So you grind your teeth at night and your dentist has recommended that you wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth. Do you just get one and hope it’s the right thing?

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You might be wondering how a night mouth guard (often referred to as a night guard) will really help you, or which type of mouth guard is best for you. Well, not to worry – you have come to the right place.

We’re going to tell you all you need to know about night guards and how to choose the best one for you.

(If you are unsure if you grind your teeth at night, check out our post about the signs and symptoms of teeth grinding!)

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What Could Happen to my Teeth if I Don’t Get a Mouth Guard?

Grinding your teeth (often while you sleep), is a condition known as bruxism. It wears down teeth, and without protection can destroy tooth enamel and can chip or crack teeth. Once enamel has been destroyed, it cannot be replaced. Damaged teeth can be costly to fix, not to mention uncomfortable.

In addition, constant clenching of the jaw during sleep can lead to headaches, sore jaw and facial muscles, and even a condition called TMJ disorder which causes chronic pain in the face, jaw, and neck. Because teeth grinding while sleeping is unintentional, the most safe and effective way to ensure teeth are protected is to wear a mouth guard that separates teeth.

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Over the Counter Mouth Guards

Over the counter mouth guards can be purchased at most pharmacies. These mouth guards fully cover the top and/or bottom row of teeth and have many variations.

Some versions come as a boil and bite customization, which means that the mouth guard is not yet formed to specific teeth and is just a plastic u-shaped tray. To form the mouth guard, it has to be placed in boiling water until the plastic become soft and pliable after which it is placed in the mouth and bitten down on so that it molds to the shape of the teeth.

Other variations include mouth guards that do not have to be boiled and instead have a cushioning that molds to teeth with each bite. While both these types of mouth guards are economical, it is recommended that they be replaced every few months as they can wear out quickly. Despite claims of customization, it’s important to remember that over the counter options are not as comfortable or as effective as custom guards.

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Custom Made Mouth Guards

Custom made mouth guards are professionally fitted and crafted by your dentist and therefore address your specific dental needs. These mouth guards are made using a mold of your teeth which is then sent to a laboratory that specializes in creating mouth guards. These types of mouth guards can be made out of a hard durable plastic and are fitted for either the top or bottom row of teeth, depending on which is most comfortable.

Custom made mouth guards last an extremely long time, but do cost several hundred dollars. While these mouth guards are the most expensive and time consuming option, they do offer the best protection that is specific to your needs and concerns, and they will last a lot longer.