Will Invisalign affect my speech?

You may find it takes a few days to get used to the aligners and may have a slight lisp at first, but you should be talking clearly and confidently before long.

Are the aligners comfortable?

Yes, Invisalign aligners have been designed with comfort in mind, enabling you to wear them for up to 22 hours a day, easily. They fit snugly over the teeth and have no metal brackets or wires to irritate the skin.

What are Invisalign aligners made of?

The Invisalign aligners are made from a strong medical-grade thermoplastic material, which has been uniquely developed for the Invisalign system.

What should I do if I lose an aligner?

If you lose one of your aligners, please contact us as soon as possible for further advice. In the meantime, you can wear an aligner from your previous set to prevent your teeth from moving too far out of line. We may also advise that you move straight onto your next set of aligners, depending on your case.

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of treatment depends on each individual case, with complex cases needing more aligners and therefore are more expensive. We can give you an exact treatment cost based on the examination and assessment we carry out during your initial consultation. We offer payment plans and finance options to help you spread the cost of treatment.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Treatment length varies from case to case, but most Invisalign treatments are completed in 9-18 months. Straightforward cases have a faster treatment time, while patients needing more complex straightening can expect to wear their aligners for longer. We can advise you of your expected treatment time after your initial consultation.

Will I need to wear retainers after my treatment?

Yes, you will need to wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions following your Invisalign treatment. Teeth have a habit of moving out of place, so you will need to wear retainers on a part-time basis (usually overnight) for as long as you wish your teeth to stay straight. You will be given fixed or removable retainers.

Sports Mouthguards

Protecting teeth during sport

Accidents can happen, and many dental injuries, including cracked, chipped and knocked-out teeth, occur during sports. A custom-made sports mouthguard offers the best protection against these preventable injuries, keeping teeth, gums and jaws safe during impact.

At Augustus Road Dental Practice, we create bespoke, high-quality, custom-fitted mouthguards designed to offer significantly more protection and comfort than shop-bought alternatives.

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What is a sports mouthguard?

A sports mouthguard is a protective appliance worn over the teeth to cushion and absorb impact during physical activity. Our custom-made guards are created from a durable yet flexible material that helps protect:

Teeth – preventing chips, cracks and tooth loss
Jaws – reducing the risk of fractures
Soft tissues – safeguarding the lips, cheeks and tongue

Because they are made to your exact measurements, they fit securely and comfortably, allowing natural breathing and speech while offering maximum protection.

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Why choose a custom-made mouthguard?

While “boil and bite” mouthguards are widely available, they do not offer the same level of protection as a professionally crafted guard. Here are the key advantages of choosing a custom device at Augustus Road Dental Practice:

Stronger and more durable – Shop-bought guards are made from thinner, softer plastic. In contrast, our mouthguards are created under high pressure and temperature, resulting in a stronger, more durable material that can better withstand force.

Precision fit for superior comfort and protection – We take detailed impressions using the same advanced systems we use for orthodontic appliances and restorations. This ensures a secure fit with minimal movement, something that cannot be guaranteed with home-moulded alternatives.

Better long-term protection – A poorly fitting mouthguard can compromise safety. A custom guard not only protects teeth more effectively but is also more comfortable to wear, meaning children are more likely to use it consistently.

The process: what to expect

Consultation

Your child will visit us for a mouthguard assessment. We’ll discuss their sporting activities and ensure they are suitable for a custom device.

Impressions

We take highly accurate impressions of your child’s teeth. Unlike at-home kits, impressions taken by a dentist ensure the mouthguard fits exactly as it should.

Fabrication

The mouthguard is created in our dental laboratory using high-quality acrylic materials. We can customise colours and patterns, and we also print your child’s name directly onto the guard for easy identification.

Fitting appointment

When the mouthguard is ready, you’ll return for a fitting. We check the comfort, retention and stability, making sure it stays firmly in place during use.

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Looking after a sports mouthguard

A mouthguard should be cleaned and stored correctly to keep it in good condition:

Rinse after every use
Occasionally clean with cool, soapy water
Avoid warm or hot water (this can distort the material)
Store it in the protective case provided
Bring it to routine dental appointments so we can check the fit

Because children’s teeth and jaws continue to grow, the mouthguard may become tight over time. If this happens, a replacement is needed, a tight or poorly fitting guard can damage teeth or gums and may be painful to wear.

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Frequently asked questions

What sports require a mouthguard?

Any sport with a risk of contact or impact can benefit from a mouthguard. This includes rugby, hockey, football, basketball, martial arts, cricket, boxing and gymnastics. Even non-contact sports can lead to accidental falls or collisions, so protection is always recommended.

Why is a custom-made mouthguard better than a shop-bought one?

Custom mouthguards are made from stronger materials and shaped precisely to your child’s teeth, offering far better shock absorption, comfort and stability. Boil-and-bite versions often fit poorly and may move during use, reducing their effectiveness.

How long does a custom mouthguard last?

This varies depending on how often it’s used and how quickly your child is growing. Children may need a new mouthguard every 6–12 months as their teeth and jaws develop, while adults can often keep theirs for longer. We check the fit at routine appointments.

Can my child choose the colour or design?

Yes. We offer a range of colours and styles, and we also print your child’s name on the mouthguard to help prevent mix-ups at school or sports clubs.

How do I clean a sports mouthguard?

Rinse after every use and occasionally clean with cool, soapy water. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material. Store it in the protective case provided to keep it clean and safe.

What happens if the mouthguard starts to feel tight?

A tight mouthguard usually means your child is growing and needs a replacement. Wearing a tight guard can cause rubbing, soreness or even move teeth, so please contact us for a new fitting.

Can adults have custom mouthguards too?

Absolutely. While many are for children, adults who play sports, either recreationally or competitively, can also benefit from a custom-fitted guard.

How long does it take to make a custom mouthguard?

Once impressions are taken, the guard is typically ready within 1–2 weeks. We’ll book a fitting appointment to ensure it feels secure and comfortable.

Is the appointment painful?

No. Taking impressions is quick, safe and painless. The fitting appointment is also very straightforward.

Can a mouthguard help prevent concussion?

A mouthguard can reduce the force transferred to the jaw during a collision, which may help lower the risk of certain injuries. However, no mouthguard can guarantee concussion prevention.