Night Guard (Bruxism Splint)
Night Guard (Bruxism Splint) — Cost Breakdown
Quick answer
A custom-fitted night guard from a UK dentist costs £150–£600. A soft thermoplastic guard costs £150–£300; a hard acrylic Michigan-style splint costs £300–£600. CEREC same-day splints add £50–£150 to the base price. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards (£10–£40) are much less accurate and less protective. The NHS does not routinely provide night guards for bruxism — they are usually a private treatment.
Key facts
- Soft thermoplastic night guard: £150–£300
- Hard acrylic Michigan splint: £300–£600
- CEREC same-day hard splint: £350–£750
- NHS: rarely available; only when bruxism is causing acute clinical need
- OTC boil-and-bite guards: £10–£40 (poor fit and protection)
- Affects 8–10% of the UK population during sleep
- Replacement frequency: every 1–5 years depending on severity of grinding
Bruxism — the habit of grinding or clenching teeth, most commonly during sleep — affects around 8–10% of UK adults and can cause significant tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches and fractured restorations. A custom-made night guard (occlusal splint) provides a protective layer between upper and lower teeth to absorb grinding forces and protect the enamel and restorations underneath.
What is night guard (bruxism splint)?
Patients typically discover they grind their teeth when a partner notices the noise, when their dentist spots characteristic flat wear facets on the biting surfaces, or when they develop jaw pain, tension headaches or cracked teeth. Treating bruxism early is far cheaper than replacing the worn enamel and broken restorations that untreated grinding causes. The cost question usually comes up when a dentist recommends a night guard and the patient wants to know whether to get a custom one or try an OTC option first.
Who needs this treatment?
- Anyone whose dentist has identified flat wear facets or enamel loss consistent with grinding
- Patients waking with jaw pain, tension headaches, or facial muscle soreness
- Anyone whose partner has reported audible teeth grinding at night
- Patients who have cracked fillings, broken cusps or worn restorations without an obvious cause
- People with TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain — bruxism is a common contributing factor
- Patients who clench during stressful situations or while concentrating
What does the procedure involve?
Getting a custom night guard involves two appointments in most cases. At the first appointment the dentist takes impressions (or a digital scan) of your upper and lower teeth and records your bite. A dental laboratory then fabricates the splint to exact specifications — typically 7–10 working days. At the fitting appointment the dentist checks the fit and adjusts it so it seats firmly and does not interfere with your bite when you close your mouth. Same-day CEREC splints are milled in-office in 60–90 minutes and eliminate the wait.
Recovery time
Most patients need 2–4 weeks to adjust to wearing a night guard. Start by wearing it for short periods before building up to wearing it all night. Mild tenderness in the jaw muscles for the first few nights is normal. If the guard causes your bite to feel different in the morning, return for a bite adjustment — a high spot can cause jaw soreness.
How long does it last?
A well-made hard acrylic splint lasts 3–10 years for most grinders. Heavy brinders may wear through one in 1–2 years. Soft splints typically last 1–3 years. Replace the splint when it shows visible wear-through, cracks, or when it no longer fits securely after any dental changes.
Private Cost Range
Hard acrylic splints are more durable than soft ones for heavy grinders. Most dentists recommend upper arch splints; some prefer lower arch as they are less noticeable.
| Option | UK average | Central London |
|---|---|---|
| Soft thermoplastic night guard | £150–£300 | £200–£380 |
| Hard acrylic Michigan splint (upper or lower) | £300–£600 | £400–£750 |
| CEREC same-day hard splint | £350–£750 | £450–£900 |
| Anterior repositioning splint (TMJ) | £350–£700 | £450–£850 |
Private fees compiled from UK clinic price lists and 2026 market surveys.
What Affects the Cost
- Material: hard acrylic vs soft thermoplastic
- Whether the splint covers the upper or lower arch
- Same-day CEREC vs laboratory-fabricated
- Whether you need a simple flat splint or a more complex repositioning splint (TMJ cases)
- Practice location (London adds 25–50%)
When is this treatment available on the NHS?
Night guards are not routinely provided on the NHS for bruxism. In exceptional cases where bruxism is causing acute clinical harm (e.g. severe wear causing sensitivity or risk of pulp exposure), an NHS dentist may be able to justify provision under Band 2 (£76.60) or Band 3 (£332.10). In practice, the vast majority of night guards are provided privately. Contact your dentist to discuss individual eligibility.
How to save money on this treatment
- Some dental practices offer interest-free finance over 12 months for appliance costs over £300
- Ask your dentist for a thermoplastic rather than acrylic splint if budget is the primary concern
- OTC "boil and bite" guards (£10–£40) provide limited protection but can buy time while you save for a custom guard — use them on the lower arch for best results
- Some dental plans include an appliance allowance — check your policy before paying
- Stress management and physiotherapy addressing the underlying bruxism can reduce wear on the guard and extend its lifespan
Does dental insurance cover this?
Most standard UK dental insurance policies do not cover night guards as they are considered an appliance rather than a dental treatment. Denplan Essentials and some premium Bupa Dental plans may contribute a fixed amount (£50–£150) towards an occlusal splint. Check your policy wording before assuming coverage.
Risks and side effects
- Mild jaw discomfort or excessive salivation in the first few nights — usually self-resolving
- A poorly fitted guard can worsen jaw pain — always have it adjusted by your dentist
- OTC guards that don't fit properly can put pressure on teeth and may worsen jaw problems
- Night guards treat the symptoms of bruxism but not the underlying cause — stress management, CBT and physiotherapy are often recommended alongside
Red flags to watch for
- Any clinic providing a night guard without taking a proper impression or digital scan — a guard must be custom-fitted to be effective
- Quotes above £700 for a standard acrylic splint without a clear justification
- OTC online night guards marketed as equivalent to custom dental guards — they are not
- Dentists recommending expensive equilibration (grinding down all your teeth to change the bite) as the first-line treatment for bruxism — this is controversial and irreversible
Alternatives to consider
- Dental Check-Up — Regular check-ups identify bruxism early before significant enamel loss occurs — early intervention is always cheaper.
- Composite Bonding — If enamel loss has already caused aesthetic issues, composite bonding can rebuild worn surfaces after a guard is in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Signs include a partner reporting grinding noise, waking with jaw pain or headaches, sensitive teeth, and flat or worn biting surfaces that your dentist can identify at a check-up.
Are custom night guards worth the cost?
Yes, for consistent grinders. A hard acrylic custom guard at £300–£600 protects teeth, crowns and veneers that would cost thousands to replace. OTC guards are a poor substitute for heavy bruxers.
Should I get an upper or lower night guard?
Most UK dentists provide upper arch guards — they are more retentive and less likely to be swallowed. Lower guards are preferred by patients who find upper appliances trigger gagging.
Can a night guard cure bruxism?
No. A night guard protects your teeth from the effects of grinding but does not stop the grinding itself. Stress management, physiotherapy, biofeedback and CBT are the main approaches for reducing the underlying habit.
How long does a night guard last?
A hard acrylic splint typically lasts 3–10 years. Heavy grinders may wear through one in 12–18 months. Soft guards last 1–2 years on average.
Does the NHS provide night guards for bruxism?
Not routinely. Night guards for bruxism are almost always a private treatment costing £150–£600. In exceptional clinical cases of severe wear, an NHS dentist may be able to justify provision.