Mouthguards & Teeth Grinding

Does a night guard stop teeth grinding?

Have you been frequently waking up with a sore jaw, tooth pain or a slight headache? If you answered yes, you may want to ask a qualified dental professional if your teeth show signs of a condition called bruxism.

According to the American Dental Association, bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, affect approximately 15% of adults. Because many patients are usually unaware that they suffer from sleep bruxism, the condition is usually very hard to treat. In fact, bruxism is often detected when seeking help for headaches, jaw pain, or worn-down teeth, or when a bed partner notices the grinding sound at night.

The good news is that there are several ways to alleviate and treat the effects of bruxism. Two of the most common, which your dentist may recommend, are a night guard and therapy.

Mouthguards for Bruxism/Teeth Grinding

A mouthguard for teeth grinding, also known as a night guard, is an appliance typically worn while sleeping and that is available without a medical prescription. The most common types are boiled or placed in the microwave, cooled for a few seconds and gently molded to the shape of your teeth by following the instructions.

Night guards can also be made by your dentist. Dentist made guards are the most expensive option as they last for several years, whereas non-dentist guards usually last for less than a year.

Depending on your needs, an over-the-counter mouth guard might be just as comfortable as a custom made dentist model. We recommend you ask your dentist about the options available and how much they cost prior to purchase.

What is the best mouthguard for grinding teeth? 

Best Overall Teeth Grinding Mouthguard:
Nxtrnd Rise Dental Night Guard

The best fitting mouth guards are usually the dentist made models. However, new material technologies have made it possible to obtain less expensive alternative, equal fitting mouth guards like the Nxtrnd Rise Grinding Guard.

Being made from thinner, lighter and more moldable materials, the Rise mouthguard is a one of a kind boil-and-bite guard. This guard can easily be softened in hot water, formed to the teeth and trimmed for a comfortable fit and optimal teeth coverage.

In fact, because it covers all the teeth, this option is safer than partial appliances. Made of a soft material that allows a comfortable and adequate fit, there is less chance that your teeth will shift while wearing this guard over long periods of time.

Best Dentist Made Mouth Guard:
JS Dental Lab Guard 

With 20+ years of dental lab experience, the JS Dental Lab's heavy teeth grinding guard is your best choice when it comes to comfortable laboratory made night guards. Their simple 4-step process makes it possible for teeth grinders to get a high quality, well-fitting night guards made according to their own teeth impressions. The guards are made of a hard acrylic material and last up to 5 years depending on use and teeth grinding habit and severity. The material is latex free and BPA-free, and comes with a One Year Free Replacement Policy to guarantee your satisfaction.

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Best Instant-Fitting Mouthguard:
Plackers Grind No More Dental Guard