A Complete Guide to Night Guard & Sports Mouth Guard Thickness (2mm–3mm)
Updated for 2026 

Choosing the right mouth guard thickness is one of the most important decisions you’ll make—whether you’re protecting your teeth from nighttime grinding, daytime clenching, or sports impact.

Thickness affects comfort, durability, bite feel, speech, and protection. Too thin, and it may wear out quickly. Too thick, and it can feel bulky or uncomfortable.

At Sentinel Mouthguards, we’ve simplified our thickness options to reflect what actually works best for long-term comfort and protection.

This guide explains:

• Why 2mm is now our standard thickness for most night guards

• When a 3mm durability guard makes sense

• How sports mouth guard thickness works (and why it’s different)

If you’ve been asking yourself “Should I choose a thinner or thicker mouth guard?” — you’re in the right place.

This guide is part of our Complete Guide to Choosing a Custom Night Guard—helping you understand materials, thickness, comfort, and protection so you can choose the right guard with confidence.

⭐ Quick Summary

1. Why Thickness Matters More Than You Think

Mouth guard thickness determines how well your guard:

• Absorbs grinding or impact forces

• Holds up over time

• Feels in your mouth (bulk vs comfort)

• Allows you to speak or breathe easily

Rather than offering “extra thin” options that wear out quickly, we now focus on thicknesses that provide real protection without unnecessary bulk.

2. Night Guards: Why 2mm Is the New Standard

For most people, 2mm is the sweet spot.

It’s thick enough to:

• Absorb grinding pressure

• Protect enamel and restorations

• Last significantly longer than ultra-thin guards

…but still slim enough to:

• Sleep comfortably

• Avoid a bulky or “mouth-full” feeling

• Adapt quickly, even for first-time users

Our 2mm Night Guards Are Available In:

• Soft

• Hard

• Dual-Laminated (soft inside, hard outside)

This thickness works well for light to moderate grinders, nightly wearers, and anyone who wants a balance of comfort and durability.

Why we removed thinner options:
Ultra-thin night guards tend to wear out faster and provide less protection over time. By standardizing at 2mm, we ensure better longevity and real tooth protection for the majority of customers.

2mm Night Guard (Most Popular Choice)

Best for:
✔ Moderate grinding
✔ Nightly wearers
✔ People needing comfort + durability balance

Feels: Slightly thicker, still comfortable for sleep.
Why choose it: Ideal blend of flexibility + strength.
Available in: Hard, Soft, and Dual-Laminated

🟢 Our Dual-Laminated Night Guard (soft inside / hard outside) gives cushion inside + strong exterior for long-term wear.

3mm Night Guard

Best for:
✔ Severe clenching + heavy grinding
✔ Long-term durability needs
✔ Jaw pain or strong bite forces

Feels: Heavier material with maximum protection.
Why choose it: Thickest option = longest lasting.
Ideal for: Chronic bruxers, muscle-tension grinders.

Note:
We do not offer dual-laminated or soft material in 3mm.

3. What About a Mouth Guard for Daytime Wear?

If you clench while working, commuting, driving, focusing, or lifting weights, you likely need something low-visibility, thin, and easy to talk with.

Our No-Show Day Guard — 2mm Thickness

Designed specifically for daytime grinding.

• Nearly invisible

• Comfortable while speaking

• Slim + discreet with strong protection

If you clench during the day, 2mm is the perfect middle-ground thickness.

4. Sports Mouth Guard Thickness

Sports guards require impact-absorption rather than grinding protection. Sentinel offers:

If you play basketball, hockey, MMA, lacrosse, or any sport where facial impact is possible—3mm is strongly recommended.

5. How to Choose the Right Thickness: A Simple Guide

🌙 Night Guard Buyers

🏈 Sports Guard Buyers

Final Takeaway

A thinner guard is easier to wear.
A thicker guard lasts longer and absorbs more force.
Your perfect thickness depends on your grinding intensity, comfort preferences, and when you’ll be wearing it.

So, should you choose a thin or thicker mouth guard?

| Looking for comfort + ease? → Choose 2mm Soft Night Guard
| Need balance + nightly durability? → Choose 2mm Hard or Dual Laminated
| Heavy grinding or contact sports? → Go 3mm