Night Guard Types & Which One to Choose

June 27, 2025 · Ashely Notarmaso

If you grind or clench your teeth at night — a condition called bruxism — a dental night guard can be the simplest, most effective way to protect your smile. These oral appliances act as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing enamel wear, jaw pain, and long-term damage. But not all night guards are the same. From soft EVA guards for light clenching, to hard copolyester guards built for heavy grinders, to dual laminates that balance comfort and durability — plus over-the-counter, boil-and-bite, NTI, and TMJ-specific options — the choices can feel overwhelming.

In this guide, we’ll break down each night guard type, explain who it’s best for, and help you decide which one fits your needs.

👉 This article is part of our [Complete Guide to Custom Night Guards].

Custom Night Guard Types (Most Effective Options)

Soft Night Guard

• Made from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate). Cushioned, flexible, and comfortable.

• Best for: light grinders, first-time users, or those seeking maximum comfort.

• Downside: wears out faster (typically 6 months–2 years).

Hard Night Guard

• Made of copolyester — a rigid, acrylic-like material.

• Best for: heavy grinders, severe bruxism, or TMJ-related symptoms.

• Upside: longest lifespan (2–5+ years).

Dual Laminate Night Guard

• Combines a soft EVA inner layer + hard copolyester outer layer.

• Best for: moderate grinding, where balance of comfort and strength is needed.

• Upside: lasts longer than soft guards, more comfortable than hard guards.

👉 Related: [How Long Do Night Guards Last?]
👉 Related: [TMJ Night Guards: Do They Really Work?]

Over-the-Counter & Specialty Night Guards

Boil-and-Bite Night Guards

• Sold at drugstores or online; softened in hot water, then molded at home.

• Better than stock guards, but less precise than custom.

• Short lifespan, more prone to breakdown, and higher microplastic risk.

Stock / One-Size Night Guards

• Pre-formed, cheapest option.

• Poor fit, uncomfortable, least recommended for effective protection.

NTI Night Guards

• Small guard that covers only front teeth.

• Dentist-prescribed for severe clenching or tension headaches.

• Controversial: can cause bite changes if misused.

TMJ-Specialist Guards

• Custom-made by a TMJ specialist for diagnosed disorders.

• May include ramps or alignment features for jaw repositioning.

• Best for: patients with confirmed TMJ conditions.

👉 External reference: Mayo Clinic on bruxism treatment

How to Choose the Right Night Guard for You

• Mild clenching → soft guard

• Moderate grinding → dual laminate guard

• Heavy grinding / TMJ → hard guard

• Daytime use → thin 1mm lower guard

• Budget-limited → OTC boil-and-bite (short-term only)

Custom vs. OTC Night Guards

FAQs

Are soft or hard night guards better?
It depends on your grinding severity. Soft guards are comfortable and best for mild cases, but wear out faster. Hard guards are stronger, last longer, and best for heavy grinders or TMJ.

Do boil-and-bite night guards work?
They provide short-term protection and are better than stock guards, but they don’t last long and can feel bulky. For long-term safety and comfort, a custom-fit guard is far more effective.

Should I choose an upper or lower night guard?
Both protect teeth equally. Upper guards are most common, while lower guards are slimmer and better for people with a gag reflex or extensive dental work on top teeth.

Final Thoughts

Not all night guards are created equal — and choosing the right type can make all the difference in protecting your teeth and jaw. While OTC guards may help in the short term, custom-fit guards provide the safest, most effective, and most comfortable protection.

💚 Order your custom Sentinel night guard today — made in the USA with FDA-approved materials for protection you can trust.