What is the best mouth guard for grinding teeth?
When the goal is to prevent yourself from grinding your teeth and potentially damaging them in your sleep, choosing the best mouthguard becomes paramount.
A common condition known as bruxism, or teeth grinding, occurs when a person clenches their jaw and grinds their teeth together, usually while sleeping. It can cause a variety of problems, including jaw pain and tooth damage.
While teeth grinding may not be a cause for concern at all, regular teeth grinding can result in more significant problems including tooth loss, gum recession, and even changes in facial contour. It is critical to address teeth grinding in order to protect the teeth and prevent further damage.
In this article, we’ll be looking at all of the best mouthguards for preventing nighttime teeth grinding.
Why teeth grinding is a threat to your teeth and jaw
First of all, why is it important to prevent teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding and clenching can cause a number of issues, including:
Damage to teeth
The constant grinding and clenching can wear down tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity and an increased risk of tooth decay and cavities. It can also cause chips or cracks in the teeth.
Jaw pain
Because of the constant grinding and clenching, the muscles and joints in the jaw can become sore and painful.
In severe cases, where grinding is severe or has been going on for an extended period of time, it can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), which causes pain and difficulty moving the jaw.
Headaches
Do you frequently awaken with an unexplainable but painful sensation of pressure inside your skull? It could simply be that you grind your teeth at night without being aware of it.
Teeth grinding can cause tension in the jaw muscles, which can cause headaches, especially in the morning.
Earaches
Many people are unaware that teeth grinding can cause earaches and an uncomfortable feeling of pressure inside the ear.
Grinding and clenching can cause earaches by putting pressure on the temporomandibular joint, which is located near the ear.
Sleep disruption
This side effect of teeth grinding may disturb your spouse or partner more than it disturbs you, but it is still worth mentioning here.
Teeth grinding can be loud enough to disturb the sleep of a person’s partner, ultimately leading to sleep disruption for both individuals.
Costly dental treatment
To repair the damage caused by teeth grinding, extensive and costly dental treatment may be required.
All of these potential issues contribute to the importance of addressing teeth grinding in order to protect your teeth and jaw.
How mouth guards can prevent severe teeth grinding
Mouth guards are a type of protective device that is worn in the mouth to cover the teeth and gums to protect the teeth and mouth from injury, mostly during sports or other physical activities.
Mouth guards can also be an effective solution for people who grind their teeth, also known as bruxism. Wearing a mouth guard at night can help to prevent teeth grinding and clenching, protecting them from damage and lowering the risk of jaw pain and other bruxism-related problems.
There are several types of mouth guards available, each with their own set of benefits and drawbacks. It is critical to select the appropriate mouth guard for an individual’s needs in order to effectively protect the teeth and mouth.
The different types of mouth guard available
There are several types of mouth guards available for people who grind their teeth, also known as bruxism:
Custom-fit mouth guards: These mouth guards are made to fit an individual’s mouth perfectly by a dentist or orthodontist. They are made from a mould of the person’s teeth, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. Custom-fit mouth guards are typically more expensive than off-the-shelf alternatives, but they provide the best fit and protection.
Mouth guards that boil and bite: These mouth guards are made of a thermoplastic material that can be softened by boiling in water. The individual bites down on the softened mouth guard to make an impression of their teeth, which hardens as it cools. Although boil-and-bite mouth guards fit well, they may not be as comfortable or protective as custom-fit mouth guards.
Stock mouth guards: These mouth guards are pre-formed and cannot be customised to fit a specific individual’s mouth. They are the least expensive option and are available at most sporting goods stores. They may not, however, provide the best fit and may be less comfortable to wear.
Things to consider when choosing a night guard
When deciding on the best mouth guard for an individual’s needs, it is critical to consider the fit, comfort, and protection provided by each type of mouth guard.
It is critical to consider the following factors when selecting the best mouth guard for an individual’s needs:
Comfort
The mouth guard should be comfortable to wear, especially if it will be worn for an extended period of time, such as during sleep.
Fit
A mouth guard that fits properly will be more effective in protecting the teeth and mouth. Custom-fit mouth guards offer the best fit, but boil-and-bite and stock mouth guards can also provide a good fit if chosen carefully.
Price point
The cost of a mouth guard can range from a few dollars for a stock mouth guard to several hundred dollars for a custom-fit option. When selecting a mouth guard, it is critical to keep your budget in mind.
Overall, custom-fit mouth guards provide the best combination of comfort, fit, and protection, but they may be more expensive. Boil-and-bite mouth guards provide a good balance of price and fit, but they may not be as comfortable or protective as custom-fit mouth guards. The least expensive option is stock mouth guards, but they may not provide the best fit or protection. It is critical to select the mouth guard that is best suited to an individual’s needs and budget.
Pros and cons of each type of mouth guard
Each type of mouth guard has distinct advantages and disadvantages. In this section of the article, we’ll look at the benefits and drawbacks of various types of mouth guards for teeth grinding.
Custom-fit mouth guards
Pros:
- Made to fit an individual’s mouth perfectly, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit
- Offer the best protection for the teeth and mouth
Cons:
- More expensive than other options
Boil-and-bite mouth guards:
Pros:
- Can be customized to fit an individual’s mouth
- More affordable than custom-fit mouth guards
Cons:
- May not be as comfortable or protective as custom-fit mouth guards
- Fit may not be as precise as custom-fit mouth guards
Stock mouth guards:
Pros:
- Least expensive option
Cons:
- Pre-formed shape may not provide the best fit for an individual’s mouth
- May be less comfortable to wear
- May not provide as much protection as custom-fit or boil-and-bite mouth guards
It is critical to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each type of mouth guard in order to select the best option for an individual’s needs.
These are the best night guards for teeth grinding and clenching
How do you pick the best night guard for you and your specific needs? Let’s look at some of the best night guard options available.
Smile Brilliant Night Guard
The Smile Brilliant Night Guard is a custom night guard solution that can be delivered straight to your doorstep, without the need to involve a dentist in the process.
Here is how it works: Step one is to order a Smile Brilliant impression kit from the Smile Direct website and use the impression kit you receive in the mail to create detailed impressions of your teeth.
Once the Smile Direct lab receive the teeth impressions, they’ll be able to craft an exact model of your teeth before hand-finishing a truly custom fitted night guard.
Smile Direct Night Guards can last anywhere between 3 and 12 months, depending on the severity and intensity of your teeth grinding habit. Once the night guard has been worn down, it’ll be time to replace it with a new one.
Pro Teeth Guard
Pro Teeth Guard is a brand of custom-fit mouth guards that are made by a dental professional to fit an individual’s mouth perfectly. These mouth guards are made from a mold of the person’s teeth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.
Custom-fit mouth guards are more expensive than over-the-counter alternatives, but they provide the best fit and protection for the teeth and mouth. Pro Teeth Guard provides a variety of mouth guard options to meet a variety of needs and preferences, including sports, teeth grinding, snoring, and sleep apnea.
ASRL Mouth Guard
ASRL Mouth Guards are among the best boil-and-bite night guards on the market.
This stock night guard is unlike most others in that it is made from a premium grade material that is free of BPA and Phthalates, is easy to clean, and can be reused. The ASRL mouth guard can also be boiled and shaped to fit your teeth, as well as trimmed with tiny scissors to create a custom fit for your teeth.
ASRL night guards for teeth grinding are made from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), a material that melts easily in hot water and can be adjusted to fit your bite.
Chomper Labs Mouthguard
The Chopper Labs Mouthguard is a mouth guard for teeth grinding that can be delivered straight to your doorstep.
The Chomper Labs mouthguard, like the Smile Brilliant Night Guard, is created and worn in three simple steps. To begin, you must purchase an impression kit online and follow the instructions to create a detailed mould of your teeth. Once you’ve completed this and sent your mould to Comper Labs, the experts there will use it to create your custom night guard.
Chomper Labs makes custom night guards for teeth grinders, but they go a step further than most competitors by customising not only the fit but also the thickness and flexibility of each night guard.
Chomper Labs offers a variety of night guards, including a super soft model ideal for light to moderate grinding, a hybrid model with a unique double layer of hard and soft material that provides both great comfort and great flexibility, a hard model that is the most protective and durable, a retainer model that doubles as a protective mouth guard for sports and other physical activity, and an ultra-thin model ideal for light grinding.
Remi Custom Night Guard
Remi Custom Night Guard is a brand of custom-fit mouth guards that are made by a dental professional using a mold of the person’s teeth to insure a perfect fit.
Like other custom-fit mouth guards Remi Custom Night Guards are more expensive than regular over-the-counter options, but the extra money you spend will be well spent. Remi Custom Night Guard claims to create their mouth guards using a proprietary process, which they claim results in a more comfortable and durable product.
Frequently asked questions
What do dentists recommend for teeth grinding?
Dentists frequently recommend that patients wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth and mouth from the harmful effects of teeth grinding.
Because they form a solid but shock-absorbing barrier between the upper and lower teeth, mouth guards are extremely effective at protecting your teeth and jaw. This aids in the prevention of teeth grinding and clenching.
Mouth guards are available in a variety of styles, but all fall into one of three categories: custom-fit mouth guards made by a dental professional, boil-and-bite mouth guards, and stock mouth guards.
Custom-made night guards are typically recommended by dentists because they provide the best level of comfort, fit, and protection. The main disadvantage is that personalised night guards are not cheap.
Consider boil-and-bite mouth guards or stock mouth guards for a less expensive option. Boil-and-bite mouth guards outperform the other two options because they combine a reasonable price with a good fit and level of protection. Stock mouthguards, while inexpensive and thus appealing, provide the least amount of fit and protection. In other words, they are ineffective.
Are mouth guards for teeth grinding worth it?
Mouth guards can be a very effective way to protect the teeth and mouth from the damaging effects of bruxism, or teeth grinding.
Mouth guards prevent teeth grinding and clenching by forming a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, which can cause tooth damage, jaw pain, and other problems. Mouth guards are available in a variety of styles, such as custom-fit mouth guards made by a dental professional, boil-and-bite mouth guards, and stock mouth guards. Custom-fit mouth guards offer the best combination of comfort, fit, and protection, but they can be costly.
While boil-and-bite mouth guards appear to be a good buy in terms of price and fit, they may not be as comfortable or protective as a custom-fitted night guard.
Stock mouth guards are the least expensive option, but they frequently provide insufficient tooth and jaw protection.
It is critical to choose a mouth guard that is comfortable, fits correctly, and offers adequate tooth and mouth protection. A person may want to consult with a dental professional about the best mouth guard for their specific needs. Mouth guards, in general, can be a wise investment for people who grind their teeth in order to protect their teeth and mouth and avoid long-term harm.
What type of night guard is best?
Different types of night guards may be better suited to different people’s needs and preferences, but in general, a custom night guard is the best night guard because it is custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly.
What is teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition in which a person clenches their jaw and grinds their teeth together during sleep.
What are the consequences of teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding can result in tooth damage, jaw pain, migraines, earaches, and sleep disruption, and may necessitate extensive and expensive dental treatment to correct.
What is a mouth guard?
A mouth guard is a piece of dental equipment worn in the mouth to protect the teeth and gums. It can be used to protect the teeth and mouth while participating in sports or other physical activities, as well as to prevent teeth grinding while sleeping.
What types of mouth guards are available?
Mouth guards are available in a variety of styles, such as custom-fit mouth guards made by a dental professional, boil-and-bite mouth guards, and stock mouth guards.
How do I choose the best mouth guard for my needs?
When purchasing a mouth guard, it is critical to consider comfort, fit, and price. Overall, custom-fit mouth guards are the best option because they are guaranteed to provide both comfort and a good fit. A boil-and-bite mouthguard or even an over-the-counter stock mouthguard is preferable to nothing if you’re on a tight budget.
How do I care for my mouth guard?
To keep the mouth guard functional and comfortable to use, it must be kept clean and in good condition.
After each use, the mouth guard should be rinsed with cold water and brushed with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Store the mouth guard in a hard, sealed container to protect it and keep it clean.
It is also advised to replace the mouth guard every 1-2 years or as needed.
Final thoughts on the importance of wearing a night guard for teeth grinding and clenching
Teeth grinding is a surprisingly common condition that can harm both the teeth and the jaw. It is critical to protect the teeth and jaw from the damaging effects of teeth grinding, and mouth guards can help.
Most dentists recommend wearing a night guard to protect the teeth and jaw against the damaging consequences of excessive teeth grinding and clenching.
On the market, there are various types of mouth guards. Custom-fit mouth guards made by a dental specialist, boil-and-bite mouth guards, and stock mouth guards are the three main types of mouth guards. It is critical to choose a mouth guard that is comfortable, fits well, and adequately protects your teeth, jaw, and ligaments.
Custom-fit mouth guards offer the best combination of comfort, fit, and protection, but they aren’t the most affordable option and may be out of reach for some.
Boil-and-bite mouth guards are a less expensive option that offers less protection and a slightly less-than-perfect fit. Finally, while store-bought mouth guards are the least expensive option, they may not provide the best fit or protection.
If you are considering purchasing a night guard to help with your bruxism at night, consult with a dental professional for advice on the best mouth guard for your specific situation.