Every weekend across Britain, thousands of athletes take to rugby pitches, boxing rings, and hockey fields. Yet when it comes to protecting one of the body’s most vulnerable areas the mouth and jaw many still grab the first gumshield they find. A properly fitted moulded mouthguard offers professional-grade protection at a fraction of the cost of dental treatment.
For more than three decades, OPRO has pioneered accessible sports safety. Founded by Dr Anthony Lovat, a practising UK dentist who saw too many preventable dental injuries, OPRO protects everyone from UFC fighters and England Rugby players to schoolchildren taking part in their first PE lesson.
Are Quality Mouthguards Worth the Cost?
One of the most common questions around mouthguards is affordability. OPRO’s moulded guards typically range from £15 to £40, depending on the level of protection you choose. Compare that to treating a knocked-out tooth often £2,000 to £3,000 for a single implant and prevention suddenly feels like a bargain.
Custom mouthguards made by dentists can cost £100 to £300, but OPRO’s Instant Custom-Fit starts at £29.99, offering dentist-level fit you can achieve at home. It bridges the gap between traditional boil-and-bite and costly lab-made guards, giving everyday athletes professional-grade protection.
How a Moulded Mouthguard Works
Moulded mouthguards use materials that soften in hot water and then shape precisely to your teeth for a personalised fit. This tailored fit keeps the guard secure, distributes impact forces evenly, and ensures comfortable breathing and speech during play.
OPRO’s Instant Custom-Fit system takes the concept further. Its impression tray combines hyperflex technology and inner layer of dental impression fins to use the power of your bite to form a dentist-level impression in just minutes. The result is a mouthguard that mirrors your exact dental profile professional-quality protection without a dental appointment.
Why Moulding Matters
A properly moulded guard is essential for protection and comfort. Without moulding, a mouthguard won’t stay in place and can’t absorb impact effectively. Moulding transforms generic material into personalised protection that fits securely and feels natural enough to wear consistently.
Think of it like footwear: you wouldn’t play sport in shoes three sizes too large. Your mouthguard deserves the same care especially when what’s at stake is your smile.
Getting the Perfect Fit: Remoulding and Guarantees
OPRO's Instant Custom-Fit mouthguards are designed to be remoulded multiple times if needed, giving you the flexibility to achieve the perfect fit. If your first attempt doesn't feel quite right perhaps it's too loose, uncomfortable, or doesn't sit properly you can simply remould it by repeating the fitting process.
How many times can you remould your OPRO mouthguard? OPRO mouthguards can be remoulded several times when you follow the fitting instructions carefully. The key to successful remoulding is precisely following each step—proper heating time, correct water temperature, and using the fitting tray as directed. For the best results, watch the step-by-step fitting instructions to maximise your chances of getting it right first time.
What if it still doesn't fit properly? OPRO stands behind their products with a Precision-Fit Guarantee. If you're not satisfied with the fit:
- Contact OPRO's customer support team for expert fitting tips and guidance
- If needed, they'll send you a replacement mouthguard to try again
- Still not happy? You'll receive a full refund
This guarantee ensures you can purchase with confidence, knowing that achieving the perfect custom fit is backed by OPRO's commitment to customer satisfaction.
How Long Does a Moulded Mouthguard Last?
Quality sports mouthguards should be replaced annually to maintain optimal protection and fit. Over time, regular wear from impact, biting, and cleaning can affect both the fit and protective performance of your mouthguard. Changes in your bite especially for growing children and teenagers hygiene build-up, and material fatigue all reduce effectiveness over time.
OPRO backs this recommendation with a 12-month dental warranty on all mouthguards, offering cover up to £20,000 depending on the product. This warranty period reflects the annual replacement cycle recommended by dental professionals and sports bodies.
Children and teenagers may need replacement even more frequently as their mouths develop, and any new dental work calls for a refit. Considering the protection offered and the dental warranty included, annual replacement is a smart investment in your smile.
Can a Mouthguard Harm or Move Your Teeth?
A well-fitted sports mouthguard won’t move teeth or cause damage. Unlike orthodontic braces that apply constant pressure, mouthguards are worn only during sport and distribute force evenly across teeth.
Poorly moulded or ill-fitting guards, however, can lead to discomfort, breathing difficulty, or speech interference. Following OPRO’s fitting instructions including heating, cooling, and using the fitting tray correctly ensures an accurate, comfortable fit that stays secure during impact.
Are Custom Mouthguards Better Than Boil-and-Bite?
Laboratory-made custom guards offer excellent precision but are often unnecessary for most athletes. OPRO’s Instant Custom-Fit bridges the gap, using an fitting tray that replicates the controlled pressure of a dental thermoforming machine to deliver a custom-grade fit at home.
For school, club, and recreational players, Instant Custom-Fit delivers elite-level protection that meets and exceeds safety standards. OPRO’s dentist-designed technology means you get laboratory-quality retention and comfort at an everyday price.
Choosing the Right OPRO Mouthguard
For most athletes, OPRO’s Instant Custom-Fit is the ideal choice quick to mould, comfortable to wear, and engineered for serious protection. It’s available for both adults and youth, across a wide range of sports.
Those who prefer a traditional approach can opt for OPRO Silver for regular players in moderate-contact sports, or OPRO Gold for premium protection in high-impact positions. Whatever your sport or level, there’s an OPRO mouthguard built to match.
You can explore OPRO’s full range of moulded mouthguards to find the best fit for you.
The OPRO Difference
What sets OPRO apart is the dental expertise guiding every design. When Dr Anthony Lovat founded OPRO more than 30 years ago, he applied a clinician’s understanding of how mouths respond to impact creating protection based on real-world dental science.
That insight drives innovations like the patented dual impression tray and inner layer of impression fin technology. Partnerships with England Rugby and the UFC provide continual feedback from professional athletes, ensuring that every player from grassroots to elite benefits from the same advances.
Manufactured in the UK to the highest standards, OPRO’s mouthguards combine safety, comfort, and performance in one intelligent design. Your teeth are with you for life make sure your mouthguard protects them properly.