Mouth Guards

Mouth Guards

A mouthguard is a protective device that covers your teeth and gums. It works by absorbing and spreading out the force of an impact, reducing the chance of damage to your teeth, gums, lips, and jaw.

Protecting Your Smile

There are three main types:

  • Stock (ready-made): Pre-formed and bought off the shelf. Least expensive but offers the least protection and poorest fit.
  • Boil-and-bite: Softened in hot water and moulded around your teeth at home. A better fit than stock, but still limited.
  • Custom-fitted (dentist-made): Made from an impression of your teeth by your dentist. These provide the best protection, the most comfortable fit, and are least likely to interfere with breathing or speaking.

The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) and the Academy for Sports Dentistry recommend custom-made mouthguards for anyone participating in sports with a risk of dental injury.

Mouthguards are recommended for all contact sports and activities where there is a risk of falls or impacts to the face, including football, rugby, basketball, hockey, cricket, martial arts, skateboarding, and cycling. Research shows that athletes who wear mouthguards have a significantly lower chance of sustaining dental injuries, with one study finding a 5.5 times lower risk of injury compared to those who don't wear one.

Dental trauma can range from a small chip to having a tooth completely knocked out (avulsed). Even injuries that seem minor can have long-term consequences. Here is what may follow a dental injury:

  • Root canal treatment: if the nerve inside the tooth is damaged or dies.
  • Root resorption: where the root gradually breaks down, potentially leading to tooth loss.
  • Extraction and tooth replacement: with an implant, bridge, or denture if the tooth cannot be saved. A temporary replacement tooth can be organised so you are not without a front tooth
  • Ongoing dental treatment and monitoring, often over many years, including splints, crowns, and regular reviews to check for late complications.

Prevention is always better and far less costly than treatment. A custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist is a simple, effective investment in protecting your teeth, your smile, and your long-term dental health.

If you have any questions about mouthguards or would like one made, please ask us at your next appointment.

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Dr Raymond AU

Principal Dentist

Speaks English and Vietnamese

Born and raised in Melbourne, Dr Raymond has spent several years working across both private and public practices in metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria. This diverse experience has strengthened his ability to connect with individuals and families from all walks of life, allowing him to deliver care that feels both personalised and accessible.

With a strong focus on family dentistry, Dr Raymond is experienced in both general and cosmetic dentistry, supporting patients at every stage of life. He is particularly proficient in wisdom teeth extractions, and has a special interest in clear aligner treatment and smile makeovers – including porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges.

Known for his calm and reassuring manner, Dr Raymond is especially attentive to patients who may feel anxious about dental visits. He creates a relaxed, supportive environment designed to ease concerns and build trust over time. His goal is to make every appointment a positive experience and believes that visiting the dentist should feel comfortable, not confronting.

Outside the practice, he enjoys travelling, playing tennis, and spending quality time with family and friends.

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Dr Emily Pow

Dr Emily was born in Melbourne and was raised in the local Knox area. She previously worked in private practices across Melbourne, and has worked for the public sector at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.

She also gained a significant amount of experience working previously as the Hospital Dental Officer at Monash Medical Centre where she treated medically compromised, special needs and cancer patients.

She enjoys most aspects of dentistry including cosmetic dentistry and working with children. She has a special interest in the area of orthodontics (braces, clear aligners and early intervention) and can provide Myobrace treatment.

Dr Emily is currently undergoing a Post Graduate Diploma in Orthodontics to further her passion in this area.

She loves helping her patients with clear aligner treatment so that they can smile confidently.

In her spare time, Dr Emily enjoys going out for good food, spending time with family and going on nature walks with her dog Chino.

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Dr Lilian Phu

Dr Lilian Phu graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) and Doctor of Dental Surgery. Her passion for helping people achieve their dental and oral health goals is reflected by the quality, care and attention she gives to each patient she encounters. Additionally, her friendly and bubbly nature will be sure to bring a smile on anyone’s face.

Dr Lilian is also a preclinical supervisor for dental students at Melbourne University, sharing her knowledge with the future generation of dentists.

In order to deliver the best dental care to her patients, she regularly attends continuing education courses and is currently undertaking a two-year postgraduate course in orthodontics. Dr Lilian has a special interest in implants and clear aligner treatment, and can talk to you about how you can improve your smile.

Outside of dentistry, she enjoys digital drawing and spending time with her loved ones including a dog and three cats.

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Dr Edward Wang

Speaks English

Education:

Edward is a kind and caring dentist who is dedicated to providing his patients with high quality dental care while prioritizing patient comfort to ensure that his patients have a positive experience.

Edward believes in taking a more patient-centered approach to dental care, whether it be by providing information to patients about prevention of dental disease, or by providing and explaining all available treatment options so that patients can be fully informed about their oral healthcare.

Outside of work, you’ll find Edward playing volleyball or in the kitchen as he enjoys cooking dishes from many different cuisines from around the world.

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