Updated on March 7, 2024
25 min read

8 Best Night Guards for Bruxism 2024, According to Dentists

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Many kids and adults unknowingly clench or grind their teeth. This condition is called bruxism or teeth grinding, which can happen at any time of the day.

There is no known cure for nighttime teeth grinding. However, many dental professionals recommend wearing night guards to keep your teeth safe while sleeping.

Bruxism causes constant friction between your upper and lower teeth. This friction causes the enamel—the teeth’s hard protective surface—to gradually break down.

Enamel loss exposes the soft inner layers of your teeth. It can lead to serious dental problems over time, such as:

  • Increased teeth sensitivity to cold or heat
  • Higher risk for dental cavities
  • Fractured teeth

Sleep bruxism is more harmful than grinding teeth when you’re awake. Since it occurs at night after you fall asleep, you won’t be able to control it.

To protect your teeth at night, you can choose from over-the-counter and custom-made guards to protect your teeth. They’re more convenient and affordable than the night guards provided in dental clinics.

To help you decide, we compared different brands and picked our top recommendations.

Why Trust Us?

To find the best teeth guards for nighttime grinding, we:

  • Spent 250+ hours researching the best night guards
  • Scanned 100+ customer reviews on each dental guard
  • Consulted 3 dental experts, including dentists and orthodontists
  • Asked 3 of our writers to test different night guards
  • Had our in-house dentists fact-check our article for accuracy
  • Updated our review every month with the latest information

8 Best Night Guards for Bruxism in 2024

Here is a comparison of the best dental guards for night grinding:

NightguardMouthguard TypeCostMaterialsDelivery TimeGuaranteeReplacement Warranty
Pro Teeth GuardCustomStarts at $169.99Soft and/or hard acrylic or soft vinyl7 to 11 days60 days1 year
JS Dental Lab Night GuardsCustomStarts at $125PET and EVA7 to 10 days1 year1 year
RemiCustomStarts at $229Dental-grade hard-soft plastic2 weeks45 days45 days
Sporting SmilesCustomStarts at $90Soft EVA or soft and/or hard laminate10 to 15 days30 daysNone
DenTekOver-the-counterStarts at $16.44EVA co-polymer5 to 10 days30 days6 months to 1 year
CheekyCustomStarts at $129Soft thermoplastic or hard acrylic7 to 14 days30 daysNone
Chomper LabsCustomStarts at $149Co-polyester, TPU, or EVA6 to 8 days100 days60 days
Clear ClubCustomStarts at $158Hard acrylic with soft inner layer5 days30 daysNone

You should consider wearing a teeth guard every night if you have nighttime bruxism. Some signs of night bruxism include waking up with:

  • Jaw pain
  • Tooth pain
  • Cracked tooth
  • Headaches
  • Discomfort in your mouth
  • Gum or jaw soreness
  • Facial pain

If you experience these symptoms, you should see a dentist who can evaluate your condition and have a night guard made in the shape of your teeth.

But if you find professional dental guards too expensive or inconvenient, you can opt for over-the-counter and custom-fitted night guards sold online for a cheaper price.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at our top recommendations. This includes their pros and cons, some user reviews, why we recommend them, and when to consider other brands.

Pro Teeth Guard

Best Custom-Fit Night Guard
Pro Teeth Guard

Why Choose Pro Teeth Guard? Pro Teeth Guard is our top customized night guard because it protects your teeth longer than most brands.

Nightguards get damaged over time and have to be replaced. Pro Teeth Guard offers one free replacement in case you break, crack, or grind through your guard within a year of purchase.

If you’re not satisfied with the fit of your night guard, you have two options. You can request a 110% refund or get free adjustments within 60 days of receiving your order.

Pro Teeth Guard offers 3 night guards based on your bruxism symptoms:

  1. Soft Night Guard ⁠— For light grinding and clenching
  2. Hybrid Night Guard ⁠— For moderate teeth grinding
  3. Hard Night Guard ⁠— For severe grinding

You can choose from upper and lower teeth guards. Each guard is also available in two sizes (adult male and female) and can be further customized to fit you.

Pro Teeth Guard Highlights

Cost$169.99 to $209.99 per tray
Guarantees160-day money-back guarantee or free replacements and adjustments
1-year replacement warranty for damaged mouthguard
FinancingKlarna: Biweekly and monthly plans. Starts at $42.49 to $52.49/2 wks for 2 mos.
SubscriptionsNone
Mouthguard TypeCustom-fit
Materials Used2Soft and/or hard acrylic or soft vinyl
Delivery Time7 to 11 days after the company receives your teeth impressions

Why We Recommend It

  • Pro Teeth Guard mouthguards are made of non-toxic, FDA-approved, dental-grade materials. They’re 100% BPA-free and latex-free.
  • The company offers free shipping to the U.S. and Canada. If your guard is under warranty, any additional teeth impression kits you may need are also shipped free.
  • If you send inaccurate dental impressions, Pro Teeth Guard will send you another impression kit for free. They’ll also give you tips to help you take better molds. 

Why Consider Other Brands

  • Pro Teeth Guard’s long guarantees seem to come with a price. It’s more expensive than other custom night guards featured on our list.
  • It may not be an option if you don’t want phthalate in your mouthguard. Pro Teeth Guard uses dialkyl phthalate (a safe form of phthalate) for its Hard Night Guard.3
  • Pro Teeth Guard’s acrylic guards (Hard and Ultra-Thin Daytime Guard) contain methyl methacrylate (MMA). However, the company cures them, so there’s no risk of exposure.3

Its mouthguards have the same quality as those offered in dental clinics. They’re made in a professional dental lab (San Diego County, CA) that also produces them for dentists.

Read our full review of Pro Teeth Guard

JS Dental Lab Night Guard

Best Personalized Mouth Guard
JS Dental Lab Night guard

Why Choose JS Dental Lab? JS Dental Lab lets you personalize your night guard based on your preferences and needs. To start off, you can choose from clear or colored trays.

If you find its acrylic night guards too rigid, they can create a new set that combines different materials to make it more comfortable.

JS Dental’s Ultimate Protection kit provides the most customization. You can pick the material (hard acrylic with or without a soft inner layer) and thickness (3mm or 4mm).

The company has 5 night guards available:

  1. JS Dental Soft ⁠— A 3mm guard for people with tooth sensitivity
  2. JS Dental Durable ⁠— A flexible 2.5mm guard for jaw clenching
  3. JS Dental Extra Durable ⁠— A hard 3mm guard for teeth clenching and grinding
  4. JS Dental Hybrid ⁠— A tough guard with a soft inner layer for comfort and function
  5. JS Premium 3D ⁠— A customizable guard for severe teeth grinding

JS Dental Lab Highlights

Cost$125 to $205 per tray
Guarantees4365-day return and refund policy or get free adjustments and replacements
12-month one-time replacement warranty for damaged or lost mouthguards
FinancingShop Pay: Biweekly and monthly plans. Starts at $31.25 to $46.25/2 wks for 2 mos.
SubscriptionsNone
Mouthguard TypeCustom-fit
Materials Used5Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)
Delivery Time7 to 10 days after the company receives your teeth impressions

Why We Recommend It

  • JS Dental Lab has some of the safest night guards on the market. They don’t contain BPA, MMA, phthalate, latex, sodium laurel sulfate, or sodium laureth sulfate.
  • It has the longest return policy we’ve seen. You can get free adjustments for a whole year after your purchase. If these adjustments don’t work, you can return your guard and request a full refund or exchange it for a different mouthguard.4
  • The company offers a $1 risk-free trial. You can order a custom night guard for $1 and try it out for a few days. You can decide to return it (and get a full refund) or have it adjusted until you’re 100% happy with the fit before processing your full payment.4
  • It offers excellent value for your money considering its guarantees and the level of personalization involved. JS Dental Lab also has affordable financing options.

Why Consider Other Brands

  • Customer support can be difficult to reach. The only way to get in touch is through email or text. If you want a phone consultation, you have to request one via email.
  • While the website makes it easy to purchase add-ons like teeth whiteners and mouthguard cleaners, JS Dental Lab doesn’t offer them in bundles. 

JS Dental Lab is a trusted brand that has been making dental products for over 20 years. Its night guards are made of premium dental-grade materials from the U.S. and Germany.

Read our full review of JS Dental Lab Night Guards

Remi Custom Night Guards

Best for First-Time Nightguard Users
Remi Custom Night Guards

Why Choose Remi? Remi is the best custom mouthguard if you’ve never worn one, but want to start protecting your teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism.

You only need a top or bottom guard (not both) to keep your teeth safe from grinding. With Remi, you can choose to receive both guards or two of each with your order.

It’s a great choice for beginners who aren’t sure which one they’d like. People who prefer switching between a top and bottom teeth guard may also like it.

You can purchase Remi’s night guards alone or bundle with other products:

  • Custom night guards ⁠— 1mm guards with hard shells and soft inner layers
  • Starter Bundle ⁠— Night guards, guard cleaner, and teeth whitening foam
  • Essentials Bundle ⁠— Night guards, ultrasonic cleaner, and a removal tool
  • Super Bundle ⁠— Night guards, ultrasonic cleaner, 2 bottles of guard cleaners, 2 bottles of teeth whitening foam, and 2 removal tools

Remi Highlights

Cost$229 for 2 trays
Guarantees645-day replacement guarantee
FinancingShop Pay: $57.25 to be paid in 4 interest-free payments.
SubscriptionsRemi Club: $189/6 mos
Mouthguard TypeCustom-fit
Materials Used7Dental-grade hard-soft plastic
Delivery Time2 weeks after you receive a confirmation email from the company

Why We Recommend It

  • You get two mouthguards for the price of one. If you pay upfront, this brings down the cost to about $114.50. This makes it more affordable than most night guards.
  • Remi allows you to order different night guards (top and bottom trays) or two of the same kind (such as two bottom teeth guards) based on your preference.
  • Subscribing to Remi Club is free and will save you money in the long run. Benefits include free impressions, free shipping, and a pricing of $59 for new night guards.

Why Consider Other Brands

  • Remi may take a while to ship your night guards. You have to wait for the confirmation email, approve it, and wait another two weeks before they deliver your orders.
  • The company doesn’t give you much flexibility as it only offers one type of night guard. All customers will receive the same 1 mm guard with hard and soft materials.
  • Remi’s night guards are thin and can wear easily with severe teeth grinding. You have to replace them with a new night guard every 6 months, which adds to the costs.

Remi was founded in 2019. The company offers a range of dental care products, such as night guards, retainers, and teeth whitening kits.

Read our full review of Remi Night Guard

Sporting Smiles

Best Affordable Nightguard
Sporting Smiles

Why Choose Sporting Smiles? Sporting Smiles is the go-to brand if you want affordable night guards. While most guards cost $120, the company offers them for about $90 to $105 each.

Sporting Smiles also lets you purchase several mouthguards for a discounted price. Instead of paying the standard price, you only have to pay $47 to $62 for every additional order.

For an extra $20, you can have your teeth impressions digitally scanned. The company will keep these 3D scans for life, so you can reorder any time you need more night guards.

Sporting Smiles currently has 5 night guards. Each one provides a different level of comfort, protection, and visibility. You get to choose a guard that best fits your needs:

  1. Soft Grinding Guard ⁠— Ideal for heavy clenching; made of 3mm soft EVA for flexibility and maximum comfort while giving adequate protection
  2. Dual Laminate Guard ⁠— Recommended for heavy grinding; has a hard outer layer and a soft inner layer, ensuring both comfort and long-term durability
  3. Dual Laminate Back Cut ⁠— Has the same specifications as the Dual Laminate Guard, except it’s less noticeable when worn
  4. Flexible Super Hard ⁠— Best for all-around protection; has the right balance of durability and flexibility, making it a good option for light to moderate teeth grinding
  5. Flexible Hard Back Cut ⁠— A more discreet and comfortable alternative to Sporting Smile’s all-around mouthguard, the Flexible Super Hard

Sporting Smiles Highlights

Cost$90 to $105 per tray
Guarantees830-day money-back guarantee
SubscriptionsNone 
FinancingNone
Mouthguard TypeCustom-fit
Materials Used9Soft ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), soft interior laminate, and/or hard exterior laminate
Delivery Time10 to 15 days after the company receives your teeth impressions

Why We Recommend It

  • Sporting Smiles is the only brand that offers Emergency Night Guards ($345). You should receive your custom night guards within 6 to 7 days of placing your order. 
  • You can purchase up to 4 night guards at once. It also gives you the option to buy more impression trays and putty ($5) and custom-fit whitening trays ($35).
  • In addition to night guards, the company has mouthguards for different sports. They come in fun and unique designs. Examples include boxing and MMA mouthguards.

Why Consider Other Brands

  • Most brands ship night guards within 5 to 10 days of receiving impressions. Sporting Smiles requires a $35 payment to deliver your order within the same time frame.
  • The company only keeps teeth molds for a year. After that, you have to retake your teeth impressions or opt to have them digitally scanned, so they’re kept on file for life.10

Sporting Smiles was established in 2009. It provides high-quality mouthguards that are more affordable than what you would typically get from dentists.

Read our full review of Sporting Smiles

DenTek Dental Guards

Best Over-The-Counter Nightguard
DenTek Professional Fit Dental Guard

Why Choose DenTek? DenTek has a selection of over-the-counter night guards. You can use them straight out of the box or within minutes of making them. It’s a fast and cheap way to protect your teeth.

The brand offers do-it-yourself night guard kits that you can order online. These DIY kits contain everything you need to create your own guard at home, from materials to step-by-step instructions.

DenTek has 3 nightguards ideal for teeth grinding:

  1. Professional-Fit Dental Guard ⁠— Recommended for light grinders; the boil-and-bite guard is easy to make and fully covers your upper teeth
  2. Comfort-Fit Dental Guard ⁠— For people who find full-coverage night guards uncomfortable; has an adjustable band and partially covers your lower teeth
  3. Ready-Fit Dental Guard ⁠— Ideal for emergency protection; disposable and ready to wear

DenTek Highlights

Cost$16.64 to $38.99
Guarantees11,1230-day money-back satisfaction guarantee
6-month to 1-year product guarantee with 1 free replacement
FinancingNone
SubscriptionsNone
Mouthguard TypeOver-the-counter
Materials Used13Food-grade ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) co-polymer
Delivery Time2 to 3 days after placing your order

Why We Recommend It

  • DenTek’s night guards don’t contain latex and bisphenol-A (BPA), a toxic chemical that’s potentially harmful to human health. This makes them safe for everyday use.
  • Its guards offer some level of customization. You can adjust them to fit your teeth.
  • You can get a refund if you’re not satisfied with the fit of your teeth guard. If your guard fails to protect your teeth while under warranty, you may also get a free replacement.

Why Consider Other Brands

  • Over-the-counter night guards aren’t ideal for long-term use. You can’t wear them for more than 3 months without seeing a dentist or orthodontist.
  • There’s no way to personalize your night guard. You can’t choose a thickness or decide between an upper or lower guard.

DenTek has been providing oral care products since 1984. Its over-the-counter guards are cheap alternatives to custom-fit night guards in case you lose or damage them.

We only recommend DenTek for temporary protection against teeth grinding. For safe and long-term use, you should opt for custom guards.

Cheeky Mouthguard

Best Nightguard for Comfort
Cheeky Mouthguard

Why Choose Cheeky? Cheeky Night Guard is often praised for its comfort and quality. Some customers say it feels better than the professional guards from a dentist’s office.

Like most custom guards, you’ll be asked to take teeth impressions at home. But instead of making guards out of these molds, the company will take 3D scans of your impressions.

Cheeky will use this 3D model to digitally print a mouthguard in the replica of your teeth. The process helps ensure a comfortable fit.

There are two ways to buy a Cheeky night guard:

  • First, you can take the online quiz. The company will use your answers to determine which type and thickness works best for you and provide links for quick ordering.
  • You can also skip the quiz and pick your own specifications. You can choose between a hard night guard (0.76mm thick) and a soft night guard (1.0mm to 3.0mm thick).

Cheeky Night Guard Highlights

Cost$129 per tray
Guarantees1430-day money-back guarantee
FinancingNone
SubscriptionsCheeky Club: $159/6 mos or $199/3 mos 
Mouthguard TypeCustom-fit
Materials Used15Soft thermoplastic or hard acrylic
Delivery Time7 to 14 days after the company receives your teeth impressions

Why We Recommend It

  • Its custom-fit night guards are made of 100% FDA-approved materials. They’re completely free of BPA, silicone, and latex so they should be safe to wear.12
  • When you buy Cheeky’s night guards, you can save 20% on other dental care products (like an electric toothbrush or teeth whitening kit) if you buy them together as a bundle.
  • It offers a subscription service (Cheeky Club) that will help you save up to $100 on every night guard. Subscribers also get free shipping and can take new impressions anytime.

Why Consider Other Brands

  • Cheeky only has hard and soft night guards. It doesn’t offer a hybrid night guard which combines both materials for durability and comfort.
  • Its soft night guards are more prone to damage since they lack the tough outer shell of hybrid models. They can wear easily and have to be replaced often.
  • Cheeky doesn’t make it easy to choose a night guard for your needs. You’re better off with brands that offer products for different types of teeth grinders.

Cheeky has been making safe, high-quality, and affordable night guards since 2018. Its products are manufactured in the same labs that create guards for dentists.

Read our full review of Cheeky Night Guard

Chomper Labs

Fastest Shipping Nightguard
Chomper Labs

Why Choose Chomper Labs? Chomper Labs is known for its quick processing. It can ship your teeth impression kit and night guard faster than most brands.

During checkout, you can “fast track” the creation of your custom-fit guard. They’ll make it within 24 hours of receiving your impressions and deliver it in the next 3 to 4 days.

You can also upgrade your shipping to speed up the delivery of your orders.

Chomper Labs has four night guards available:

  1. Soft Night Guard ⁠—  For light to moderate grinding
  2. Hybrid Night Guard ⁠— For moderate to heavy grinding
  3. Hard Night Guard ⁠— For heavy to severe grinding
  4. Retainer Night Guard ⁠— For hard teeth grinding

Chomper Labs Highlights

Cost$149 to $169
Guarantees16100-day refund or replacement policy
60-day replacement warranty for damaged mouthguards
FinancingKlarna: Biweekly and monthly plans. Starts at $37.25 to $42.25/2 wks for 2 mos.
SubscriptionsNone
Mouthguard TypeCustom-fit
Materials Used17Co-polyester, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and/or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) 
Delivery Time6 to 8 days after the company receives your teeth impressions

Why We Recommend It

  • Chomper Labs offers free adjustments until you’re satisfied with the fit of your night guard. If you don’t like the replacement, you can get a refund for up to 100 days.16 
  • If you grind through your night guard within 6 months of buying it, you can get a new one free of charge.16

Why Consider Other Brands

  • Free delivery is only available with your initial order. If you opt for replacement guards to ensure a better fit, you’ll have to cover shipping fees.
  • Its night guards may feel tight at the beginning. You may have to wear them several times before they become comfortable.

Chomper Labs has been operating its full-service dental lab in California since 2018. You can request a fully customized night guard in the material and thickness you like.

Read our full review of Clear Club

Clear Club

Best Nightguard for Braces
Clear Club Night Guard Aligners

Why Choose Clear Club? Clear Club makes it easy to get a new night guard, which can be a huge plus if you wear braces. You can get a fresh set each time your braces are adjusted.

The company offers a Renewal Plan so you can receive a custom-fit night guard every 3, 4, or 6 months. But you can also decide when they’ll ship your next tray.

Clear Club saves dental impressions so you don’t have to make one every time. If your dentist adjusts your braces, you can take a new impression and get a guard that fits your current teeth.

You’ll have four hybrid night guards to choose from:

  1. Custom Night Guard ⁠— Made of clear plastic
  2. Multi-Color Night Guard ⁠— Multicolor guard with 5 color options
  3. Color Night Guard  — Single-color guard with 8 color options
  4. Dynamic Duo Night Guard ⁠— Comes in 3 color options

Clear Club Highlights

Cost$158 to $170
Guarantees1830-day money-back guarantee for unused mouthguard kits
100% satisfaction guarantee
FinancingNone
SubscriptionsClear Club Renewal Plan: $55 to $65/3 mos, $65 to $75/4 mos, or $85/6 mos
Mouthguard TypeCustom-fit
Materials Used19Hard acrylic with soft inner layer
Delivery Time5 days after the company receives and confirms your teeth impressions

Why We Recommend It

  • Its colored night guards are excellent for kids and teenagers. You can choose from single-color and multicolor guards or opt to receive one of each color.
  • The company website has step-by-step instructions and video tutorials on how to take impressions. If you make a mistake, they can send another free impression kit.20
  • You can save up to 40% with a Clear Club Renewal Plan. Each guard will only cost you $55 to $85. You can also get a free teeth whitening kit for orders worth $180.

Why Consider Other Brands

  • The renewal plan doesn’t cover additional impression kits or free shipping.21 You may need to purchase them separately if you need adjustments.
  • Impressions are only kept on file if you have an active subscription. If you want to re-order without one, you have to buy an impression kit and take new impressions. 
  • Clear Club’s colored guards are limited to one thickness. Only its clear custom night guards are available in various thicknesses (1.3mm, 2.0mm, and 3.0mm).

Clear Club was founded in 2018 and is based in Los Angeles. The company is dedicated to providing professional-grade night guards for reasonable prices.

Read our full review of Clear Club

Custom vs. Over-The-Counter Night Guards

When choosing a night guard, you generally have two options. You can buy an over-the-counter guard or have one custom-made to fit your teeth.

Each type of night guard has its advantages and disadvantages. Below is a quick guide to help with your decision:

Customized Night Guards

A custom mouthguard is made to fit your teeth using dental-grade materials. It’s more comfortable and durable. It can also protect against light, moderate, and severe grinding.

Unlike over-the-counter guards, you can use them with braces or dental implants. You can get custom night guards from licensed dental professionals or online retailers:

1. Professional Dental Guards (Occlusal Guard)

These night guards are offered by dentists and orthodontists at dental clinics. They’re the most expensive and may cost you $300 to $1,000.

A dental professional will take your teeth impression and send it to a laboratory. The lab will then create your custom night guard and ship it back to the dentist, who will schedule your fitting.

2. Night Guard Kits

These custom night guards are made in the same labs that produce professional dental guards. Each guard only costs $90 to $170, so they’re cheaper than what dentists offer.

Companies that provide them (such as Pro Teeth Night Guard, JS Dental Lab, Remi, and Sporting Smiles) use dentist-grade materials to create your fitted mouthguard.

You don’t have to see a dentist or orthodontist. You can buy an impression kit online, take your own dental impression, send it back, and wait for the delivery of your night guard.

Over-The-Counter Night Guards

These night guards are often made of cheap materials that quickly wear out. They can offer light protection but they’re not ideal for heavy teeth grinders or long-term use.

Most brands cost $20 to $25, which makes them cheaper than custom night guards. You can buy them from online stores like Amazon and retailers such as Walmart. There are 2 kinds:

1. Ready-To-Wear Night Guards

We only recommend disposable night guards as an emergency option for short-term use (no more than a month). You can wear them while waiting for your custom guard.

Also known as stock night guards, they’re the most affordable and easiest to acquire. Unfortunately, they only come in one size and may not fit your teeth very well.

You can buy them in packs which include several single-use night guards. Each guard is worn overnight and thrown out the next day.

2. Do-It-Yourself Night Guards

DIY night guards are more durable and can be worn for up to 3 months. However, dental professionals don’t recommend wearing them for extended periods.

They provide a better fit than disposable night guards. Each kit will include step-by-step instructions and thermoplastic molds that can be shaped into your teeth using heat.

Depending on the kit you have, you either have to place the mold in:

  • Hot water (for boil-and-bite guards)
  • Microwave (for microwave-and-bite night guards)

After heating, you have to bite down on the mold while it’s soft. Next, run the mold under cold water so it hardens again and becomes ready to use.

Key Takeaways

Each person’s teeth are unique, which is why most dentists recommend custom night guards. These guards are made to fit and give better protection against bruxism. 

One can be made at a local dentist or orthodontist for $300 to $1,000. But if you’re looking for cheaper alternatives, you can order them online from the top brands:

These companies provide dentist-grade custom-fit night guards at an affordable price. You can get one for $90 to $170 (or at a discount if they offer a subscription).

Dental professionals don’t recommend using over-the-counter night guards for longer than a month. You should only use them for short-term protection from teeth grinding.

How We Picked the Best Teeth Guards for Bruxism

Our team consulted dental professionals on factors we should consider. 

Using this expert-guided information, we developed criteria that would help us choose the best night guards for sleep bruxism.

After spending 250+ hours on research and testing, we evaluated and compared the top night guard brands using these criteria:

  • Type of night guard ⁠— Custom-made or over-the-counter
  • Cost and financing ⁠— Affordable pricing and the availability of low-cost monthly installments with zero to low-interest rates
  • Molding process ⁠— Ease of taking impressions or teeth molds
  • Level of protection ⁠— Whether it can protect against light, moderate, or severe teeth grinding and clenching
  • Product safety ⁠— The use of safe and high-grade materials that are FDA-approved and free of potentially harmful chemicals
  • Durability and comfort ⁠— Comfortable for overnight use and has the ability to withstand nighttime grinding
  • Customizability ⁠— Option to choose a night guard with different materials, thicknesses, colors, and coverage (top or bottom teeth)
  • Guarantees Offers refunds, replacements, adjustments, or additional impression kits if you’re not satisfied
  • Value for money ⁠— If you’re getting what you pay for considering the brand’s 
  • User experience ⁠— How satisfied customers are with a brand’s products and services based on actual reviews

Frequently Asked Questions on Night Guards

Are night guards covered by dental insurance?

It depends. Most insurance plans don’t cover night guards. However, if your dentist classifies it as a medical need, your insurance may cover a part of the cost.

Are night guards HSA/FSA eligible?

In most cases, yes. Many brands and dentists accept funds from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spendings Account (FSA).

This includes brands that offer over-the-counter and custom night guards.

How do I care for my night guard?

The best way to clean it is to follow the instructions included with your kit. You can also follow our guide on how to care for your night guard.

In most cases, you’ll need to rinse and brush your guard daily with a gentle cleaning agent. Remember to keep it dry and stored properly when not in use. 

Night guards also require deep cleaning (at least once a month) using a denture-cleaning solution, mouthwash, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide.

How often should I replace my night guard?

This depends on the type of your night guard, how often you wear it, and the severity of your teeth grinding. Generally, you want to follow the brand’s recommendations.

Here’s what you can expect on replacement times:

Professional guard from your dentist ⁠— Every 1 to 5 years
Custom guard that you bought online ⁠— Every 1 to 2 years
Disposable night guard ⁠— Has to be replaced daily
Boil-and-bite guards ⁠— Every 3 to 6 months
Microwave-and-bite guards ⁠— Every 3 to 6 months

How long does it take to make custom night guards?

The processing time for custom guards depends on your dentist and the dental lab. 

Some direct-to-consumer brands take as little as one week because they have their own laboratory to create the dental appliances. Those that require third-party labs may take longer.

How does a night guard protect teeth from grinding?

A night guard acts as a physical barrier between the top and bottom teeth. It prevents them from coming into contact when you grind your teeth at night. In turn, this protects your tooth enamel.

Should I wear a night guard on my top or bottom teeth?

It depends on your personal preference and dentist’s recommendations. You can only wear one night guard at a time (either on your upper or lower teeth) and never both at once.

Is a mouth guard the same as a night guard?

Mouth guards aren’t the same as night guards. A mouth guard is usually made of a thick but soft material that absorbs impact. You wear it during contact sports to protect your teeth from injury.

A night guard is typically made of thin but durable materials. It’s something you wear at night before you sleep. It’s meant to protect your teeth if you have bruxism.

Last updated on March 7, 2024
31 Sources Cited
Last updated on March 7, 2024
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
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  17. Frequently Asked Questions: What are your night guards made of?” Chomper Labs.
  18. FAQ: Can I cancel my order?” Clear Club.
  19. Which Night Guard Thickness Is Right For You?” Clear Club Blog.
  20. FAQ: What happens if I make a mistake with my impressions?” Clear Club.
  21. FAQ: Can I change the frequency of the shipments?” Clear Club.
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  23. Taking on Teeth Grinding and Clenching.” NIH News in Health.
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  30. Bruxism Management.” NIH.
  31. How to Care for Your Nightguard.” University of California Irvine.
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