Night Guards for Teeth Grinding FAQs

Night Guards

How do I choose the right night guard?

The best night guard depends on the severity of your grinding, your comfort preferences, and your dental history.

• Soft Night Guards are often preferred by light grinders and those seeking maximum comfort.
• Hybrid Night Guards combine a soft inner layer with a durable outer shell and are a popular choice for moderate grinders.
• Hard Night Guards and Durability Night Guards are typically recommended for heavy grinders and strong jaw clenchers.

If you're new to night guards and want a complete overview of materials, thickness options, fit, durability, and common questions, we recommend reading our Comprehensive Guide to Night Guards.

How long do custom night guards typically last?

The lifespan of a night guard depends on the severity of your teeth grinding or clenching, the type of night guard selected, and how well it is cleaned and maintained.

Most custom night guards last between 2–5 years, although heavy grinders may need to replace their guard sooner.

Learn more about the expected lifespan of custom appliances in our article, How Long Do Dental Night Guards Last?

Not sure whether it's time for a replacement? Read When Should You Replace Your Night Guard? to learn the most common signs of wear and damage.

Is there a warranty if my night guard wears down quickly?

Yes. Sentinel Mouthguards warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and are separate from our 100-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.

1-Year Warranty: Hard Night Guard, Hybrid Night Guard, Durability Night Guard

6-Month Warranty: Soft Night Guard

Warranty coverage does not apply to normal wear and tear, accidental damage, pet damage, improper care, or changes in dental anatomy resulting from dental work or orthodontic treatment.

My wisdom teeth are coming in. Will they affect the fit of my night guard?

In most cases, no. Custom night guards generally do not extend all the way back to the wisdom teeth unless specifically requested before fabrication begins.

I have TMJ. Will a night guard help?

A night guard may help protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding and clenching, which can sometimes contribute to TMJ-related symptoms. However, TMJ disorders can have many causes, and some patients may require a specialized appliance or treatment plan prescribed by a dentist or TMJ specialist.

What if my night guard doesn't fit properly?

All Sentinel Mouthguards night guards are backed by our 100-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. If your guard does not fit properly, contact us within 100 days of delivery.

Depending on the situation, we may recommend an adjustment, remake, complimentary replacement impression kit, or exchange for a different guard type.

Many new night guard users wonder how snug their appliance should feel. For guidance, read How Tight Should a Night Guard Be?

Some customers also notice temporary changes in how their bite feels after removing a night guard in the morning. Learn more in Can a Night Guard Move Teeth?

Our goal is to make your appliance fit comfortably and function as intended. If we are unable to resolve a fit-related issue after three attempts, we may issue a refund less the standard $23 impression kit and shipping fee.

No-Show Day Guard FAQs

What is a day guard?

A day guard is a custom dental appliance designed for people who clench their teeth during the day. Unlike traditional night guards, day guards are typically smaller and less noticeable, making them more comfortable to wear while working, driving, exercising, or completing daily activities.

How is a day guard different from a night guard?

Night guards are designed to protect your teeth while you sleep and typically cover all of the teeth on one arch.

The Sentinel Mouthguards No-Show Day Guard features a reduced design that covers only the front teeth, making it less visible and easier to wear during daytime activities.

Can I eat while wearing a day guard?

No. The No-Show Day Guard should be removed before eating, drinking anything other than water, or chewing gum.

Who is a good candidate for a day guard?

A day guard may be a good option if you:

• Clench your teeth during the day
• Experience jaw tension while working
• Catch yourself clenching during stressful situations
• Want a more discreet alternative to a traditional night guard

Does the No-Show Day Guard prevent teeth grinding?

The No-Show Day Guard is designed primarily for daytime clenching. It is not intended to stop clenching or grinding but can help protect your teeth from the damage caused by these habits.

Tongue & Cheek Biting Guard FAQs

What is a tongue and cheek biting guard?

A tongue and cheek biting guard is a custom appliance designed to help reduce accidental biting of the tongue, cheeks, and soft tissues inside the mouth during sleep.

Unlike a traditional night guard, Sentinel Mouthguards' Tongue & Cheek Biting Guard is sold as a matched upper and lower set. Both appliances are designed to be worn together at the same time while sleeping.

By covering both the upper and lower teeth, the guards help create a protective barrier between your teeth and the soft tissues of your mouth, reducing the likelihood of accidental cheek and tongue biting during the night.

Who can benefit from the tongue and cheek biting guards?

These guards may be helpful for people who:

• Frequently bite their cheeks while sleeping
• Wake up with sore areas inside the mouth
• Experience irritation from chronic cheek or tongue biting
• Grind or clench their teeth and accidentally bite soft tissue

Will the tongue and cheek biting guards stop me from grinding my teeth?

Tongue and cheek biting guards are designed primarily to help protect soft tissues inside the mouth. While they provide a cushioning barrier between the teeth and cheeks, they are not intended to function as a traditional night guard for heavy teeth grinding.

Are tongue and cheek biting guards custom made?

Yes. Every Sentinel Mouthguards tongue and cheek biting guard is custom fabricated from an impression of your teeth to provide a comfortable and secure fit.

How thick are the Tongue & Cheek Biting Guards?

Each Tongue & Cheek Biting Guard is approximately 1mm thick, making them thin, lightweight, and comfortable for overnight wear.

Because the appliance is worn as a matching upper and lower set, the slim design helps provide protection for the cheeks and tongue without adding unnecessary bulk.

How long do tongue and cheek biting guards last?

The lifespan of a tongue and cheek biting guard varies based on use, grinding habits, and care. With proper cleaning and storage, many customers enjoy years of use from their appliance.

Retainer FAQs

What is a clear retainer?

A clear retainer is a custom-made dental appliance designed to help maintain the position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment or minor tooth movement.

How is a retainer different from a night guard?

Retainers are designed to help maintain tooth position.

Night guards are designed to help protect teeth from the forces generated by grinding and clenching.

While they may look similar, they serve different purposes and are made from different materials.

Can I order a replacement retainer?

Yes. If we have a current digital scan on file, replacement retainers can often be fabricated without requiring a new impression.

If a current impression or scan is not available, a new impression may be required.

How often should I wear my retainer?

Follow your dentist's or orthodontist's instructions regarding retainer wear. Many patients wear retainers nightly, while others may follow a different schedule recommended by their dental professional.

What should I do if my retainer no longer fits?

A retainer that no longer fits may indicate tooth movement or changes in dental anatomy.

Do not force a retainer onto your teeth. Contact us for guidance on replacement options.

How long do clear retainers last?

The lifespan of a retainer varies based on wear habits, cleaning, and storage. With proper care, many retainers last several years before replacement becomes necessary.

Returns

If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with your custom Sentinel Mouthguards product, you may request a refund within 100 days of receiving your guard.

To qualify for a refund, the returned product must be received by Sentinel Mouthguards. Refunds are issued to the original payment method after the returned product is received.

All refunds are subject to a $23 deduction to cover the cost of the impression kit and shipping.

Exchanges

During your 100-Day Satisfaction Guarantee period, you may choose a different guard type and/or thickness. If there is a price difference, you will either be billed for the remaining amount due or receive a credit if the new guard type is less in value.

Exchanges do not include changing to the opposing teeth arch.

Adjustments

If you're experiencing an issue with your newly received guard, such as tightness or a rough edge, we can typically resolve this by adjusting the guard.

Sentinel Mouthguards covers all fees associated with approved adjustments, including shipping and handling.

Expedited service fee

Our expedited service fee is non-refundable but will be honored for any remake needed. Sentinel Mouthguards is not responsible for shipping delays caused by mail carrier issues.

Sports Guard

What is the difference between a custom sports mouth guard and a store-bought mouth guard?

A custom sports mouth guard is made from an impression of your teeth, allowing it to fit more securely and comfortably than a generic store-bought guard.

How do I take an impression for my custom sports mouth guard?

After placing your order, you may choose between our at-home impression kit or a compatible digital dental scan from your dentist. Customers using our impression kit receive detailed instructions, a prepaid return mailer, and access to our step-by-step video tutorial.

Do you sell stock or boil-and-bite mouth guards?

No. Sentinel Mouthguards specializes exclusively in custom-made mouth guards.

Do you make sports mouth guards for athletes with braces?

Not at this time. The Sentinel Mouthguards impression system is not designed for patients currently wearing braces or other active orthodontic appliances.

How long does it take to receive my custom sports mouth guard?

Once we receive your impression, most sports mouth guards are fabricated and shipped within approximately 3–5 business days.

What thickness options are available?

We offer three levels of protection based on the type of sport you play:

• No Contact: Ideal for running, cycling, yoga, weightlifting, and other non-contact activities.
• Medium Contact: Recommended for basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, and similar activities where incidental contact may occur.
• Full Contact: Designed for football, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, wrestling, rugby, and other high-impact sports.

What material is used to make the sports mouth guards?

Our custom sports mouth guards are fabricated using premium EVA, a durable material commonly used in athletic mouth guards. The material is designed to absorb impact while remaining comfortable to wear.

How should my custom sports mouth guard fit?

A properly made custom sports mouth guard should fit snugly over your teeth without requiring you to bite down to keep it in place.

Do you offer group discounts?

Yes. We offer discounts for teams, schools, leagues, clubs, and other group orders. Contact us for additional information and custom pricing.

Dental Impression Kit FAQs

Is it difficult to take a dental impression at home?

Most customers find the impression process quick and straightforward. Our at-home impression kit includes everything needed to take an accurate dental impression from home, along with detailed instructions and a step-by-step video tutorial.

Each kit includes enough material for an initial impression and a second attempt if needed. Additional impression kits are available for $15 each.

Can I use the impression kit if I have braces, loose teeth, or loose dental work?

No. Our impression system is not designed for patients with braces, loose teeth, loose crowns, loose veneers, loose bridges, or other unstable dental work.

Do you accept dental impressions or digital scans from my dentist?

Yes. We accept both physical dental impressions and compatible digital dental scans from your dentist.

To ensure an accurate fit, impressions and scans should be less than six months old and accurately reflect your current dental anatomy.

Cleaning & Care

How often should I clean my night guard?

Your night guard should be cleaned after each use and before storing it in its protective case.

Regular cleaning helps prevent odor buildup, discoloration, and the accumulation of bacteria and plaque.

If your night guard has developed an odor, read Why Does My Night Guard Smell Bad? and consider using our Ultrasonic Cleaner for deeper cleaning.

Shipping & Delivery

If I place an order today, when can I expect to receive my custom night guard?

Orders are typically shipped within one business day.

If you choose our at-home impression kit, we will send the kit to you promptly along with a prepaid return mailer. Once we receive your completed dental impression or digital scan, most custom appliances are fabricated and shipped within approximately 3–5 business days.

Do you offer expedited service?

Yes. Our expedited service includes Priority Mail Express shipping and expedited laboratory processing.

With expedited service, your appliance receives priority handling in our lab and is typically completed within 2 business days after we receive your impression.