How Much Does a Custom Gum Shield from the Dentist Cost? Your Complete UK Guide

Are you wondering how much a gum shield from the dentist will cost you? This article straight up explains what you’ll pay, why dentist gum shields matter, what changes the price, and why it’s a good idea to get one. You’ll learn what you need to know about protecting your teeth for sports, sleep, and more!

Table of Contents

Why Should You Care About Gum Shield Costs?

Let’s be honest. Dental care can seem pricey, but your teeth are worth it! Maybe you play rugby, hockey, or grind your teeth at night. Maybe you’ve typed, “How much is a gum shield from the dentist?” and found loads of different prices. That’s confusing.

Here’s why you want to know the truth:

• Protecting your smile is important. Tooth injuries really hurt and fixing them is expensive.
• Not all gum shields are made the same. A cheap one might not stop a bad injury.
• Knowing the cost helps you decide what to do.

My nephew lost a front tooth playing football because he didn’t have a gum shield. I want to help you NOT have the same pain and bill.

What Is a Gum Shield and When Do You Need One?

A gum shield (sometimes called a mouthguard or dental protector) is a soft piece you wear over your teeth. It protects your teeth in sports or if you grind your teeth (called bruxism).

When do you need one?

• Sport: Rugby, hockey, boxing, and even football can mean knocks to the mouth.
• Teeth grinding: If you wake up with a sore jaw or headaches, you might be grinding in your sleep.
• Jaw problems (TMJ): Your dentist could say you need one (also called a night guard or splint).

Most dentists say custom gum shields are smart for kids and adults playing contact sports or for those who grind their teeth. Dentist advice is best.

How Much Does a Dentist-Fitted Gum Shield Cost in the UK?

Let’s talk money. Prices change, so check out this table:

Prices across the UK from private dentists go from about £80 to £400 (sometimes more for special things). London and big cities are usually more expensive than small towns.

Why does it cost more?

• These are made using a mould of your teeth—just for you.
• They use strong, good materials.
• You pay for comfort, safety, and the best fit.

It’s more money at first, but a good gum shield could save you from much bigger dentist bills and pain later!

Does the NHS Provide Gum Shields, and Who Qualifies?

Here are the facts:

• The NHS mostly doesn’t give gum shields for sports. If you just want to play rugby, you have to go private.
• If you have a real need (like heavy grinding or jaw joint problems), the NHS might give you a gum shield. You pay the Band 3 dental fee (£306.80 in England, April 2024).
• It has to be for a real health reason. Not just sport.

So most kids and grown-ups playing sport must pay at the dentist. Still, ask your dentist if you might get help from the NHS.

What Influences the Price of a Custom Gum Shield?

Why do mouthguards all cost different? Here’s why:

• What you need it for: Sport gum shields for rugby or boxing can cost less than night guards for chewing/grinding.
• Materials: Tougher plastics or special layered kinds last longer but cost more.
• Fun extras: Cool colours, your name, or logos add to the cost.
• Where you live: Dentists in London usually charge more.
• Making process: Some use their own lab, others use outside dental labs like a china dental lab, and this changes the price and quality.
• Dentist experience: Dentists who know more or are experts sometimes charge higher.

All these things can change how much you pay for your gum shield.

What’s Included in the Dentist’s Gum Shield Price?

Spending £100, £200 or more? Here’s what’s often covered:

• First dentist visit and check-up
• Moulds (impressions) of your teeth
• Made in a real dental workshop
• Fitting visit: Make sure it fits well.
• Free first fixes: Sometimes need small changes.
• Tips on looking after it

Sometimes you can pay extra for:

• More colours or designs
• A hard box to keep it safe
• More visits for fitting

Always ask your dentist what’s in the price—so there are no surprises.

Why Is a Dentist-Made Gum Shield Worth It?

You can buy a mouthguard from a shop for a tenner. But is it worth the risk? Here’s why getting one from the dentist is smarter:

Much better guard

• Custom gum shields fit every tooth, giving great protection from broken, chipped, or lost teeth.
• You’re about twice as likely to avoid injuries with a custom one.[^1]
• They can help stop jaw breakages too and guard your gums and cheeks.

Comfy and easy

• No gagging or slipping. Good fit means you can talk, breathe, and play freely.
• Dentist gum shields stay in place, even if you get hit hard.

Long lasting

• They’re made from tough stuff. With care, they last a long time. Shop ones are done in months.
• This is great for kids who’re always playing sport.

For grinding and jaw pain

• Night guards for grinding or TMJ are made for your mouth and help stop pain.

It might seem a lot to pay now, but it could save you thousands (and loads of pain) later.

Should You Get a Store-Bought Mouthguard or Custom?

People ask this all the time:

“Boil-and-bite” mouthguards in shops

• Good: Cheap (£5 – £30), easy to buy.
• Bad: Mostly bulky and not comfy. Hard to talk/breathe. Bad fit can move about or cause choking. Doesn’t protect as well.

One-size mouthguards

• These really fit no one—uncomfy, fall out, and don’t do their job.

Dentist-fitted mouthguards

• Cost more.
• Fit properly, let you talk and breathe easy.
• Last longer; can take a lot of rough use.
• You feel safe and ready to play.

Honestly? For anyone who cares about their teeth (especially with braces), paying extra for a real dentist gum shield is worth it.

Can Dental Insurance Cover Gum Shield Costs?

Great question!

• Most normal dental cover doesn’t pay for sports gum shields. But some private plans help with night guards if you grind teeth or have jaw pain.
• Check with your plan. Big names like BUPA or Denplan sometimes cover it.
• Make sure you know if it pays for the whole cost or just some, and if it’s only for grinding or also for sports.
• With the NHS, you pay the Band 3 cost if the dentist says you really need it.

Want the most from your insurance? Ask your dentist—they know the rules well.

How Do You Get a Custom Gum Shield from the Dentist?

Here’s how it usually goes:

It usually takes about a week or two and gets you the best fit. And remember—kids’ teeth grow, so expect to buy new gum shields as they get bigger.

Caring for Your Gum Shield: Keep It Clean and Lasting!

A bit of care keeps your gum shield nice:

• Rinse with cold water after you use it
• Each week, clean with a toothbrush and weak soap
• Put it in a proper box with air holes
• Keep away from heat (don’t put it in the sun or hot car—it will go out of shape)
• Look for cracks or rough spots—replace if it’s damaged.

Do this, and your gum shield will keep your mouth safe for longer.

Bullet Summary: Key Points to Know

• Dentist gum shields in the UK cost £80-£400, depending on what you need and where you go.
• NHS gum shields aren’t usually given, unless for real tooth grinding or jaw problems—dentist decides if you qualify.
• Custom shields protect, last, and fit best—ready-made shops ones don’t compare.
• Knowing options means you can plan well and protect your teeth for sport or sleep.
• Always ask your dentist what’s best for you and check if insurance or NHS will help.
• Kids grow fast—get new gum shields as mouths change.
• Clean and keep your gum shield safe for longer life.
• Dental pros often use top digital dental lab or night guard dental lab for custom guards.
• Always ask what you’re paying for up-front.

Time to look after your smile? See your dentist and ask for the gum shield that’s right for you. You won’t regret it!

[^1]: “The Impact of Mouthguards in Preventing Dental Injuries.” Journal of the American Dental Association.

British Dental Association – Protecting your teeth in sport