A mouth guard is a simple but highly effective way to protect your teeth from damage. At York House Dental Practice in West Byfleet, Surrey, we provide custom mouth guards that fit perfectly, offering comfort and long-lasting protection.

Mouth guards are commonly used for two main reasons: protecting teeth during sports and preventing damage from teeth grinding (bruxism). Unlike shop-bought guards, custom ones are designed to match your exact bite, making them safer, more comfortable, and more durable.

Types of Preventative Mouth Guards

• Sports Mouth Guards – For activities like football, rugby, hockey, or martial arts. These reduce the risk of broken teeth, jaw injuries, and cuts inside the mouth.
• Night Guards – Worn while sleeping to prevent teeth grinding and clenching. They help reduce jaw pain, headaches, and enamel wear.
• Orthodontic Retainer-style Guards – For children and teens who need teeth protection while their bite develops.

Procedure Steps

1. Consultation to assess your teeth and needs
2. Impressions of your teeth are taken for a precise fit
3. Mouth guard is created in a dental lab
4. Fitting and adjustment to ensure comfort
5. Aftercare advice on cleaning and storing the guard

Duration

• Consultation: around 20–30 minutes
• Custom guard is usually ready in 1–2 weeks
• Fitting takes about 10–15 minutes

Cost Factors

The cost of a preventative mouth guard depends on:

• Type (sports or night guard)
• Materials used (soft vs. hard acrylic)
• Whether additional treatments are needed, like bite adjustment

Although cheaper options are available in shops, professionally made guards provide far better protection and last much longer.

Ideal Patients

• Children and adults playing contact or high-impact sports
• People who grind or clench their teeth at night
• Patients with crowns, dentures, or orthodontic work needing protection
• Anyone who wants to lower the risk of dental injury or damage

Patient Reviews

• “The sports guard was so comfortable, I forgot I was wearing it during training.”
• “My jaw pain reduced within days of using the night guard.”
• “It fit much better than the ones I tried from shops.”

Possible Side Effects

• Slight tightness or drooling at first, but this improves quickly
• Rare instances of irritation if not cleaned properly
• Requires daily cleaning to stay hygienic

Benefits of Preventative Mouth Guards

• Protects teeth from fractures, chips, and wear
• Reduces risk of concussions and soft tissue injuries during sports
• Relieves discomfort from clenching and grinding
• Prevents costly treatments like root canals, crowns, or implants later
• Custom fit ensures comfort, durability, and reliable protection

Investing in a custom mouth guard today can save you from painful and expensive treatments tomorrow. It’s a small step with a big impact.