How To Remold A Mouthguard Step By Step Process?

A mouthguard can be remolded at home if it is a boil-and-bite type. Heat it in hot water until it softens, let it cool just enough to handle, then bite down firmly and hold for about 30 seconds while it sets around your teeth. Mouthguards that were custom-made by a dentist cannot be remolded at home and should be returned to the dental office for any adjustment.

The steps below walk through the full process, what can go wrong, and when remolding is not the right answer.

How To Remold A Mouthguard Step By Step Process

Boil-and-bite guards are made from a thermoplastic that softens when heated and hardens as it cools. That property is what makes remolding possible, and it is also why the guard can lose its shape if you heat it too long or leave it somewhere hot.

Here is the standard process:

• Check the guard first. Confirm it is labeled boil-and-bite. If it came from a dental office and fits your teeth precisely, stop here. It is not a remoldable guard.
• Boil water. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, then take it off the heat. Let it sit for about 30 seconds so it is no longer at full boiling temperature.
• Submerge the guard. Drop it in and leave it for 30 to 60 seconds. Most guards soften in this window. Thicker guards may need closer to 90 seconds, but check every 20 seconds or so.
• Test the softness. Lift the guard out with a slotted spoon or tongs. It should feel pliable, like a soft rubber eraser. If it still feels stiff, put it back in for another 15 to 20 seconds.
• Cool it briefly. Run it under cool water for one or two seconds, or let it sit until you can touch it without discomfort. If it is too hot you will not be able to hold your bite long enough to shape it.
• Position it. Place the guard in your mouth and center it over your upper teeth. Your thumbs or fingers can press it up against the roof of your mouth to seat it.
• Bite down and hold. Close your teeth into the softened material and hold a firm, steady bite for about 30 seconds. Keep your jaw relaxed but your bite even.
• Press the edges. Use your tongue and fingers to push the material up around the outside of your teeth and along the gumline. This is what keeps the guard from slipping during play.
• Chill it. Take the guard out and run it under cold water for 30 to 60 seconds, or place it in a bowl of ice water. Cold water sets the shape faster than air alone.
• Test the fit. Put it back in and check that it stays in place when you open your mouth wide, talk, and bite down. It should feel snug but not painful.

If the fit is off, you can repeat the process. Most boil-and-bite guards tolerate several rounds of reheating before the material starts to degrade.

Why Does My Mouthguard Keep Losing Its Shape?

Thermoplastic softens with heat, and that includes heat you are not intentionally applying. A guard left in a hot car, a gym bag in the sun, or a dishwasher can deform on its own.

There are a few common causes:

• Storage. Guards stored loose in a bag or pocket get bent out of shape. A vented plastic case solves most of this.
• Heat exposure. Cars, direct sun, and hot water above what the material is rated for will all soften it.
• Wear. Over time, the material thins and stops holding its shape even after reheating. There is no fix for a worn-out guard.
• Teeth changes. If your teeth have shifted, or if you have had dental work since the guard was made, the old shape no longer matches.

If a guard has been remolded many times and still will not hold, the material is likely past its useful life. Replacing it is usually more reliable than another round of heating.

Can You Remold A Custom Dentist-Made Mouthguard?

No. Custom guards are made from impressions of your teeth and are typically fabricated in a lab from materials designed to hold a precise shape. They are not thermoplastic in the boil-and-bite sense, and heating one at home will usually ruin it.

If a custom guard fits poorly, the correct step is to contact the dental office that made it. Adjustments are often done by trimming or re-relining the guard, and some offices can adjust the fit without remaking the whole thing.

Attempting to boil a custom guard is one of the more common ways people destroy an expensive piece of equipment. If you are not sure which type you have, ask before you heat it.

What Are The Risks Of Remolding A Mouthguard At Home?

The main risks are a poor fit and a ruined guard. Neither is dangerous in itself, but a guard that does not fit well does not do its job.

A loose guard can shift during contact, which means it may not stay between your teeth and your lip or cheek when you need it to. A guard that is too tight can put pressure on the gums and cause soreness. In some cases an over-thick bite block can change how your jaw sits, which some people find uncomfortable.

There is also a hygiene issue. A guard that has been dropped, stored badly, or left in a warm place can harbor bacteria and mold. Clean it with cool water and mild soap or a dedicated guard cleaner, and let it air dry before it goes back in the case.

One thing worth being clear about: remolding does not make a guard more protective. It only changes how it fits. If your guard is thin, cracked, or worn through, reshaping it will not restore the protection it was designed to provide.

How Do You Know If A Mouthguard Fits Correctly?

A well-fitted guard stays in place on its own. You should be able to open your mouth, talk, and breathe without it shifting or falling out.

Signs of a good fit:

• It stays put when you open wide and when you speak.
• Your teeth meet evenly when you bite down.
• It covers your upper teeth and the gumline without digging in.
• You can breathe and swallow comfortably.
• It does not cause gagging or pressure sores.

Signs of a poor fit:

• It slips or drops when you open your mouth.
• Your bite feels uneven or your jaw feels pushed out of position.
• You feel pressure points or sore spots on your gums.
• It is loose enough that you have to hold it in place with your tongue.

If you cannot get a snug fit after two or three remolding attempts, the guard is probably the wrong size or the wrong type for your mouth. A different model, or a custom guard from a dentist, may be the better route.

When Should You Replace A Mouthguard Instead Of Remolding It?

Replace the guard when the material itself is compromised. Remolding only helps when the shape is wrong but the material is still sound.

Signs it is time for a new one:

• Cracks, tears, or holes in the material.
• Visible thinning, especially over the biting surface.
• A guard that no longer holds its shape after reheating.
• Discoloration or a smell that does not go away after cleaning.
• Significant changes to your teeth or dental work.

For athletes in high-contact sports, a guard that has been worn for a full season is often due for replacement regardless of how it looks. The material degrades with use, and protection drops as it thins.

How Often Can You Safely Remold A Mouthguard?

There is no fixed number of times a guard can be reheated. It depends on the material and how it was made.

In practice, most boil-and-bite guards handle a handful of remolding cycles before the fit starts to degrade. If you find yourself reheating the same guard again and again because it keeps losing shape, the problem is usually the guard, not your technique.

A better approach is to get the fit right the first time and then store the guard properly. A vented case, kept out of heat and direct sun, will do more for the life of the guard than any number of reheats.

If you play a sport where a mouthguard is required and you have had trouble getting a boil-and-bite guard to fit well, a custom guard made from a dental impression is the more reliable option. It costs more upfront, but it holds its shape and does not need remolding.