Too Thick

On the flip side, I’ve seen the opposite problem too: competitors making mouthguards excessively thick.

At first glance, thicker might seem safer. That was even our thinking when we started out. But here’s what science shows: you get diminishing returns as you increase thickness.

And worse, overly thick mouthguards can obstruct breathing, affect speech, and even cause lip injuries from extra bulk. For athletes who need to perform at their peak, thicker mouthguards are not ideal.

DC Mouthguards Solution: Function-Informed Design™

At Damage Control, we don’t rely on guesswork or outdated conventions. We let science and research guide our designs.

We’ve worked with engineers at Sandia National Laboratories to study impact dynamics, material performance, and optimal thickness for different sports. From this research, we developed what we call Function-Informed Design™ — creating mouthguards that are not too thin and not too thick, but engineered for maximum protection specific to your sport.

Technology That Raises the Standard

On top of research, we’ve built technology into our guards that raises the bar even higher. Our HXC Technology allows us to make mouthguards that are slimmer and more comfortable — without compromising protection.

That means better airflow, better speech, better comfort, and most importantly, better protection.

The Takeaway

So here’s the truth: custom-fit doesn’t automatically mean best protection.

Without the right knowledge, a dentist or lab can make a guard that’s too thin. And without the right science, competitors can overcompensate and make guards too thick. Both approaches miss the mark.

At Damage Control, we’ve spent years finding the sweet spot — backed by research, technology.

Because for us, it’s not about being “custom.” It’s about being correct.

Ready to upgrade to a guard that’s actually designed for your sport? Check out our Custom Fit Mouthguards.

Authored by Delano Romero CEO/Founder of Damage Control Mouthguards