Every custom guard we make begins with a clinical impression of your teeth. This is used to produce a guard that fits exactly to your dentition, covering the upper teeth, gum line, and soft tissues in a way that no off-the-shelf product can replicate.
We use high-quality laminated ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) materials in the thickness appropriate to the sport and level of contact involved. Laminated construction provides better shock absorption than single-layer guards and maintains its shape across a full season of use.
Guards are available in a wide range of single colours and multi-colour combinations. Many patients choose to match their team colours, and we can accommodate most requests. For younger patients especially, a guard they like the look of is a guard they are more likely to wear.
Once your guard is ready, we invite you in for a fitting check. We assess the bite, comfort, and retention, and make any adjustments needed before you leave. If anything needs refining over time, we are happy to see you.
Mouth guards are mandatory in some sports and strongly recommended in many others. Rugby (union and league), boxing, martial arts, hockey, and American football all require guards at competitive level. But dental injuries are common across a far wider range of activities, and a guard is appropriate wherever there is meaningful risk of impact to the face or jaw.
When you have a mouth guard made at Berkhamsted Dental, the process is overseen by a dentist from start to finish. We take the impression carefully, specify the right material and thickness for your sport, and check the finished guard on your teeth before you leave. If something does not feel right, we sort it out before you take it away.
The cost of a custom mouth guard covers the clinical appointment, laboratory fabrication, and the fitting check. There are no hidden fees.
Adult custom mouth guard: from £119
A boil-and-bite guard is softened in hot water and then bitten into to create a rough impression of the teeth. The result is never precise, tends to be thicker and bulkier than needed, and usually fits loosely. Custom guards are constructed from a clinical-grade impression taken by a dentist, producing a guard that fits exactly to your teeth and gum line, is far more comfortable, and provides better protection.
With proper care, an adult guard typically lasts one to two seasons of regular use. Guards should be rinsed after every use, stored in a ventilated case, kept away from heat, and inspected periodically for cracks or deformation. For children and adolescents, fit should be checked annually, and a new guard made whenever the current one no longer seats correctly due to changes in the dentition.
Not necessarily every year, but regularly. As children’s teeth change, whether through the loss of baby teeth, the eruption of adult teeth, or orthodontic treatment, a guard that fitted well last year may no longer fit well now. A poor fit means reduced protection. We recommend bringing the guard to your child’s annual check-up so we can assess whether it still seats correctly.
Yes, though the approach depends on the type of orthodontic treatment. For patients in fixed braces, a guard that fits over the braces is available and provides important protection for both the teeth and the soft tissue of the lips and cheeks. For patients in removable aligners such as Invisalign, your dentist can advise on the best approach during your fitting appointment.
In most cases, yes. Mandatory rules reflect minimum safety standards, not optimal ones. Many sports that do not require mouth guards still carry a real risk of dental injury, and a custom guard is a straightforward, low-cost investment in protecting your teeth. If you play a contact sport of any kind, or any sport where a fall or collision with equipment is possible, a guard is worth having.
Yes. We offer a wide range of single colours and multi-colour stripe combinations. Let us know your preference when you book, and we will do our best to accommodate it. For team orders or group bookings, please contact the practice directly.
Whether you’re booking your first appointment, have a question about our treatments, or simply want advice on your dental care — our friendly team is here to help.
