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Best Mouthguards for Teeth Grinding: Find Your Perfect Fit
Waking up with a sore jaw or headache can be a sign that you’re grinding your teeth at night — a condition known as bruxism. Currently, there is no cure for bruxism. Left untreated, teeth grinding can cause extensive damage to your teeth, interfere with your sleep, and frustrate your bed partner. Thankfully, using a mouthguard specifically designed for teeth grinding can protect your teeth and help you get the rest you need.
In this guide, we’ll introduce our team’s picks for the best mouthguards for teeth grinding. We go over what features to consider when looking for a mouthguard, share some of the best brands on the market, and address common questions to help you make an informed decision.
Keep in mind that mouthguards can offer significant relief for many, but they don’t work for everyone. We recommend consulting your dentist or healthcare provider to understand the underlying causes of your teeth grinding and discuss the most effective treatment options.
The Best Mouthguard for Teeth Grinding
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Best Overall – Smile Brilliant Night Guard
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Most Comfortable – Pro Teeth Hybrid Night Guard
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Best for Severe Grinding – JS Dental Lab Hard Shield
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Best Value – Chomper Labs
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Best Overall
Smile Brilliant Night Guard
9.5 /10
Test Lab Score
The Smile Brilliant Night Guard is an effective solution to light, moderate, or heavy teeth grinding. You can create a mold at home using a simple boil-and-bite process, then send the mold to Smile Brilliant’s lab for custom fitting.
Price
$159
Style
Custom-fitted
Full Details
The Smile Brilliant Night Guard balances softness and durability. It is crafted with a custom fit for additional comfort. Each mouthguard measures 2mm thick. The material should hold up to heavy grinding for around 3 months of nightly use.
Three package options are available, containing one, two, or four custom-fitted night guards with travel cases. The company recommends you select a package based on your level of grinding, with heavier teeth grinders needing additional mouthguards so that they can replace the one they use more often.
When a customer places their order, they will first receive a free impression kit to take a mold of their teeth at home. The molding process takes around 15 minutes. Then, the customer ships the impression to a lab in a prepaid envelope, and the lab produces a custom mouthguard.
Smile Brilliant saves each impression in a digitalized format, so reordering is a quick and straightforward process. Replacement mouthguards are available at a lower price than the initial purchase. Customers may use funds from HSA or FSA accounts for first-time payments and reorders.
The Smile Brilliant Night Guard comes with a 45-day trial. Customers receive a full refund of the purchase price minus shipping fees if they’re not satisfied.
Most Comfortable
Pro Teeth Hybrid Night Guard
9.3 /10
Test Lab Score
The Pro Teeth Hybrid Night Guard is an effective anti-grinding mouthguard constructed with a soft inner lining and durable exterior. Professional custom fitting adds to the comfortable design.
Price
$169
Style
Custom-fitted
Full Details
The Pro Teeth Guard Hybrid Night Guard is one of the most comfortable models available. A soft inner layer helps ensure a comfortable fit, while the hard outer layer effectively prevents grinding. This guard is a great choice if you have moderate bruxism.
The Hybrid Night Guard measures 2mm thick, and is made from elasticized acrylic that softens in water for easy fit adjustment. Designs for men and women are available. Pro Teeth Guard mouthguards are made by a professional dental lab. The customer orders the night guard online and receives an impression kit in the mail. Once they take their impressions, they send them back in a prepaid return envelope and receive their custom mouthguard.
You can pay for the Hybrid Night Guard with your HSA or FSA card at checkout. The company offers a 110% money-back guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied during the first 60 days, you can return your mouthguard for a full refund of the purchase price plus an extra 10%. Adjustments are also free during the first 60 days. The mouthguard is protected by a 1-year warranty against structural defects.
Best for Severe Grinding
JS Dental Lab Hard Shield
8.8 /10
Test Lab Score
Composed of flexible yet durable thermoplastic with a thick 3mm profile, the JS Dental Lab Hard Shield is a good match for people with severe nighttime bruxism. Unlike many competing mouthguards, you can wear this one if you have dentures or dental implants.
Price
$145
Style
Custom-fitted
Full Details
Most anti-bruxism mouthguards measure between 1mm and 2mm thick, making them suitable for people with light to moderate teeth grinding. Those with more severe symptoms may need a stronger device such as the Extra Durable Guard from JS Dental Labs. Measuring 3mm thick and formed from an FDA-cleared thermoplastic polyester, the guard essentially acts as a shock absorber whenever you grind or clench. While the guard is robust, the material is fairly flexible and shouldn’t feel too rigid.
You can choose from upper or lower trays. Customization is simple and straightforward. After receiving your kit in the mail, you’ll make an impression at home — this process can be completed in a matter of minutes — and send it back to JS Dental Labs. Most people receive their finished mouthguard within 5 business days. The guard is available in clear and turquoise designs. You can wear the guard with dentures or dental implants,
The Extra Durable Guard comes with a 365-night trial period, which is quite generous compared to trials offered by competing brands. Standard shipping costs $1, but JS Dental Labs deducts this charge from your purchase after the trial ends.
Best Value
Chomper Labs
8.7 /10
Test Lab Score
Available in four different designs, the Chomper Labs mouthguard accommodates most people regardless of how severely they grind their teeth at night. Approachable pricing further sweetens the deal for buyers.
Price
$169
Style
Custom-fitted
Full Details
The Chomper Labs Night Guard is custom made to fit the user’s teeth, and four unique selections are available. This allows for greater personalization to better fit the individual’s needs.
The Soft model measures 3mm thick and uses a flexible, rubber-like material. It is designed for moderate clenching or light grinding. Measuring 2.5mm thick, the Hybrid is soft on the inside and hard on the outside to protect against moderate to heavy grinding. The 2mm thick Hard option consists of rigid copolyester material to hold up to heavy to severe grinding. The Retainer also uses a hard material. It measures 1mm to 1.5mm thick and is intended to protect against grinding while preventing the teeth from shifting.
As a full-service dental lab, customers can contact Chomper Labs for additional customization options. Chomper Labs can adjust the thickness or use special materials to accommodate customers.
After a shopper places their order, they’ll receive an impression kit to take a mold of their teeth at home. They then use the included prepaid envelope to send the mold to the lab, which will custom-make the mouthguard and finish it by hand for a more precise fit.
If the customer decides their Chomper Labs mouthguard isn’t right for them during the first 100 days, Chomper Labs will make adjustments or issue a replacement at no charge. If the customer isn’t satisfied after the adjustment or replacement, they can return the product for a full refund within this trial period, minus shipping costs.
Each custom mouthguard also comes with a 6-month warranty. Chomper Labs maintains impressions for two years to simplify reordering.
Best Custom Options
Sporting Smiles Teeth Grinding Night Guard
9.1 /10
Test Lab Score
The Sporting Smiles Teeth Grinding Night Guard is available in six different designs, including “back-cut” models that don’t cover your front teeth. This range of options ensures a solution for those prone to light, moderate, or heavy grinding.
Price
$100
Style
Custom-fitted
Full Details
Since bruxism symptoms vary from person to person, no single mouthguard will accommodate everyone. Sporting Smiles offers 6 individual guards, each with a unique design tailored for different types of grinding and clenching. You can also select your guard based on how hard or soft the material feels, and how much of the guard is visible when your teeth are exposed.
The Super Hard Flexible Guard is Sporting Smiles’ best-selling appliance. Measuring 3mm thick, this guard is best suited to people with severe bruxism and holds up well due to its durable composition. If you are looking for similar strength with less visibility, this guard is also available in a “back-cut” design that doesn’t cover your front teeth. If your main issue is heavy clenching, the Soft Teeth Grinding Guard is also 3mm thick but more flexible.
Another option is the Dual Laminate Guard, which has a hard outer casing and a soft inner tray to help curb heavy grinding. This guard is available in standard and back-cut styles, as well. Lastly, the Hard Grinding Guard has an exceptionally thin 1mm profile and is best suited to people with light bruxism symptoms. This model only covers the bottom half of your teeth, so it’s less visible. No matter which guard you choose, your impression is kept on file whenever you’re ready to replace the device or switch to a new design.
As with other custom-fitted mouthguards, you’ll select between a device for your upper or lower teeth and Sporting Smiles mails you an impression kit. A helpful video on the company’s website guides you through the customization process. Your order includes two impression kits in case the mold isn’t perfect on the first try. Most people receive their finished guard within 15 business days, but you can pay for expedited shipping if needed. All orders come with 30-day warranties, during which you can return the guard for a full refund if you aren’t satisfied.
Best for Light to Moderate Grinding
Sentinel Soft Dental Night Guard
8.9 /10
Test Lab Score
The Sentinel Soft Dental Night Guard is gentle and flexible, making it ideal for people with light to moderate bruxism symptoms. You can also choose from mouthguards for your upper or lower teeth.
Price
$149
Style
Custom-fitted
Full Details
Sentinel’s Soft Dental Night Guard comes in three thicknesses, 1 mm, 2mm, and 3 mm, that cater to people with varying needs for bruxism intervention. The appliance is composed of comfortable, flexible plastic for those who experience light teeth grinding. The night guard does not contain BPA, silicon, latex, or phthalates.
You can choose between a larger and smaller size, and your purchase will include a kit that allows you to create an impression at home, as well as a prepaid shipping label for mailing the completed mold. While you can choose between mouthguards for the upper or lower teeth, you can take impressions of both to ensure a proper fit and contact between your teeth. Sentinel warns that people who wear braces, spacers, and other orthodontic appliances should not use the mouthguard.
The Soft Dental Night Guard is competitively priced for a custom-fitted mouthguard, and you’ll receive a complimentary storage case with your order. All U.S. orders qualify for shipping. Sentinel also offers a 30-day trial period with full refunds for customers who initiate returns. If properly cleaned and cared for, the mouthguard should last up to three years before a replacement is needed.
Best Design for Front Teeth
SmartGuard RX Dental Guard
8.4 /10
Test Lab Score
The SmartGuard RX Dental Guard stands out from the competition with a discreet, low-visibility design that only covers your top two front teeth. Simple boil-and-bite customization at home allows you to mold and remold as needed until the guard fits properly.
Price
$30
Style
Boil-and-bite
Full Details
While a mouthguard for teeth grinding is an important purchase you shouldn’t necessarily skimp on, you can save some money if you don’t want or need a custom-fitted device. The SmartGuard RX Dental Guard is a boil-and-bite mouthpiece made from flexible thermoplastic. You’ll use hot water to soften the material, and cold water to preserve the impression — a detailed instructional video can be found on SmartGuard RX’s website. This process allows you to instantly customize the guard at home, rather than waiting for a lab to prepare and mail it to you.
Unlike other anti-bruxism mouthguards that mold around your upper and lower teeth, the Dental Guard only covers your top two front teeth. This limited coverage may be more comfortable for sleeping. The guard does not contain any latex or BPA, and has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration.
The Dental Guard has been approved for adults 18 or older, but some people should not use the device. These include anyone with braces, dentures, or dental implants, as well as those with loose teeth or medical conditions like TMJ. You should speak to a dentist before using the guard if you have loose fillings or caps, gum disease, or two or more teeth missing.
Each order includes two customizable molds and a storage container. Even with two guards, the cost is significantly lower compared to custom-fitted mouthpieces. SmartGuard RX backs the Dental guard with a 3-year “no-grind-through” guarantee.
Best Overall
Smile Brilliant Night Guard
9.5 /10
Test Lab Score
Most Comfortable
Pro Teeth Hybrid Night Guard
9.3 /10
Test Lab Score
A comfy anti-bruxism mouthguard with soft inner lining to protect your teeth and gums.
See More Details
Best for Severe Grinding
JS Dental Lab Hard Shield
8.8 /10
Test Lab Score
A mouthguard designed with a thick profile to prevent severe nighttime teeth grinding.
See More Details
Best Value
Chomper Labs
8.7 /10
Test Lab Score
An anti-bruxism mouthguard available in various styles to address light, moderate, or severe teeth grinding.
See More Details
Best Custom Options
Sporting Smiles Teeth Grinding Night Guard
9.1 /10
Test Lab Score
A flexible and durable anti-grinding mouthguard available in six different custom-fitted designs.
See More Details
Best for Light to Moderate Grinding
Sentinel Soft Dental Night Guard
8.9 /10
Test Lab Score
A thin, gentle mouthguard intended for people with low-level bruxism symptoms.
See More Details
Best Design for Front Teeth
SmartGuard RX Dental Guard
8.4 /10
Test Lab Score
A budget-friendly anti-bruxism mouthguard that only covers your top two front teeth.
See More Details
Best Mouthguards for Teeth Grinding Video
Watch the video below to get an in-depth review of some of our favorite mouthguards for bruxism.
What to Look for in a Mouthguard for Teeth Grinding
Mouthguards help to prevent teeth grinding by creating a barrier between the teeth. These simple devices can protect teeth from wear and tear caused by clenching and grinding, as well as reduce tension in the jaw muscles.
We’ve created the following guide to walk you through the different types of mouthguards for teeth grinding and help you consider materials, fit, and pricing to find the best one for your teeth.
Mouthguard Types
There are several types of mouthguards to consider, each with its own benefits and potential drawbacks. While the best choice is likely a mouthguard custom-fitted by a dentist, understanding over-the-counter options can help you find the type that will work with your needs and budget.
Mouthguard Type | Description |
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One-size-fits-all | Ready to wear straight from the packaging, these mouthguards are the most cost-effective option. Although they are convenient and inexpensive, their generic fit won’t work for everyone, potentially leading to discomfort and less effective prevention of teeth grinding. |
Boil-and-bite | These mouthguards are typically made from thermoplastics, meaning they can be heated in water and placed in your mouth to form a custom fit. They offer a good balance between customizability and cost, but don’t offer as precise a fit as custom options. |
Mail-in custom | Custom mouthguards offer the highest level of personalization. They involve creating a dental impression at home, which you then mail to a lab to have the mouthguard crafted to fit your teeth. While this option is more expensive than the other two types, it provides protection from teeth grinding second only to a mouthguard fitted by a dentist. |
It’s important to note that other types of mouthguards, like those for sports or snoring, are not effective at preventing teeth grinding. These are designed for different purposes and are not a substitute for seeing a dentist or finding a mouthguard made specifically for teeth grinding.
Fit and Comfort
A mouthguard needs to be well-fitted to ensure comfort and effectiveness. Custom-fit options can be made from dental impressions that can be taken at home or your dentist’s office. Custom mouthguards ensure the best fit by conforming to the unique contours of your teeth and gums.
Some brands give you the choice between mouthguards for your upper or lower teeth. The choice between an upper or lower mouthguard often comes down to personal preferences and what’s effective in eliminating nighttime teeth grinding. When in doubt, talk to your dentist for support in finding the right mouthguard or other treatment approach.
Materials and Durability
Mouthguards are typically made from different types of plastics, like vinyl or acrylic. The choice of material can affect a mouthguard’s comfort and durability. High-quality materials can better withstand nightly grinding without wearing out quickly. Opting for a durable mouthguard not only offers better protection but also proves more cost-effective in the long run.
Many people who grind and clench their teeth find that dual-layer mouthguards, which combine a tough outer layer with a softer inner layer, are comfortable without sacrificing durability. Discussing options with your dentist is the best way to determine the most effective choice for you.
Pricing and Where to Buy
The cost of over-the-counter mouthguards varies widely, typically ranging from $20 for simple over-the-counter options to $200 or more for custom-fit models. Factors influencing the price include the type of mouthguard, the brand, whether it’s custom-made, and policies the company holds, like free shipping or free adjustments. You can purchase mouthguards at retail stores, online, or get them custom fitted from your dentist.
Ease of Cleaning
Whether you choose a one-size-fits-all mouthguard or a custom-fitted design, most are comparable in terms of how easily they are to clean. Clean your mouthguard based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Most often, this entails rinsing it under warm water and brushing it with a toothbrush. Allow it to air-dry completely before storing it in a ventilated container to prevent bacterial growth. Some brands ask that you store your mouthguard in a glass of water.
What Causes Teeth Grinding at Night?
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is when a person clenches their jaw and grinds their teeth against one another. Teeth grinding can occur among adults or children. While it’s more common to grind your teeth during the day, nighttime teeth grinding can be especially problematic because it’s more challenging to stop.
Although dentists can’t always pinpoint the exact cause, grinding can be triggered by stress, medications, smoking, caffeine, and even a person’s genetics. Researchers have found that teeth grinding is more common in people with certain sleep problems, including obstructive sleep apnea and parasomnias like sleep talking and sleepwalking.
Teeth grinding can damage the teeth and increase sensitivity to hot, cold, and sugary foods. Without treatment, grinding can also lead to problems with the jaw. Other symptoms of teeth grinding include:
- Anxiety or depression
- Ear pain
- Headaches
- Eating problems
Symptoms of teeth grinding can make it harder to sleep and the noise from grinding can affect bed partners.
While this guide provides information to help you understand teeth grinding and find the best mouthguards, we’re not offering medical advice or treatment. If you suspect that you may be grinding your teeth at night, it’s important to discuss these concerns with a doctor or dentist.
Data-Driven Results You Can Trust
Our recommendations are based on thorough research, careful consideration, and extensive industry expertise. To find the best mouthguards for teeth grinding, we looked at a wide range of brands and styles. We carefully assessed the pros and cons of each and cross-referenced customer reviews to ensure our evaluations are comprehensive and accurate.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.