the Nightguard
Protecting your teeth and relaxing your facial muscles
Easy to wear, easy to clean
Designed to last
the Nightguard
A unique design, promoting comfort and fit.
Adjusted over time to your requirements.
15 years of the Nightguard helping people
Light and comfortable
Made from a hard clear hypoallergenic medical grade dental acrylic
Orthodontic ball clasps to provide positive engagement or a metal free option
Why do I need the Nightguard?
Bruxism is the clenching and grinding of your teeth which often happens during the night when you are not aware.
Signs of bruxism are toothwear, chipped teeth or fillings, wear cavities, loose teeth, receding gums, enlarged masseters, cheek lines, tori.
Symptoms of bruxism include migraines, headaches, facial pain, tinnitus, sinus pain, neck pain, tooth sensitivity, tooth pain, earache.
The Nightguard can help alleviate or eliminate your symptoms.
FAQs
How does the Nightguard work? It allows your teeth to bite in a position that relaxes your facial muscles and allows your jaw joints to operate comfortably
How often do I wear the Nightguard? Most patients wear it nightly. Some will also wear it when they know they clench eg driving, on a computer.
Can you guarantee results? Yes in terms of tooth grinding as the Nightguard provides protection from tooth on tooth wear but everyone is different in terms of their presenting symptoms which may or may not be related to bruxism. Patients have reported reduction of headaches and migraines, neck pain, facial pain, better sleep, reduced facial tension, waking up feeling more relaxed.
Will the Nightguard work for me? Once you have been assessed we can discuss your suitability.
How long will the Nightguard last? If taken care of we estimate 10 years but we have have patients who have had the Nightguard for 15 years.
Will the Nightguard wear out? We havent had one wear out or wear through yet.
What if I forget to wear the Nightguard? Most patients look forward to wearing the Nightguard. If they forget then they notice the difference sometimes immediately sometimes days later especially if symptoms return.
How much does the Nightguard cost? £1700 which includes an initial examination, assessment of your bite with jig mounted models and fabrication, fitting and adjusting the Nightguard, inclusive of 4 further adjustments.
How often does the Nightguard need adjusting? After initial fitting and adjusting, typically we re-evaluate and adjust a week later, 2 weeks, 4 weeks later which are included in your fee. Further adjustment visits are charged at £150.
How do I know if the Nightguard needs adjusting? Having worn the Nightguard you will be able to recognise when an adjustment is required from the way your teeth bite onto it. Typically patients have their Nightguard checked every 6 months.
Why does the Nightguard need adjusting? As your muscles relax and tension reduces the bite onto the Nightguard can change very slightly and a small adjustment is all that is required to restore an even bite.
What are the downsides of the Nightguard? If you have any dental work done on your upper teeth then the Nightguard may need adjusting or relining to fit the new tooth shape. It is advisable to make sure all upper dental work is complete prior to fabrication and we can guide you with this decision.
I am a gagger, will I be able to wear the Nightguard? Depending on the severity of your gag reflex you may still be able wear the Nightguard but may take longer to habituate. Even severe gaggers have successfully worn the Nightguard.
What happens if I lose the Nightguard? Some people add the Nightguard to their house contents insurance just in case. In the event of loss you may need to have new impressions taken.
What is the metal free Nightguard? The standard design is preferred and the one chosen by the majority of wearers which has small orthodontic clasps to keep the Nightguard in position. A few patients request metal-free which involves making the Nightguard slightly differently to overlap the outer surfaces of your back teeth to aid retention and will feel slightly bulkier in your mouth.
What age do I need to start wearing the Nightguard? We would recommend waiting until your jaw has fully developed at around 18 years old but the majority of patients unfortunately wait until later life once problems manifest.
There are a variety of mouthguards available but which one is right for you?
Soft nightguards can be bought over the counter or made via your dentist. They do work for some people but tend to harden and discolour over time. They are an even thickness so do not take into account your bite. Those who grind may wear through the soft material in time. Replacements are often required every 1-2 years due to wear, hardening or discolouration.
NTI/SCI typically go over your four upper or lower front teeth and keep your back teeth apart. They are made via your dentist and tend to push your lip forward.
Hard nightguards are typically full coverage such as Tanner, Michigan and feel bulky to wear or partial coverage such as the lower Gelb appliance.
Hybrid nightguards have a soft inner and hard outer shell.
All mouthguards can work for you but having worn the Nightguard myself for 15 years it is my preferred option. Often patients who have worn another type of mouthguard decide to change to the Nightguard and wished they had done it sooner.