Do you wake up with headaches or sore jaw muscles? Perhaps you have noticed your teeth are becoming worn down or chipped. These could be signs of bruxism, a condition where individuals grind or clench their teeth while sleeping. Not only is this habit detrimental to dental health, but it can also affect sleep quality and lead to other health issues.
Fortunately, there are mouthguards designed specifically for those who suffer from bruxism. They provide a protective barrier between teeth and prevent damage caused by grinding or clenching. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 mouth guards for teeth grinding that can help protect your teeth and improve your overall sleep quality. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to a healthier smile!
What Is a Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding?
A mouth guard for teeth grinding, also known as a nocturnal bite plate or dental splint, is a custom-fitted device that is worn over the teeth while sleeping to protect them from damage caused by grinding or clenching. The device is typically made of soft plastic or rubber and fits snugly over the upper or lower teeth, depending on where the grinding occurs.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can lead to serious dental problems such as chipped or cracked teeth and enamel erosion. Additionally, it can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw muscles and joints. A mouth guard helps to absorb some of the force caused by bruxism and reduces the risk of tooth damage.
To obtain a mouth guard for teeth grinding, patients must first consult with their dentist who will create an impression of their teeth.
Types of mouthguards
Sleeping mouth guards are an effective solution to prevent teeth grinding or clenching while sleeping. These devices work by providing a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing them from rubbing against each other. There are several types of sleeping mouth guards available in the market:
Boil-and-Bite Style
Boil-and-bite style mouthguards are an excellent option for those who need a customized fit without the hassle of sending their dental impression to a lab. These mouthguards offer clear instructions on how to mold them to the shape of your teeth in just minutes. After boiling and fitting, they can be rinsed off and used right away.
One significant benefit of boil-and-bite style mouthguards is that they are easily customizable. Unlike traditional mouthguards that require you to visit a dentist’s office, these models allow you to get a personalized fit in the comfort of your home. Moreover, if you don’t achieve the perfect fit on your first try, many boil-and-bite models can be remolded multiple times until you find the perfect fit.
Another advantage is that these mouthguards are often more affordable than other types since they don’t require additional lab fees or dental appointments.
Mail-In Custom
Custom mouthguards are a great way to protect your teeth while engaging in high-impact activities such as sports. While there are many options available on the market, mail-in custom mouthguards have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and affordability. Buyers of custom mouthguards typically receive an impression kit that they use to create a mold of their teeth at home. Once the mold is complete, it can be sent off to a lab where technicians will build a personalized mouthguard designed specifically for the buyer’s mouth.
One of the main advantages of mail-in custom mouthguards is their superior fit. Since each guard is built specifically for an individual’s teeth, they tend to fit more comfortably and securely than generic guards purchased online or from sporting goods stores. However, this level of customization usually comes at a higher price point than standard guards.
One-Size-Fits-All
One-size-fits-all mouthguards are widely available in drugstores and online, offering a quick and inexpensive solution for people who suffer from teeth grinding or bruxism. These guards are made of a thermoplastic material that softens when heated in hot water and conforms to the user’s bite after being cooled down. They provide a cushioning effect that prevents tooth damage and relieves jaw pain caused by involuntary clenching during sleep.
However, while one-size-fits-all mouthguards can be useful for occasional use or short-term relief, they are not suitable for everyone. People with severe bruxism may require a custom-made guard that provides better protection and stability for their teeth and jaw joints. Moreover, users report mixed experiences with the fit, comfort, and effectiveness of these guards.
Chomper Labs The Hybrid Night Guard
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Product Description
The Chomper Labs Hybrid Night Guard is a highly recommended mouth guard for individuals who suffer from teeth grinding. This product provides excellent comfort and protection due to its combination of soft and hard materials. The inner layer is made of a soft material that easily molds to the shape of your teeth, providing a custom fit that ensures maximum comfort during use.
Meanwhile, the outer layer is composed of a hard material that offers excellent durability and protection against grinding. These two layers work together to provide optimal support for your teeth while you sleep, reducing discomfort and minimizing the risk of tooth damage caused by grinding. Additionally, this product comes with a storage case which makes it easy to store and transport wherever you go. Furthermore, if you are not completely satisfied with the product within 60 days of purchase, Chomper Labs offers their customers a satisfaction guarantee.
Chomper Labs Daytime Ultra Thin Night Guard
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Product Description
If you are someone who grinds their teeth during the day, you know how uncomfortable and stressful it can be. The Chomper Labs Daytime Ultra Thin Night Guard is a great solution to this problem. This guard is made with a thin, flexible material that easily fits over your teeth and provides protection against grinding.
The guard’s thin material makes it comfortable to wear for extended periods without causing any discomfort or pain in your jaw. Additionally, its discreet design ensures that no one will notice you’re wearing it, so you won’t feel self-conscious when wearing it in public.
The Chomper Labs Daytime Ultra Thin Night Guard comes with a storage case that allows for easy transport when on the go. It also includes a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, which means if you aren’t satisfied with the product within 60 days of purchase, you can return it for a full refund.
DenTek Professional-Fit Maximum Protection Dental Guard
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Product Description
The DenTek Professional-Fit Maximum Protection Dental Guard is an excellent option for anyone who grinds their teeth at night. This top-rated dental guard is designed to provide maximum protection for your teeth, thanks to its moldable material that allows for a custom fit. The guard molds easily to your teeth and offers a perfect fit, ensuring that you get the best possible protection.
In addition to its custom fit, the DenTek Professional-Fit Maximum Protection Dental Guard also features a cushioned bite pad that adds extra comfort while you sleep. This unique feature ensures that you won’t wake up with sore jaw muscles or headaches from clenching and grinding all night long. The dental guard is also designed to stay securely in place throughout the night so you can rest easy knowing your teeth are protected.
Pro Teeth Guard
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Product Description
Pro Teeth Guard is a highly effective solution for people who suffer from teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. This condition can cause a range of dental problems, including worn-down teeth, jaw pain and headaches. Pro Teeth Guard’s custom-fitted mouth guard offers maximum protection against these issues by preventing the upper and lower teeth from coming into contact while sleeping.
The process of obtaining a Pro Teeth Guard is simple. Customers will receive an impression kit that includes everything they need to make an accurate mold of their teeth at home. Once the mold is complete, it can be sent back to Pro Teeth Guard’s lab where expert technicians will create a customized mouth guard that fits perfectly over the customer’s teeth. The company offers three different types of guards: soft, dual laminate, and hard acrylic; each designed to suit different preferences or levels of grinding intensity.
Oral-B Nighttime Dental Guard with Scope
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Product Description
The Oral-B Nighttime Dental Guard with Scope has become a popular choice for people who grind their teeth at night. The mouth guard is designed to be comfortable and provide protection against teeth grinding and clenching. It’s also equipped with a built-in flavor strip containing Scope mouthwash, which freshens breath while you sleep.
Using the dental guard is simple and straightforward. You can easily customize it to fit your teeth by dipping it in hot water, allowing it to soften before molding it to your bite. Once fitted, the dental guard provides a secure fit that won’t shift or fall out during use.
The Oral-B Nighttime Dental Guard also comes with a convenient storage case, making it easy to transport and store when not in use. Additionally, the product is backed by a one-year warranty for added peace of mind.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Mouthguard?
When it comes to protecting your teeth and mouth during sports or other physical activities, a mouthguard is an essential piece of safety equipment. But with so many options available on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is the right fit for you.
Fit
When it comes to mouthguards, fit is one of the most important criteria to consider. A poorly fitting mouthguard can not only be uncomfortable but also ineffective at protecting your teeth and gums from grinding and clenching during sleep. A mouthguard that is too thick may cause you difficulty in speaking or breathing, while a loose one may slip out of your mouth in the middle of the night.
One option for finding a well-fitting mouthguard is to choose a custom-fit model. These types of guards are designed based on an impression of your teeth, resulting in a snugger fit that provides better protection against nighttime grinding and clenching. Custom-fit guards also tend to be more comfortable since they are specifically tailored to your individual bite. Of course, custom-fit guards can be more expensive than one-size-fits-all models.
Materials
When choosing a mouthguard, it’s crucial to ensure that it’s made with safe and high-quality components. Reputable labs should test their products and stand behind their quality claims. Customers with latex allergies need to be aware of the product description to make sure the mouthguard is free of latex materials. Additionally, some shoppers may want to look for a BPA-free option if they have concerns about the safety of certain chemicals found in plastics used for food or drink containers.
Comfort
When it comes to mouthguards, comfort is a subjective experience. It is possible that what feels comfortable for one person is not the same for another person. However, certain factors can influence the overall comfort of wearing a mouthguard, such as fit, materials, and style. Custom-fit mouthguards are considered by many to be the most comfortable option because they are designed specifically for an individual’s unique mouth shape and size.
Another factor that can impact comfort is the type of material used in the construction of the mouthguard. Some sleepers may prefer a soft and liable material that molds easily to their teeth and gums, while others may find a rigid design more suitable. The shape and style of the mouthguard can also play a role in its overall feel. Bulkier models may feel cumbersome in the mouth, while more streamlined designs with modifications aimed at taking up less space can offer enhanced comfort.
Durability
Mouthguards are designed to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, but not all mouthguards are created equal. When it comes to durability, the level of protection provided by a mouthguard will depend on its intended use. For those who grind their teeth heavily or severely, a more durable mouthguard will be needed to withstand the pressure put on it over time. Conversely, those who only experience light grinding may find that less durable options work just fine for them.
It’s important to note that even the most durable mouthguards can wear out over time when subjected to moderate to severe grinding. Heavy teeth grinders may need to replace their protective gear more often in order to maintain sufficient protection against tooth damage and other related issues. Fortunately, many custom mouthguard manufacturers keep customers’ teeth impressions on file for easy replacement should the need arise.
Style
Over the years, manufacturers have developed different styles and types of mouthguards to cater to diverse needs and preferences. The most notable variation is how they fit on the teeth.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are perhaps the most common type available on the market. As their name suggests, these mouthguards require boiling in water first before fitting them into your mouth. Once you place them over your teeth, you bite down for a customized fit. Boil-and-bite models come in different sizes to accommodate adults and children.
Custom-made mouthguards provide an even better fit than boil-and-bite ones as they are designed specifically for your particular dental anatomy by a dentist or orthodontist.
Price
When it comes to purchasing a mouthguard for teeth grinding, many people assume that the only option is to buy one from their dentist’s office. However, there are now many online retailers that offer high-quality mouthguards at a fraction of the cost. In fact, purchasing a mouthguard online is usually more affordable than buying one from your dentist’s office.
While price is certainly an important factor to consider when choosing a mouthguard, durability should also be taken into account. It’s possible that a less durable option will need to be replaced every few months, adding up to a higher total cost over time. On the other hand, more durable models may cost more upfront but will require less frequent replacement and ultimately save you money in the long run. Additionally, some online retailers offer custom-fit options that are just as effective as those sold in dental offices but with added convenience and affordability.
FAQ
Mouthguards are designed to cushion the impact of grinding and protect the teeth from further damage. They work by creating a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing much of the force produced during clenching or grinding.
Night guards are fitted for the upper teeth since they tend to be more prone to wear and tear due to the force exerted by the lower teeth during grinding. Additionally, wearing an upper guard can help reduce strain on the jaw muscles and prevent headaches.
However, there are situations where a lower guard may be more appropriate. These include cases where a patient has missing or damaged upper teeth, as well as those with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders that cause pain in the jaw joint. In these instances, a lower guard can help alleviate discomfort by providing support to the lower jaw.
One of the most effective ways to manage bruxism is by using a mouthguard or night guard prescribed by your dentist. However, despite being an effective solution for many patients, some individuals may still experience pain or other symptoms even after using a mouthguard. This could be due to several reasons such as incorrect fit, poor quality material used in the guard, or underlying dental problems such as gum disease. Therefore, it is essential for anyone who has tried a mouthguard and continues to experience pain or other bruxism symptoms to return to their dentist for further evaluation and treatment options.
Conclusion
Bruxism is a serious condition that can not only affect your sleep quality but also cause significant damage to your dental health. Fortunately, there are effective solutions available in the form of mouth guards for teeth grinding. From custom-fit options to affordable alternatives, the top 5 mouthguards listed above offer a range of choices to suit different budgets and preferences. So don’t let bruxism take a toll on your well-being any longer – invest in a high-quality mouth guard today and protect your teeth from future harm.
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What In This Review
- What Is a Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding?
- Types of mouthguards
- Chomper Labs The Hybrid Night Guard
- Chomper Labs Daytime Ultra Thin Night Guard
- DenTek Professional-Fit Maximum Protection Dental Guard
- Pro Teeth Guard
- Oral-B Nighttime Dental Guard with Scope
- What to Consider When Purchasing a Mouthguard?
- FAQ
- Conclusion