Help · Bite indentations
Add bite marks to your gumshield.
Bite indentations give your bottom teeth somewhere to sit, which can make your gumshield feel more secure and easier to keep in. It takes about two minutes with a kettle, a mug and cold water — just follow the steps below.
Step by step
Six steps to bite marks.
You'll need: a kettle, a mug, cold running water and your gumshield.
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01
Heat the water
Boil the kettle, pour the water into a mug and leave it to stand for about a minute — hot, but no longer boiling.
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02
Dip the biting surface only
Hold your gumshield by the front and dip just the biting surface into the water for 10–15 seconds. Don't submerge the whole guard — the part that grips your teeth must keep its shape.
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03
Shake off and test
Shake off the water and touch the surface to check it's warm, not hot.
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04
Bite gently
Put the gumshield in, close your teeth together in your normal bite and press gently for about 20 seconds. Don't chew or bite down hard.
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05
Set it in cold water
Take it out and hold it under cold running water for 30 seconds to set the indentations.
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06
Check the fit
It should still clip firmly onto your top teeth. If it feels loose or different, stop and contact us — don't repeat the process.
Do I need bite indentations?
No — your gumshield is made to fit your top teeth and works without them. Some players like the extra grip and comfort of having somewhere for their bottom teeth to sit.
Can I use boiling water?
No. Never use boiling water or a microwave, and never soak the whole guard. Too much heat can change the shape of the part that fits your teeth.
Can I do it more than once?
We recommend doing it once only. Repeated heating can affect the fit. If you're not happy with the result, contact us.
Can I do this if I wear braces?
No. If you wear fixed braces, speak to your dentist — see gumshields for braces.
Does it affect my 100% fit guarantee?
Follow the steps exactly and your fit won't be affected. If your gumshield doesn't fit afterwards, get in touch before doing anything else.
Can you add bite marks for me?
Yes — if you'd rather we did it, contact us before your guard is made.
Need help?
Ask the lab.
Our technicians are here Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:30pm.
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