Protect Your Teeth While You Sleep, Custom Night Guard From £70

What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard (also called an occlusal splint) is a custom-made dental appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth. You wear it while you sleep to prevent your teeth from grinding against each other.

Unlike over-the-counter night guards that come in one-size-fits-all designs, a custom night guard is made from precise impressions of your teeth. This means it fits securely, feels comfortable, and provides even pressure distribution across your bite.

Night guards are made from a durable, medical-grade acrylic or thermoplastic material. They are designed to absorb the forces of grinding and clenching, protecting your tooth enamel, fillings, crowns, veneers, and implants from wear and damage.

Bruxism (teeth grinding) affects an estimated 8% to 10% of the population. Many people are unaware they grind their teeth because it happens during sleep. Signs include waking with jaw pain, headaches, sensitive teeth, or worn-down tooth surfaces.

Am I a Good Candidate?

A custom night guard is recommended if you:

• Grind or clench your teeth at night (bruxism)
• Wake with jaw pain or headaches that may be caused by clenching
• Have worn-down or flattened tooth surfaces from grinding
• Have veneers, crowns, or implants that you want to protect
• Have been advised by your dentist to wear a night guard

Your dentist assesses your teeth for signs of grinding during your dental examination. Worn surfaces, cracked fillings, and jaw muscle tenderness are all indicators that a night guard would benefit you.

Night guards are suitable for virtually all adults. There are no significant contraindications.

What Happens During Your Treatment?

Impressions

Your dentist takes precise impressions (moulds) of your upper and lower teeth. This can be done digitally or with traditional impression material. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Fabrication

Your impressions are sent to the dental laboratory, where your custom night guard is manufactured from durable, medical-grade material. This typically takes 1 to 2 days.

Fitting

Your night guard is tried in and checked for fit. Your dentist makes any necessary adjustments to ensure it sits comfortably and provides an even bite. You are shown how to insert and remove it properly.

If you are having other dental work done during the same trip, the night guard is typically made after your restorations are complete, this ensures it fits over your final teeth.

Recovery and Aftercare

There is no recovery period. You start wearing your night guard immediately.

Getting used to it: It may feel unusual for the first few nights. Most patients adjust within a week. Start by wearing it for a few hours before bed if needed.

Cleaning: Rinse your night guard with cold water after each use. Clean it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap (not toothpaste, which can be abrasive). Store it in its ventilated case when not in use.

Longevity: A well-made custom night guard typically lasts 3 to 5 years with proper care, though heavy grinders may need a replacement sooner. It is a small investment compared to the cost of repairing damaged teeth, crowns, or veneers.

Regular checks: Have your dentist at home check the fit of your night guard during regular check-ups.

Risks and Considerations

Night guards are extremely safe with virtually no medical risks. A few practical points to note:

Adjustment period: It takes a few nights to get used to wearing a night guard. Some patients produce more saliva initially or feel a slight gag reflex. This resolves quickly as you adjust.

Incorrect fit: A poorly fitted night guard can cause bite changes or jaw discomfort. This is why a custom-fitted guard made from professional impressions is far superior to an over-the-counter product. Your dentist checks the fit carefully.

Maintenance: Night guards need regular cleaning to prevent bacterial build-up. The care routine is simple, rinse and brush with mild soap after each use.