How Should a Night Guard Fit? Here’s What to Expect
So you’ve received your new custom night guard. You pop it in and immediately wonder... is this how it’s supposed to feel?
We get this question all the time — and we’re here to clear up the mystery.
A night guard should feel snug, not tight. Secure, not suffocating. Comfortable, but definitely present.
Let’s walk through what’s normal, what’s not, and how to tell if your night guard is fitting the way it should.
✅ A Proper Fit Should Feel Like This:
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Snug but not painful: The guard should gently “click” into place over your teeth and stay put. It should take a little effort to remove — but it shouldn’t require a wrestling match.
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Even pressure: You might feel slight pressure on your teeth, especially in the first few nights. That’s normal — your guard is protecting your teeth by absorbing force.
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Comfortable after a short adjustment period: Most people get used to their guard within 3–5 nights. After that, it should feel like second nature.
🚫 What a Night Guard Shouldn’t Feel Like:
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Painful or pinching: If your guard hurts or creates soreness in your teeth, jaw, or gums, something’s not right.
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So tight it’s difficult to remove: A secure fit is good — but if it feels like your guard is stuck, that’s too much.
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Loose or shifting around: A loose guard won’t offer proper protection and can cause irritation or jaw misalignment.
👅 Common Questions About the “Feel”
“My tongue keeps touching it — is that normal?”
Totally normal at first! Your tongue is curious. Within a few nights, it’ll settle down.
“I feel like I’m drooling more.”
That’s common in the first few days. Your mouth thinks it’s eating — it will stop soon.
“My bite feels a little different in the morning.”
That can happen, especially if you're clenching hard at night. This usually goes away within 30–60 minutes.
🔄 What If It Doesn’t Feel Right?
At Sentinel Mouthguards, we offer adjustments and remakes if needed. If your guard is:
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Too tight
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Causing pain
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Doesn’t feel “just right”
…reach out to us. Send photos or describe what’s happening — we’ll help you troubleshoot or start fresh. Your comfort (and protection!) matters.
📊 Chart
| Category | ✅ Normal Fit & Feel | 🚫 Problem Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Tightness | Snug and secure, “clicks” into place | Painful pressure or difficult to remove |
| Jaw Sensation | Mild pressure, improves over time | Jaw soreness or lingering pain |
| Retention | Stays in during sleep, doesn’t fall out | Slides around or falls out easily |
| Speech/Drool | Slight initial lisp or extra saliva | Can’t speak clearly after several nights |
| Morning Bite | Bite feels slightly different, resolves fast | Bite feels off for hours or worsens over time |
💬 Real Talk From Our Lab:
We’ve worked with thousands of customers, and here’s the truth: the “perfect fit” is different for everyone. Some people love a tighter guard. Others want something barely noticeable. That’s why we custom-make every guard and offer adjustments if needed.
👋 Final Thoughts
A properly fitting night guard should be secure, comfortable, and make you forget you’re even wearing it (once you’ve adjusted). If something feels off, trust your gut — and reach out. We’re real humans who love helping real people protect their smiles.
Not sure if your night guard fits quite right?
Let us help you get the perfect fit — reach out to our team for a free adjustment or expert advice.