How often do you smile in the mirror and say, “Wow, I’d look good with a chipped tooth?” The answer to this question is probably never. No matter what sport you play, the chances of you longing to tell people a story about how you chipped, cracked, or lost your tooth is not a story you’ll be likely to tell happily. 

For that reason and many others, mouthguards exist. Mouthguards have several benefits to its users. Though they are not always widely used, they aid in helping basketball players protect themselves from mouth and teeth injuries.

This article will go into depth about what the best athletic mouthguards are and even the best basketball mouthguard for braces. This article will include not only information on a variety of different mouthguards but also facts on the advantages of mouthguards and how to choose the best mouthguards for you. 

To find out about a variety of different mouthguards and gain so much more information, keep reading.

If you want to get back to playing basketball, get our top pick for best basketball mouthguard here. 

Our Favorites for the Best Basketball Mouthguard

SISU Mouthguard Aero NextGen

SISU is a famous brand that creates various mouth guards for athletes. They are known as a top brand. They not only provide comfort, strength but also moldability. SISU Mouthguards are said to be eight times tougher than traditional mouthguards, and it utilizes boil & bite technology. 

What Makes It Unique:

• The SISU Mouthguard Aero NextGen uses Diffusix technology. This technology allows the impact of a hit to be distributed.
• Aero NextGen also contains a broader bite pad and rounded edges. These edges allow for more comfort when wearing them.
• This mouthguard makes it easy for players to talk and breathe while wearing them. They even allow players to drink water without removing them.

Why Choose This Basketball Mouthguard:

• Many individuals using this mouthguard find it to be lightweight and great for activities that do not have a massive impact.
• Though the instructions may have a slight learning curve, the ability to re-boil them allows users to make mistakes and correct them as soon as they are discovered. Once the item is placed back into the boiling water, it will quickly flatten out to its original form.
• Many users found this to be an excellent product that works as advertised. Players can breathe easier using this model.
• This is an excellent mouthguard if you are not looking to spend massive amounts of money but are still looking for an item of quality.

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LiteBITE Mouthguard

LiteBITE mouthguards are designed to offer users the maximum protection for their mouths. This mouthguard uses the boil and bight technology to customize mouthpieces from right in your home. All LIteBITE mouthguards are made within the USA. It is a business started by a father who simply wanted to make a mouthguard that his child wouldn’t be embarrassed to wear.

What Makes It Unique:

• LightBITE Mouthguards are another type of mouthguards that basketball players often use. They are incredibly lightweight and comfortable.
• LiteBITE mouthguard material is the same material used by dentists. It is perfect for sports or even to combat the grind of teeth at night.
• This is a mouthguard that is clear, lightweight, and flexible. This is also one of the basketball mouthguards for braces.

Why Choose This Basketball Mouthguard:

• This mouthguard allows players to communicate still and play as they usually would. It does not require players to keep their mouth clenched for the LiteBRITE to stay in place.
• When purchased, users will receive two mouthguards. This allows you the opportunity to give yourself two tries to get the molding correctly.
• Many users love this product and consistently compare it to the SISU mouthguard. This mouthguard is not bulky and fits well on most teeth.

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Nxtrnd Rush Mouthguard

Nxtrnd is another brand that offers quality mouthguards for athletes. They offer an abundance of styles and variations for individuals to choose from. It is a relatively new brand that was started in 2018 by two engineering students. It is a brand that encompasses mouthguards, apparel, and compression material. 

What Makes It Unique:

• Nxtrnd Rush is a mouthguard that is not only slim but fit for all ages.
• The packaging includes two mouthguards and a carrying case to keep it safe from the elements.
• This mouthguard can be molded up to 3 times for a custom fit and will fit most mouths.
• The RUSH mouthguard also includes impact padding as well as a dual-density frame.

Why Choose This Basketball Mouthguard:

• Many users found this mouthpiece to be one of the most comfortable mouthguards they have ever worn.
• Nxtrnd also includes mouthpieces, which are great for braces, and that will give them a comfortable fit. 
• Many users had nothing but great things to say about the Nxtrnd Rush Mouthguard and the Nxtrnd company. They even consistently rave about the level of customer service, which the company has administered. 

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The Runner-Ups for the Best Basketball Mouthguard

Shock Doctor Gel Max Convertible Mouthguard

Shock Doctor is an extremely popular basketball mouthguard brand. They are an affordable option used for an abundance of sports and activities. Shock Doctor launched its first mouthguard in 1993 and has been revolutionizing mouthguards ever since. Aside from mouthguards, Shock Doctor has also tapped into compression gear, performance sports therapy, and so much more.

What Makes It Unique:

• The Gel Max Convertible mouthguard offers a classic fit and can be used with or without a strap.
• The Gel Max mouthguard is perfect for kids or adults due to its triple layers. 
• This is another affordable boil and bite mouthpiece option. The Gel Max even comes with a Dental Warranty of up to $35,000.

Why Choose This Basketball Mouthguard:

• Shock Doctor provides excellent quality mouthguards that many users know and love.
• Though some users are not convinced that the mouthguard will fit upon receiving it, they are happily mistaken once it is boiled and molded to fit their teeth.
• The mouthguard features a breathing channel that allows players the ability to speak and breathe without its removal.
• Though many individuals love the mouthguard itself, some find an issue with the tether hole and mechanism. Therefore, if you are looking to wear this mouthguard with a strap, this may not be the mouthguard for you. 

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Under Armour Adult ArmourBite

Under Armour is a brand which many athletes know and trust. They boast a line of products that span far beyond mouthguards. This includes apparel, shoes, sporting equipment, and much more. Under Armour also has a reputation for providing products of grand quality.

What Makes It Unique:

• This adult mouthpiece is better than your average sporting goods found mouthpiece. The mouthguard provides a Polymer Shrink and an ArchFit System. These two things, in conjunction, allow for a breathable experience. 
• The power wedge technology also provides better spacing between your teeth and allows for a more comfortable fit. 
• If purchased directly from Under Armour, they also offer players a $32,000 dental warranty. 
• This can be a youth basketball mouthguard or one for an adult as it comes in two sizes, MD & LG. 
• The use of Anti-Microbial technology aids in preventing the mouthguard from mildewing or decaying. 

Why Choose This Basketball Mouthguard:

• Many users find the Under Armour Adult ArmourBite to be comfortable and easily breathable. 
• The mouthguard is easy to use and can be boiled for 90 seconds before creating a custom fit. 
• This is an excellent mouthguard if you are looking for something durable and inexpensive. However, this is not a mouthguard for someone with braces.

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The Value Picks for the Best Basketball Mouthguard

Nike Pro Hyperflow Mouthguard

Whenever you think about sports, Nike is always a brand that comes to mind. No matter the sport, Nike is a forerunner for equipment, apparel, and so much more. This Nike Basketball mouthguard is inexpensive and able to be created with ease. 

What Makes It Unique:

• This boil and bite mouthguard uses O-breathing channels to make intense gameplay easy for players even with the mouthguard in.
• The device comes with a tether that allows players to add a strap for quick release.
• The Nike mouthguard also offers a durable dual-density design for lasting use. 

Why Choose This Basketball Mouthguard:

• With this
• Nike HYPERFLOW Lip Protection MOUTHGUARD, players are offered a $12,500 dental warranty.
• Users who have used this mouthguard in the past find that they thoroughly enjoy it and are inclined to purchase more.

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Under Armour Steph Curry Basketball Mouthguard

Steph Curry is known for his mouthguards; therefore, it is only right that he partnered with Under Armour to create a line of durable mouthguards for basketball players. This low profile mouthguard is much like his signature clear mouthguard but with his logo on the face. 

What Makes It Unique:

• This mouthguard is unique for many reasons, one being that it is flavored. This collaboration mouthguard comes in lemonade flavor. Beads of flavor are embedded throughout the mouthguard to ensure that it lasts.
• This boil and bite mouthguard is very simplistic and low profile. It is affordable and does not have some of the bells and whistles as others. 
• This mouthguard is re-moldable, microwaveable, and designed by a dental professional.

Why Choose This Basketball Mouthguard:

• This is an excellent mouthguard to use if you are looking for something quick but will still allow for a custom fit.
• If you are generally frustrated with the taste of the mouthguard, this is a great solution. It provides long-lasting flavor while still being functional.
• Several users found the fit to be perfect and not bulky while engaged in play. Athletes love the lemonade flavor and highly recommend this mouthpiece. 

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FAQ on Basketball Mouthguards

Now that you have seen some of the best mouthguards that the industry offers, its only right that we teach you more about them and their proper usage. This portion of the article will focus in on common questions which many people may ask when it comes to use of mouthguards and why a variety of individuals wear them.

What are the Different Styles of Basketball Mouthguards?

When choosing a mouthguard, there are three primary styles that you can choose from. These styles include stock mouthguards and boil & bite mouth guards. There is also one final type that is simply dentist recommended or dentist molded.

What are the Most Durable Basketball Mouthguards?

When it comes to having the most durable mouthguards, many players have varying opinions. However, two brands that consistently come up are Shock Doctor and SISU. Players tend to love the fit of these mouthguards as well as their durability. 

What are the Advantages of Boil and Bite Mouth Guards?

Boil & Bite mouthguards add a level of customization to your Mouthguard options. These mouthguards, though not the lowest level available, can still be found at sporting goods stores and some department stores. They are made of a thermoplastic, which allows the users to be able to boil and bite them.

They are placed in the boiling water to allow them to soften. Once they are placed in the wearer’s mouth, users can bite down on them for a more custom fit. This customization makes them more comfortable to wear. This is due to a better fit, which in turn offers better protection for your mouth.

Boil and bite mouthguards are some of the most used on the market. Though there are some negative implications with doing the mold yourself, these mouth guards have a longer life expectancy than stock mouthguards.

When Should You Get a Custom Fitted Mouthguard?

Your dentist generally recommends custom-molded mouthguards. They are made based on your dentist’s instructions. To start, a player’s mouth mold is taken, and mouthguards are custom made to fit. Custom-made mouthguards provide the best fit and the best overall protection for your teeth.

Though many dentists highly recommend to all players to get a custom-fitted mouthguard, it is especially important in several other scenarios. Custom-fitted mouthguards are the best basketball mouthguards for braces or a fixed bridge. Custom-fitted mouthguards are also a great option if you have had an injury in the past. 

If you are playing sports regularly, having a custom mouthguard is extremely important as it will provide the best protection. Most players tend only to start wearing them after an injury; however, it is pertinent to have one at all times.

What Mouthguards do Popular NBA Players Wear?

If you are still on the fence about wearing a mouthguard, don’t be. You will not regret it — even some of your favorite players wear mouth guards to protect themselves during games. Many games, you will see most players with a custom-fitted clear 3mm mouthguard.

Check out some of the mouthguards your favorite players wear below.

LeBron James: LeBron James has been wearing Gladiators mouthguards since 2010; he even has a signature mouthguard, the LeBron 3D Fangs. When he began working with Gladiator, a custom mouthpiece was developed for him, the High-Performance Gladiator. Soon after making the mouth guard for LeBron, it became attainable by the public. 

Steph Curry: Steph Curry is known continuously for chewing on his mouthguard and is said to go through at least 12 mouthguards per season. He has even partnered with Under Armour to create a collection of mouthguards. 

What are Stock Mouth Protectors?

Stock mouthguards are simply ones you would find at a sporting goods store or department store. They are the least expensive, non-customizable, and generally the cheapest option when it comes to buying mouthguards.

Outside of all the positives that these mouthguards offer, there are several negatives. Since they are the cheapest option, they are not the most “user-friendly”. To ensure a stock mouthguard stays in place, your jaw must remain clenched. One primary contention with these mouthguards is that they are mainly uncomfortable and prohibit breathing and speaking.

How Do You Mold a Mouthguard?

When using a boil and bite mouthguard, to get the correct mold, you will need to first place the mouthguard in warm to hot water. The mouthguard should be left in the water until the inner layer become malleable. Once the mouthguard is soft enough, it should be smashed into place over your gums and teeth.

When setting the mold, you should be using gentle biting pressure. You should use your fingers, mouth, lips, etc. to make sure that the mouthpiece is seated correctly. As the plastic cools, it will begin to take the shape of your teeth.

Once it is thoroughly cooled and finished, it is ready for use.

When creating a mold for a custom dental mouthguard, the process is similar to that of a boil and bite mouthguard, with only slight variations. When creating a dental mold, your dentist will use an impression tray. To create this tray, your dentist will fill a tray with a putty-like substance that will be placed over your teeth and gums. It will only take a few moments to set. 

This process must be done for the top and bottom of the player’s mouth. Once this is complete, the mold is filled with plaster, and a cast is created. This cast is then used to develop the player’s custom mouthguard.

How to Choose the Best Basketball Mouthguard for You

Choosing the best mouthguard can be hard. There are several different things you must take into account before investing in a mouthguard, which will be comfortable, durable, and effective. Use the questions below to determine what the best mouthguard is for you.

How often will my mouthguard be used? 

The type of mouthguard you should use can be heavily dependent on how often it will be needed, as well as the level you are playing at. If you are someone who casually plays pickup games at the local gym, a stock mouthguard may be sufficient for your needs. However, if you are someone who plays in a league, you may want a better option. Assessing your gameplay and usage is essential to pick one that is best for you. 

How much am I looking to spend? 

It’s important to remember that with the more custom options, there comes a pricier tag. If you are not looking to spend too much money, having a stock or boil & bite mouthpiece may not be that bad of an idea. Custom dental units may be slightly pricier, but they also provide the most protection.

When do I need it? 

Speed may also be a significant factor in the mouthguard which you choose to purchase. The cheaper options can often be found in any department or sporting goods store. However, custom units may require a dental appointment as well as the time it takes to create the unit itself.

Have I been injured in the past? Do I have a fixed bridge? 

If you are someone who has been injured in the past, wears braces, or you have a fixed bridge, the store-bought options may not work for you. They may be uncomfortable or not provide the protection which you need. All of these personal attributes are important to keep in mind when choosing a mouthguard.

Summary of the Best Basketball Mouthguards

Wrapping everything up, here are the best basketball mouthguards we went over today:

In summary, you should never feel like you are too good to wear a mouthguard. Though you may feel like they aren’t the best looking or you don’t look cool enough with one in, imagine how you would look with missing teeth or a chipped tooth. Not only do mouth guards protect your teeth, but the best athletic mouthguards can also lessen the severity of a concussion. A mouthguard is an essential investment for your health on and off the court. 

We may often see players chew on their mouthguards during halftime, or when making free throws, however, though some players wear them, they are not a requirement. Mason Plumlee and Steph Curry are two players we often see rocking their mouthguards proudly. Plumlee was hit in his mouth while playing in college and now refuses to play without one. That elbow to the mouth left him with braces and the memory of multiple dental surgeries.

There are quite a few options on the market if you aren’t ready to get one custom made. Among the best are lite bite mouthguards and SISU mouthguards. Some of your favorite players have even partnered with brands to create their own.

What are you waiting for? Don’t let your next game be the one that takes out your front tooth.

If you found this post helpful, check out our other basketball gear reviews here.

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