Mouth Guards Help Centre
Popular Questions
Most people wear night guards on their upper teeth as they're easier to keep secure and more comfortable during sleep. Upper guards stay in place better and feel less intrusive to your tongue. However, some people prefer lower guards, either position protects both arches equally. Choose whichever feels more comfortable and stays secure through the night. Our 3mm soft EVA guards work well on either arch.
Choose based on when you grind:
- Sleep grinding/clenching? → 3mm Night Guard (thicker for heavy unconscious grinding)
- Daytime stress clenching? → 2mm Day Guard (thinner for discreet wear and speech)
- Both? → Get both types for optimal protection at different times
Not sure? Consider when you notice the most symptoms (morning headaches = night guard; daytime jaw tension = day guard). Contact us or consult your dentist if unsure.
No, you should not wear guards on both upper and lower teeth simultaneously. Wearing two guards at once prevents your teeth from having any contact point, which can confuse your jaw's natural resting position and potentially worsen TMJ issues. It also restricts mouth space and may affect breathing during sleep. One 3mm night guard on either your top or bottom teeth provides complete protection for all your teeth.
A 3mm soft EVA night guard typically lasts 1-3 years with proper care. Heavy grinders may need replacement in 6-12 months, while moderate users can expect 2-3 years. Our 2mm day guards last 1-2 years. Replace your guard when you notice holes, tears, thinning material (worn below 2mm for night guards, 1mm for day guards), cracks, or a loose fit. Regular cleaning and proper storage extend lifespan.
Day guards are thinner (2mm) for discreet daytime wear and allow normal speech while protecting against stress-related clenching. Night guards are thicker (3mm) to absorb heavier grinding forces during sleep when you're unconscious and grinding harder. Both use soft EVA material, but the thickness difference makes each optimal for its intended use time.
Our night guards and day guards cover your teeth up to and including your second back teeth. They do not extend to wisdom teeth. This prevents gagging, ensures a secure fit, and provides full protection without unnecessary bulk that can affect comfort or wear.
Both our 3mm night guards and 2mm day guards are made from premium soft EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), a medical-grade thermoplastic that's flexible, comfortable, and durable. EVA cushions your teeth and jaw without feeling rigid, is resilient enough for nightly use, and moulds to your teeth for a custom, non-bulky fit that's both comfortable and protective.
Most people experience an adjustment period of 3-7 nights where the guard feels strange or bulky. You may salivate more initially or feel awkward sensations. This typically settles within 1-2 weeks. Our 2mm day guards are designed to allow speech easily. The 3mm night guards are bulkier but comfort during sleep is rarely an issue. A well-fitted guard shouldn't impact breathing. If discomfort persists beyond 2 weeks, contact us—your guard may need adjustment.
You can, but it's not ideal. Night guards (3mm) are too thick for comfortable daytime speaking and will be visible. Day guards (2mm) don't provide enough cushioning for heavy nighttime grinding. If you grind both day and night, consider getting both types, each is optimised for its specific purpose. Using the wrong guard at the wrong time reduces effectiveness and can shorten its lifespan.
Night guards and day guards naturally have variations in thickness due to the contoured shape of your teeth and bite pattern. The material forms differently across high and low points of your dental anatomy, resulting in slight thickness variations. This is normal in professional guard manufacturing and does not affect protection or performance.
Guards don't cure the underlying cause of grinding (stress, sleep issues, jaw misalignment), but they protect your teeth from damage and reduce symptoms like pain, tooth wear, and jaw tension. Think of them like a seatbelt, they protect you but don't prevent the situation. For lasting results, you may also need stress management, jaw exercises, or treatment of underlying medical conditions. Guards are essential protection while addressing root causes.
Day Guards
A day guard is a thin dental appliance worn during the day to protect teeth from daytime clenching and grinding (bruxism). Unlike night guards, day guards are designed to be discreet and allow normal speech while preventing tooth damage from stress-related jaw clenching.
A day guard won't stop the grinding habit itself, but it protects your teeth from damage caused by daytime clenching and grinding (bruxism). It acts as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing wear, chips, and fractures. For lasting results, you may also need to address underlying causes like stress or anxiety.
Day guards manage bruxism symptoms but don't cure the condition. They protect your teeth from grinding damage and can reduce jaw muscle tension. However, bruxism often requires a comprehensive approach including stress management, addressing underlying causes, and potentially consulting a dentist or doctor for treatment options.
Day guards can help reduce jaw pain caused by daytime clenching by cushioning your teeth and reducing muscle strain. Many users experience relief from TMJ-related discomfort. However, if you have persistent or severe jaw pain, consult your dentist or doctor—day guards are one tool, not a complete treatment for TMJ disorders.
A 2mm day guard typically lasts 1-3 years with proper care. Heavy clenchers may need replacement in 6-12 months, while light users can expect 2-3 years. Replace when you notice holes, cracks, thinning, or loose fit.
Yes, day guards are designed for talking. They're thinner than night guards (usually 2mm) so you can speak clearly while wearing them. There may be a brief adjustment period, but most people adapt within a few days.
Our day guards are made from premium soft EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), a medical-grade thermoplastic known for its:
- Flexibility & Comfort: Cushions the teeth and jaw without feeling overly rigid.
- Durability: Resilient enough to withstand nightly or daily use when worn as directed.
- Custom-Fit: Moulded to your teeth for a snug, non-bulky feel that’s still effective.
EVA is especially ideal for customers who prefer a more comfortable, less intrusive guard while still needing excellent protection.
There is usually an adaptation period: at first a guard may feel bulky or awkward; you might salivate more, or feel unnatural sensations. Over days/weeks this tends to settle.
Day guards are designed to allow speech and movement more easily. Night guards have less concern about speech, so may be bulkier. Thicker material may interfere somewhat more with tongue position or speech if very thick.
Breathing should not be impacted if guard is well fitted. Poor fit can cause issues.
Possibly, but it's not always ideal. Some people with both night AND daytime bruxism will have both guards, because the demands differ. Wearing the wrong type (e.g. a thick night guard) in the daytime may interfere with speaking, be uncomfortable, or visible.
Also, using a guard more than it’s designed can reduce its longevity.
Cost depends on material type, custom vs over‐the‐counter, lab fees, fittings, etc. Custom night guards are more expensive.
Some dental insurance plans will cover part or all, especially if there’s clear evidence (dental exam showing damage, symptoms). But coverage varies.
Yes, dentists recommend day guards for patients who clench during the day. They protect against tooth wear, chips, and TMJ issues caused by daytime bruxism.
Daytime teeth grinding (bruxism) is usually caused by stress, anxiety, concentration, or certain medications. Unlike nighttime grinding, daytime clenching is often a conscious habit that can be managed with awareness and a day guard.
No prescription is needed for day guards in the UK. You can order custom-fitted day guards online by taking dental impressions at home, or visit a dentist for a professional fitting.
Clean your day guard daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Avoid hot water, toothpaste, or harsh chemicals that can warp or damage the material.
No, remove your day guard before eating or drinking anything except water. Eating with it in can damage the guard and trap food particles, increasing bacteria buildup.
Yes, you can wear a night guard during the day, but day guards are specifically designed for daytime use. They're typically thinner (2mm) for comfortable speaking and less noticeable wear, while night guards are often thicker (3-4mm) for heavy grinding during sleep.
Night Guards
A 3mm soft EVA night guard typically lasts 1-3 years with proper care. Heavy grinders may need replacement in 6-12 months, while light to moderate grinders can expect 2-3 years of use. Replace your night guard when you notice holes, tears, thinning material (worn down to less than 2mm), or a loose fit.
Yes, you should wear your night guard every night if you grind or clench your teeth. Consistent nightly wear protects your teeth from damage and reduces jaw muscle tension. 3mm soft EVA night guards are designed for safe, comfortable long-term use during sleep.
Night guards don't stop the grinding habit, but they protect your teeth from damage caused by bruxism. The 3mm soft EVA material acts as a cushioning barrier between upper and lower teeth, preventing wear, chips, and fractures. They also reduce jaw muscle strain during grinding.
Night guards typically range from 1-4mm thick. A 3mm night guard is ideal for moderate to heavy grinding, thick enough to provide strong protection without being bulky. Thinner guards (1-2mm) wear out quickly with heavy grinding, while thicker guards (4mm+) can feel uncomfortable for some users.
Soft night guards (like 3mm EVA) are more comfortable and easier to adapt to, making them ideal for first-time users and moderate grinders. Hard acrylic guards are more durable for severe grinding but can feel rigid. Soft guards absorb grinding force while hard guards redistribute it. Both protect teeth effectively.
A properly fitted night guard won't make grinding worse. Some people may initially grind more as they adjust to the new sensation (1-2 weeks), but this is temporary.
Most night guards are worn on upper teeth as they're easier to keep in place and feel more comfortable. Some people prefer lower guards. Either position works for protection. Choose whichever feels more comfortable and stays secure while you sleep.
Clean your night guard daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Avoid hot water (can warp EVA material), toothpaste (too abrasive), and harsh chemicals. Store dry in a ventilated case. Deep clean weekly with denture tablets.
No, you cannot wear a standard night guard with braces. The brackets and wires prevent proper fit. If you have braces and grind your teeth, ask your orthodontist about orthodontic wax or a special protective guard designed for use with braces.
Night guards can help reduce TMJ pain caused by nighttime clenching and grinding by cushioning your teeth and reducing jaw muscle tension. However, they're not a cure for TMJ disorders. If you have persistent jaw pain, clicking, or locking, consult your dentist for comprehensive TMJ treatment.
Night guards don't stop the clenching habit itself, but the 3mm soft EVA material provides cushioning that reduces the force on your teeth and jaw joints. This can decrease muscle soreness and protect teeth from clenching damage. For lasting results, address underlying causes like stress.
Yes, you can order custom night guards online in the UK without a dentist visit. Companies like ours provide impression kits to make custom-fitted 3mm night guards at home. No prescription needed. However, if you have severe TMJ issues or dental problems, consult a dentist first.
New night guards feel strange for 3-7 nights as you adjust. If discomfort persists beyond 2 weeks, your night guard may be too thick, improperly fitted, or positioned incorrectly. A 3mm guard should feel snug but not painful. Contact your provider if persistent discomfort, gagging, or jaw pain occurs.
Most people with bruxism need to wear night guards long-term as teeth grinding is typically a chronic habit triggered by stress, sleep issues, or jaw structure. You can take breaks if grinding improves, but you'll likely need to resume wearing it during stressful periods or if symptoms return.
Speaking is difficult with a night guard as they're designed for sleep wear only. The 3mm thickness makes clear speech challenging. Night guards are meant to be worn while sleeping, not during the day. If you need daytime protection, we have day guards available.
Without a night guard, teeth grinding causes enamel wear, tooth sensitivity, chips, cracks, flat tooth surfaces, jaw pain, headaches, and potential tooth loss over time. Damage accumulates gradually, often taking years to become severe, but it's irreversible and expensive to repair.
No, never eat or drink (except water) with your night guard in. Food can damage the material, trap bacteria, and increase cavity risk. Remove your night guard before eating or drinking anything other than water. Clean your teeth before reinserting it.
No, you should not wear night guards on both upper and lower teeth simultaneously. Wearing two night guards at once is not recommended by dental professionals and can actually cause problems. One night guard on either your top or bottom teeth is sufficient to protect both arches from grinding damage. When you wear guards on both, your teeth have no contact point, which can confuse your jaw's natural resting position, potentially worsen TMJ issues, and cause discomfort. It also restricts space in your mouth, which may affect breathing during sleep. Stick with one 3mm night guard, it provides complete protection for all your teeth.
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