There are different types of night mouth guards available for teeth grinding. Each type offers varying levels of protection and comfort. Choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and preferences.
These guards act as a protective barrier between your teeth. They help prevent the damage from teeth grinding and clenching. This can save you from costly dental repairs in the future.
In this article we explore all the details, from how night mouth guards work for teeth grinding to which type is suitable for whom.
What is Teeth Grinding?
Bruxism is a condition characterized by unconscious teeth clenching, grinding, or chewing-like movements.
Because it mostly occurs during sleep, the individual may not realize it, and the problem slowly progresses over time, leading to distinct symptoms.
If left untreated, it can cause:
- Enamel wear and increased sensitivity
- The development of cracks, fractures, or deformities in the teeth
- Pain, clicking, or limited opening in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area
- Waking up with headaches, facial pain, or jaw pain
Bruxism can affect both oral health and daily quality of life, making early diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan essential.
How Do Night Mouth Guard Help For Teeth Grinding?
Night mouth guards create a protective barrier between the teeth, preventing pressure. This barrier helps by:
- Preventing teeth from coming into contact
- Reducing the risk of wear and fracture
- Causing the jaw muscles to clench less
- Controlling the amount of clenching during sleep
- Relieving morning headaches and jaw pain
A properly designed night mouth guard not only protects the teeth but also significantly improves sleep quality.
Types of Night Mouth Guards For Teeth Grinding
Night mouth guards for teeth grinding come in 6 different types, depending on the severity of the bruxism and the user’s habits. Making the right choice is important, as the level of protection, durability, and comfort varies among models.
1 – Soft Night Guards – The Best Option For Light Teeth Clenching
These soft-material guards offer a comfortable solution, especially for those with mild grinding.
Advantages:
- Flexible and comfortable feel
- Very short adjustment period for first-time user
- An ideal starting option for daily use
However, they may not be recommended for those seeking long-term protection, as they can wear down faster with severe bruxism.
2 – Hard Night Guards – The Most Effective Protection for Severe Bruxism
Hard night guards, typically made of acrylic, are one of the strongest solutions for individuals experiencing intense teeth clenching and grinding.
Key Features:
- High resistance to wear
- Long-lasting use
- Most effective results for patients applying intense pressure
They may feel a bit firm at first. But users quickly adjust to them.
3 – Dual Laminate Night Guards – The Balance of Comfort and Durability
Dual-Laminate night mouth guards have a soft inner layer and a hard outer shell, providing both durability and comfort.
Why Choose Them?
- Suitable for moderate and occassional severe bruxism
- Increases user comfort by distributing pressure more evenly
- Much more durable than soft models
Dual laminate night guards offer an ideal middle ground for those wanting both comfort and strong protection.
4 – Thin Night Guards – For Those Seeking Comfort and Discretion
These thin splints take up less space in the mouth, making them preferable for daytime use as well.
Advantages:
- Hardly affect speech or breathing
- Suitable for mild-moderate bruxism
- The most comfortable model for people bothered by volume in the mouth
Thin night guards are also frequently chosen by users concerned about aesthetics.
5 – Boil & Bite (OTC) Night Guards
Boil and bite night mouth guard models are shaped by softening them in hot water at home, offering a practical and economical option.
Features:
- Affordable option
- Can be prepared quickly
- May be sufficient for those with moderate grinding
However, because the fit is not custom-made, boil & bite night guards do not provide the same precise protection as professional splints.
6 – Custom-Made (Dentist-Prepared) Night Guards
Custom-made night mouth guards produced based on impressions taken by a dentist, provide the highest level of protection and fit.
Why are they considered the best option?
- Completely customized for the individual
- Fit perfectly to the teeth and jaw structure
- The most effective solution for severe bruxism and TMJ disoeders
Custom-made night mouth guard is the right choice for those seeking long-term, professional, and reliable protection for teeth grinding.
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The Best 7 Night Mouth Guards For Teeth Grinding 2026
Choosing the ideal night guard is a critical step for both protecting tooth enamel and reducing the jaw pain caused by bruxism.
The 2026 list features 7 best night mouth guards for teeth grinding, ranging from custom solutions to over-the-counter practical models, catering to different needs.
There is a suitable guard for everyone experiencing mild, moderate, or severe teeth grinding. Let’s now review each product with brief and professional descriptions.
1 – Pro Teeth Guard Custom Night Guard
Pro Teeth Guard offers a professional-level, custom night splint for bruxism treatment. It is produced entirely according to your mouth structure using at-home impression kits.
Additionally, its durable structure provides a long-lasting and effective solution, especially for users with severe teeth clenching and grinding.
2 – Sentinel Mouthguards Night Guard
Sentinel Mouthguards is known for offering users both soft and hard material options. The custom design, prepared by taking at-home impressions, provides a comfortable use that fits your teeth perfectly.
Since the comfort-durability balance is good, it is a preferred option for both mild and advanced bruxism.
3 – Smile Brilliant Night Guard
Smile Brilliant is a special guard with a thin and light structure that does not cause discomfort during night use. It is custom-prepared with easy-to-use at-home impression kits.
Additionally, its comfort-focused design significantly helps to reduce sensitivity and jaw pain caused by teeth clenching with regular use.
4 – Cheeky Custom Night Guard
Cheeky custom night guard stands out with its sustainable material approach and custom production structure. Users can choose among soft, medium, or hard options according to their needs.
Thanks to its dual-layer structure, it is an effective night guard for those seeking both comfort and durability.
Additionally, it offers the ease of regular renewal with a subscription system.
5 – Oral-B Nighttime Dental Guard
Oral-B’s nighttime dental guard model, which can be shaped by the boil-and-bite technique to adapt to the individual, provides a better fit than many over-the-counter alternatives.
It is an economical, practical, and functional solution for users with mild and moderate grinding. Also, its flexible structure easily adapts to a wide range of mouth sizes.
6 – Plackers Grind No More Dental Night Guard
Plackers grind no more dental night guard is an ultra-practical solution that is disposable and requires no cleaning or maintenance.
Offered over-the-counter, this product is ideal for people with mild-to-moderate teeth grinding who want quick use.
It is often preferred for short-term needs because it is easy to put in and take out.
7 – Dental Duty Professional Dental Guard
Dental duty professional dental night guard is an affordable but effective night guard shaped by the boil-and-bite method.
Thanks to its flexible design, which can fit both upper and lower teeth, it is a practical alternative for many users.
It provides adequate protection for people with up to moderate bruxism, making it stand out in terms of cost-benefit.
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Cost of Night Mouth Guards For Teeth Grinding
The cost of night mouth guards for teeth grinding varies widely. It depends on the type and where you purchase it.
Cost of Custom-fitted Night Mouth Guards For Teeth Grinding
Custom-fitted night guards are the most expensive. Made by dental professionals, they provide superior fit and protection. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on complexity and location.
Cost of Boil-And-Bite Night Guards For Teeth Grinding
Boil-and-bite guards are more affordable, typically costing between $20 and $50.
They offer a decent fit by molding to your teeth at home. This makes them a popular choice for those balancing cost and comfort.
Cost of Stock Night Mouth Guards For Teeth Grinding
Stock night mouth guards are the least expensive, ranging from $10 to $30. They’re readily available in stores but offer less comfort and protection.
They’re an option for occasional users or those on a tight budget.
Mouth Guard For Teeth Grinding on The NHS in UK
In the UK, some dental patients can obtain night mouth guards for teeth grinding through the NHS. However, availability often depends on specific circumstances and dental assessments.
Typically, getting a mouth guard through the NHS requires a referral from your dentist. Not everyone qualifies for an NHS mouth guard.
Eligibility might depend on the severity of your symptoms or financial need. Here’s what might influence eligibility:
NHS Guidelines For Obtaining a Night Mouth Guard For Teeth Grinding
- Severity of tooth damage or jaw pain
- Existing dental conditions requiring protection
- Financial criteria or access to NHS services
Discuss with your dentist whether an NHS night mouth guard is an option for you. Understanding this pathway can save costs while managing bruxism effectively.
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How to Choose The Best Nighttime Mouth Guard For Teeth Grinding?
When choosing a night mouth guard, not only comfort but also your current oral health status must be considered. Therefore, you should take into account:
- The severity of your bruxism
- Material and comfort preferences
- Allergies or sensitivity issues
- Use of braces
- Budget and product durability
If your bruxism is advanced or you have significant complaints such as pain, clicking, or limited opening in the TMJ area, you must opt for a custom guard recommended by your dentist.
This approach both protects joint health and helps prevent long-term damage to the teeth.
Best Night Guards For Individuals with Special Dental Needs
Some individuals may not get adequate benefit from standard night guards. Special designs may be needed, particularly for those with braces or sensitive teeth/gum problems.
Therefore, the choice of guard must be compatible with the individual’s existing treatment and oral structure.
For Those With Braces:
When using braces, special guards that do not put pressure on the brackets and securely fit over the wires should be chosen. For correct use of this type of guard:
- Custom impressions should be taken.
- More flexible and conforming materials should be chosen instead of acrylic.
- A design that does not compress the brackets and wires and remains immobile should be preferred.
This ensures that the orthodontic treatment is not interrupted while the night clenching behavior is controlled.
For Those With Sensitive Teeth or Gum Problems:
Individuals with sensitivity problems require night guards with a softer, hypoallergenic, and non-irritating structure. In this case:
- Models with a soft inner surface,
- Those that fit gently,
- And distribute pressure evenly
Caring For Your Night Mouth Guard
Proper cleaning of your night mouth guard for teeth grinding is crucial for its longevity and hygiene. Regular maintenance prevents bacteria buildup, ensuring safety and comfort.
To begin, rinse your mouth guard with warm water after each use. This simple step helps remove surface debris. For a deeper clean, use a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap.
Cleaning Tips:
- Daily: Rinse thoroughly and brush gently.
- Weekly: Soak in a dental cleanser or antibacterial solution.
- Storage: Keep it in a ventilated case to dry completely.
Always inspect your guard for wear and tear. Replace it if it becomes loose or damaged. Proper care not only prolongs its life but also maintains its effectiveness in protecting your teeth from grinding damage.
FAQ'S
You can find information about night mouth guards for teeth grinding by examining frequently asked questions.
While night mouth guards do not completely stop teeth grinding, they prevent the teeth from damaging each other and reduce the pressure on the jaw muscles.
However, they can significantly alleviate complaints such as enamel wear, sensitivity, jaw pain, and headaches caused by bruxism. Regular use also protects joint health in the long run.
Stress, sleep disorders, bite problems, sinusitis, certain medications, and fatigue are the most common causes of teeth grinding.
Bruxism can also be the underlying cause of sudden sensitivity attacks that make some people wonder, “Why do my teeth suddenly hurt?”
If your teeth hurt in the morning or you feel pressure on your lower teeth, there is a high probability of night grinding.
Many users report that the morning tooth pain, jaw stiffness, and the feeling of “why do all my teeth suddenly hurt?” decrease after they start wearing a night guard.
This is because the guard separates the teeth, absorbs the pressure, and reduces the load on the nerve areas. However, if the pain persists, you should consult a dentist.
Night mouth guards foe teeth grinding can be produced for both jaws. Generally, the upper teeth are preferred because they provide a more stable structure.
However, it is possible to choose a lower splint for individuals experiencing pain in the lower teeth or who find the lower jaw structure more comfortable.
The important thing is that the splint keeps the jaw in the correct position.
Boil-and-bite or disposable night guard models for teeth clenching sold in pharmacies may be sufficient for mild and moderate bruxism.
However, for people with severe teeth grinding, a custom-made night guard is much safer in terms of both protection and comfort.
Although over-the-counter products offer a starting solution, custom-made guards are the better choice in the long run.
When a guard made of high-quality material is used correctly, it does not harm the tooth structure. On the contrary, it prevents enamel wear.
However, products that are too hard or not suitable for the mouth can cause pressure on the gums and morning sensitivity.
Therefore, a product with the correct thickness and adapted to the impression should be preferred.
Bruxism can be a temporary condition, but for many people, it is chronic. Therefore, the duration of use varies from person to person.
However, it can be used for a short time during stress-related periods, while permanent use may be necessary for those with a long-term teeth clenching habit.
The lifespan of custom-made guards is generally between 1–5 years.
Rinsing the night splint with lukewarm water and gently cleaning it with a soft brush after removal in the morning is sufficient.
Hot water should not be used as it can distort the material’s shape. However, cleaning with special cleaning tablets a few times a week is beneficial for hygiene and longevity.
Since most custom night guards are designed to be thin, they do not significantly affect speech beyond a short adjustment period.
However, over-the-counter boil-and-bite models may be thicker and cause a slight lisp. But since they are used during sleep, they do not affect daily life.
