What type of night guard should I buy?
A hard night guard is made of hard acrylic — it’s not pliable, nor will it feel flexible in your mouth. This type of night guard is typically used by people with more severe grinding and clenching. A dual laminate guard is a third option that you may not have heard of — it’s made of a soft inner layer and a hard outer layer.
What is hard/soft or DUAL-LAMINATE night guard?
A hard/soft, or dual-laminate night guard is made of a hard outer layer and a soft inner layer. This hybrid design provides the durability of hard acrylic on the outside, and soft comfort on the inside. It’s made in a dental lab, which ensures the mouthguard is of the highest quality.
What is the difference between soft guard and hard guard?
Soft guards provide a comfortable fit that is similar to a soft/hard guard, but they don’t provide quite as much protection. Additionally, a soft night guard might wear out faster and need to be replaced more often. A hard guard is made entirely of a harder, more rigid material. They are ideal for heavy to severe grinding.
What are the benefits of a hard night guard?
When someone is missing teeth, a hard night guard allows a dental lab technician to fill in the gaps from missing teeth, which helps support your teeth and keep them aligned. Without that support, it is more likely that the teeth on each side of the missing tooth will shift or move.
What kind of night guard is the best?
Hard night guards are made to be the strongest and most durable type of night guard available. Depending on the chosen thickness, a 3mm thick hard night guard is designed for patients who grind their teeth on a regular nightly basis.
What type of night guard is best for clenching?
Soft teeth grinding guards are the most affordable guards. This guard also works well for moderate to heavy teeth clenching. Soft night guards work best for those who mainly clench their teeth at night if you are even mild teeth grinding you will want a guard that is denser.
What night guard do dentists recommend?
Best Overall: EnCore Guards Custom Dental Night Guard Each purchase comes with two impression kits, each with two small trays for the upper and lower teeth. This way, you have a backup kit in case your first attempt is unsuccessful.
Is a top or bottom night guard more comfortable?
Between both upper or lower night guards, the best results come from using a night guard for bottom teeth. People also find that these particular night guards are more comfortable and are a better fit. Night guards for bottom teeth are also less likely to trigger a gag reflex.
Can a night guard be too thick?
Can a Mouth Guard be too Thick? Night guards that are thicker than 3mm can cause discomfort because they take up too much space in the mouth. Night guards that are too thick also make it difficult to close your lips over the guard. In addition to discomfort, mouth guards can also cause occlusal issues.
Should night guard touch gums?
It Should Not Go To The Gum. Since custom night guards are meant to prevent grinding they do not need to extend all the way to the gums. Your night guard will only come about half way up most of your teeth.
Can you ever stop wearing a night guard?
Once the body no longer needs to push the jaw forward in order to breathe, then there will be no need for the body to activate a grinding response. In many cases, grinding will stop and a night guard will no longer be necessary once the sleep apnea has been addressed.
What should be the thickness of night guard?
Hard night guards are usually 2-3 mm thick, made of rigid acrylic. In spite of being the most expensive option, if you are suffering from bruxism, these heavy guards are the best way to protect your tooth enamel.
Should I be able to close my mouth with night guard?
Should I be able to close my mouth when wearing a mouthguard? When wearing a night guard, you absolutely must ensure that you are able to close your mouth properly. If the night guard is uncomfortable or restrictive, this will disrupt your sleep and as you know, a lack of sleep is no good for anybody.
Should you wear a night guard every night?
Should you wear a nightguard every night? Yes, you should wear a night guard every night, especially if you experience severe bruxism. Not wearing your teeth night guard every night will still result in damaged teeth only at a much slower pace.
Can you wear a night guard every night?
A night guard is specifically meant to protect teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep. It is worn every night or any time the wearer goes to sleep.
Do you need a top and bottom mouthguard?
Mouth guards are used as protection over your row of teeth. It's the perfect way to keep your mouth safe while enjoying an activity. You only need a mouth guard for the top teeth. Unless you wear braces on your bottom or top teeth you only need to wear a mouth guard for the top row of your teeth.
Can you still clench with a night guard?
However, a night guard doesn't get to the root cause of grinding the teeth. A person wearing a night guard will usually continue to grind and clench the teeth. There are many potential causes of teeth grinding. Very commonly, the cause is stress, and in many cases, a specific cause is never found.
Do night guards work for clenching?
Do you suffer from chronic headaches or jaw pain because you clench your teeth? If so, a custom night guard might be the answer. Wearing a mouth guard for jaw clenching and teeth grinding can help protect your teeth from excessive wear and provide relief from temporomandibular joint pain.
Is upper or Lower night guard better for TMJ?
Condition of Your Teeth For example, if your upper teeth are more crooked, have a missing tooth, or multiple crowns, then we would recommend going with a lower night guard for a better fit. Note: Recent studies have suggested that if you have TMJ issues, a lower night guard may be slightly more effective.
How do I stop clenching my jaw when I sleep?
How do I stop clenching my jaw?Exercises to relax the jaw and facial muscles. Jaw joint stretches and facial exercises can help relieve tightness in the jaw and increase range of motion. ... Consider wearing a nightguard or bite splint. ... Give yourself a massage. ... Change up your diet.
Why Do I Need a Night Guard?
Bruxism can be treated using various methods, but a night guard is a popular and non-invasive option. A guard is designed to protect your teeth while also reducing the symptoms of bruxism. You can choose between soft night guards and hard night guards. Read on to learn more about a soft night guard vs hard night guards.
Soft Night Guard
A soft night guard is manufactured from soft, pliable rubber materials such as silicone or plastic that are more flexible than hard night guards. This type of night guard is often used if you have mild bruxism or don't grind but clench your teeth. Soft night guards are more comfortable, but they aren't always as long-lasting.
Hard Night Guard
Hard night guards are most effective for people who grind their teeth a lot. They are incredibly stiff and constructed of tough materials such as acrylic. This type of night guard must be custom-fit utilizing a dental mold or a self-impression mold. An impression is used to create a unique guard that will fit only your mouth.
How do I Know Which Night Guard to Choose?
If you think you are grinding your teeth, it is best to see a dentist about your concerns. Your oral professional will advise whether you are a mild grinder or a severe one. Most dentists do not recommend over-the-counter guards, but they can be a short-term solution while addressing the cause of your grinding.
Where Can I Get Advice on Night Guards?
While finding the right guard can be challenging at times, our team at WatchMyMouth makes this a smooth and straightforward process. Our kits come with instructions and are easy to use. We make a custom-fit guard designed specifically for your mouth with the impression you send us.
Hard vs. Soft Night Guards for Teeth Grinding - Which is better?
Of course, you should listen to advice from your dentist. At the same time, it is important to find a mouth guard that you feel comfortable using. After all, this is all about you stopping yourself from grinding your teeth. There are numerous choices available.
Soft Mouth Guards
This is the most affordable option. If you are not a "heavy grinder", a soft mouth guard is the option that would suit you the best. The choice of your mouth guard depends very much on when you grind your teeth. If you only grind your teeth at night, a soft mouth guard is a good choice. A soft mouth guard is much more comfortable when you sleep.
Hard Mouth Guards
One of the downsides of hard mouth guards is that they are less comfortable to wear. They are made from hard acrylic material and will feel very rigid in your mouth. It is important that you have your hard mouth guard fitted by a dentist when you have a serious problem.
Which One Should I Choose?
It is not always easy to point someone in the right direction. It has to be said that you must be comfortable wearing your mouth guard. The only thing that is going to happen when you are not comfortable wearing your teeth grinding guard, is that you will one day stop wearing it. That defeats the object of investing in a mouth guard.
In Conclusion
Mouth guards are not the monstrosities they used to be. Thanks to new materials and compounds, they have come a long way. If your dentist or other medical professional recommends you to wear a mouth guard, don't think for one minute it is going to take over your life.
What is the hard outside of a night guard?
The hard outside is made with the exact same hard material used to make the all-over hard dental night guard. So you’re essentially getting the best of both worlds. Your teeth will feel comfortable against the soft gel-like inside, and the hard outside will do its “knightly” duties to combat the effects of bruxism.
How much does a soft 120 night guard cost?
It can be purchased on our website for less than $100. Recently, we added an option that enables you to choose your thickness. You can choose between 1mm (for light bruxism), 2mm (moderate bruxism), or 3mm (heavy bruxism).
What is the best dental guard for grinding teeth?
Overall, most serious grinders prefer the hard acrylic stint option, or the dual laminated guard, as they are both tough, durable and excellent for keeping teeth aligned properly.
Why wear a night guard?
Because if you don’t listen, it could cost you thousands upon thousands of dollars in dental repairs. Wearing a night guard is preventative. Also, ALL OF OUR NIGHT GUARDS WILL SERVE THE FUNCTION OF PROTECTING YOUR TEETH from the damages of direct tooth on tooth clenching and grinding. Wear a night guard.
How thick is Sentinel mouthguard?
Here at Sentinel Mouthguards, we give you the option to choose your own thickness. You can choose between 1mm or 2mm.
What material is used for night guards?
Non-flexible, rigid. Stays in place. Can help keep the teeth in position. Most commonly made with a copolyester material or acrylic. Most commonly recommended for people that experience TMJ disorders. When you’re considering purchasing the hard night guard, you should first determine your grinding habits.
How long does a night guard last?
Most companies end their warranty at about 6 months of use.
What is a Hard/Soft Night Guard?
A hard/soft, or dual-laminate night guard is made of a hard outer layer and a soft inner layer. This hybrid design provides the durability of hard acrylic on the outside, and soft comfort on the inside. It’s made in a dental lab, which ensures the mouthguard is of the highest quality. To get a custom-fit guard, you or your dentist will use an impression kit to create a map of your teeth. Then, lab technicians will fabricate the guard to be a perfect match for your mouth.
What is the best night guard for bruxism?
A hard/soft night guard is an excellent option for people with moderate to heavy bruxism, and it’s one of the more comfortable dental night guard options. It will provide exceptional protection for your teeth and jaw, so you can feel comfortable and reduce symptoms of bruxism.
How to get a dual laminate night guard?
To get a dual-laminate night guard, you’ll need to order through your dental office or an online night guard retailer.
What to do if you are concerned about dual laminate night guards?
If you are at all concerned about a dual-laminate night guard, or if you have questions about why this is the best option for you, start a conversation with your dentist . He or she will be able to explain the pros and cons of this night guard for your specific situation, and you can ask questions about any concerns you have.
Why do dentists recommend night guards?
Night guards are essential for protecting your teeth and limiting symptoms if you have bruxism. If your dentist recommended a hard/soft night guard, he or she likely believes this type of night guard will give you the ideal combination of protection and comfort. Often referred to as a hybrid or dual-laminate guard, it’s a popular bite splint option.
Does Pro Teeth Guard have a money back guarantee?
We make our night guards in a professional dental lab, and every night guard is guaranteed to fit comfortably with our 110% money-back guarantee. After talking to your dentist and ensuring this is the right type of guard for you, you can save time and money by ordering directly from the comfort of your home.
Does a dual laminate guard help with bruxism?
Like all night guards, a dual-laminate guard can reduce and even eliminate bruxism symptoms such as:
What determines the comfort of a night guard?
The first is the type of material and the second is the thickness. The material determines how the night guard feels against the teeth and the thickness determines how bulky it feels in the mouth. Both factors combined contribute ...
What is a night guard made of?
This night guard is made of a rigid acrylic material about 2mm thick that offers enhanced durability and protection for heavy grinders and clenchers. If you’ve had a custom night guard from the dentist before, this is likely what was made for you (whether you liked it or not).
Why do people wear night guards?
Most people prefer the upper night guard because it feels less in the way of the tongue, making it both more comfortable and easier to speak with. If this is your first time wearing a custom made night guard, ...
Is a hard shell good for grinding?
The hard exterior acts as a durable shell for your grinding and the soft interior provides a slight cushion against the teeth for comfort. It's a good “best of both worlds” option to balance comfort and durability. It’s perfect for moderate grinding and clenching and will have a slight flex to it.
Is a night guard better for TMJ?
Note: Recent studies have suggested that if you have TMJ issues, a lower night guard may be slightly more effective . However, because these studies are based on limited data and are not definitely conclusive, we recommend choosing based on the first two points above.
Is there such a thing as a one size fits all night guard?
There’s really no such thing as a “one size fits all” night guard. Your teeth are unique and so are you. That’s why we offer a range of options based on the severity of your grinding and clenching, your individual comfort level, and your personal preference.
Do you wear a mouth guard during the day?
If you’re planning to wear it during the day, a lower mouth guard tends to be less visible and may be a more subtle choice if aesthetics are important to you.
Why is there no night guard?
It simply doesn’t exist. The reason why is because every one of us has a different mouth shape, teeth arch, and dental anatomy. To go beyond that, we also have different levels of intensity when dealing with grinding ...
What is the best night guard for a dentist?
If you are looking for a dental night guard that you can wear during the day, a 1mm thin dental guard may be the best option for you. This is because it allows you to conduct your daily activities, including speaking, without a problem. This type of dental night guard is available in a thickness of 1mm, and its slimline design allows you wear it ...
Why is night bruxism so common?
This is because we grind and/or clench significantly harder at nighttime.
How to protect teeth from bruxing?
The only known, surefire way to protect your teeth from the effects of bruxing is the consistent use of a dental night guard. While shopping around, most shoppers encounter a dilemma right off the bat:
How thick is a dental night guard?
This type of dental night guard is available in a thickness of 1mm, and its slimline design allows you wear it comfortably and speak with ease for the duration of your day.
How long does a nickel night guard last?
The nickel is almost exactly two millimeters thick. The medium thickness dental night guard is likely to serve you for a period of between 1 to 3 years.
How long do sandpaper guards last?
Since they are thick enough to withstand your grinding, you can expect them to serve you for a period of between 2 to 5 years.
What is a nightguard?from colgate.com
They are retainer-like soft or hard plastic pieces that cover either the top or bottom set of teeth. Nightguards are popular treatments for sleep bruxism. Nightguards cushion your teeth from the force of clenching and prevent the teeth from grinding together, preventing headaches, damaged teeth, and inflamed gums.
How to make a night guard for your mouth?from colgate.com
To create the best-fitting custom night guard for your mouth, your dentist can take a professional impression of your teeth and send it to a laboratory, where the final product is made. Then, at your next dental appointment, they can confirm that it fits properly before you take the night guard home.
How does a dentist make a mouthguard?from colgate.com
How Your Dentist Makes a Mouthguard. A custom-made mouthguard usually involves two appointments with your dental professional. They'll take impressions of your teeth and make a model, sending it to a laboratory where the mouthguard is fabricated for a custom fit.
Why do you need a mouthguard for braces?from colgate.com
Soft tissue injuries from your braces coming in contact with your mouth tissue are reason enough to wear a mouthguard made to fit over your braces. And you don't want to run the risk of damaging your braces either, which would require attention from your dental professional.
Why do dentists recommend mouth guards?from colgate.com
Due to a sleeping or grinding issue, or because you play a sport, your dentist may recommend a mouthguard to keep your teeth's enam el strong. Let's go over if a mouthguard is right for you, the different kinds, and how to care for them.
How to clean mouthguard after wearing it?from colgate.com
It would help if you brushed your guard with a toothbrush and toothpaste after wearing it. Rinse it well, and take time once every week or two to soak it in an antimicrobial solution, such as diluted mouthwash or denture cleaner. Make sure it's dry and store it in a ventilated case. Look for any cracks or rough edges so you won't have a mouthguard that irritates your gums or stores bacteria.
What is a boil and bite night guard?from colgate.com
The second type is the boil-and-bite night guard, which you need to soften with heat and bite into to create a good fit with your teeth. There are also online night guard providers that will have you send them dental impressions, ...
