Category: Night Guards

Why Do Dental Night Guards Vary so Much in Cost?

Store bought “ready to wear” dental night guards cost as little as $20.00. Some dentists are charging upwards of $800. Online, you can purchase a custom made night guard by taking your own dental impression for as little as $99.00. What gives?

Sometimes your dentist can justify the price of what dental night guards cost.

For example, dentists could be making a complex guard for you to treat misalignment of the jaw or sleep apnea.

If your dentist is making you a traditional custom night guard with no bells and whistles, a better option financially, might be to buy a custom night guard online.

Teeth grinding or bruxism is not only painful, but can also be harmful to ones’ dental health. It can result in the fracturing of teeth and eventually tooth loss. In some chronic cases, it could even lead to jaw disorders, such as temporomandibular joint disorder and change the appearance of the face. The worst part is that it usually happens when the person is asleep and unaware.

So why does a night guard cost so much?

If you find yourself in the market for a dental night guard and you’re unsure of which route to take, there is comfort (not to mention savings) in knowing your options.

The good news is, dental night guards were created to counter the effects of bruxism. They do work. Wearing a dental night guard offers excellent protection for the teeth and can alleviate teeth pain, jaw pain, headaches and more!

The night guard is a removable appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth and the jaw from the damage caused by clenching by reducing its hazardous effects.

The question is –why the wide difference in night guard cost? And which is better? The ones made by dentists or the direct night guard labs online? To help individuals in their decision making, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each one.

Dentist-Made Night Guard

Pros of going through your dentist:

1. The primary advantage of choosing to go to your local dentist for your night guard is convenience.

He or she will do all the work for you. During the initial visit, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth and fill out the necessary paper work as your teeth impression is sent to a professional dental laboratory for fabrication.

A return visit is required to fit the fabricated night guard once it has been shipped to your dentist.

2. Fitting adjustments.

If your night guard needs some minor adjustments, it’s more convenient to visit your dentist and have them make them to any areas of concern.

3. Ability to make a more customized type.

Custom dental night guards can become more involved if a person is being treated for TMJ or alignment issues.

If a dentist recommends you wear a night guard with special metal clasps, or ramps, etc., because of TMJ, alignment or other issues; you will not want to go through an online night guard lab. You will need to rely on and trust the expertise of your dentist.

And the not-so-good side of going through a dentist…

1. Price.

The downside is that it could cost you anywhere from $300 up to $1200+.

Many times the dental night guard cost is not covered by your insurance. On the brighter side of things, given that the night guard you purchase from your dentist is made from a mold of your teeth impression, it usually has a snug and comfortable fit compared to over the counter options.

2. No guarantee.

Many dentists (not all – there are some great ones out there) do not offer any sort of money back guarantee. Check with your dentist to see if he/she will refund you if you’re not satisfied.

Most online night guard labs offer full refunds if you’re dissatisfied for any reason.

Custom Dental Night Guards Purchased Online

The Pros:

1. Exactly the same night guard as the one you buy from a dentist (unless your dentist is fashioning a more complicated type to treat sleep apnea, TMJ, misalignment, etc).

Today, consumers have an option of buying custom made night guards online.

Dental guards purchased online have the same quality as the ones you get from a dentist. This is not only because it is custom made, but because the same dental labs where your dentist gets your night guards are the same guys and gals that fabricate the night guards you get directly online.

That was wordy. What we meant to say is: It’s the exact same thing!

2. Price.

The best part is that you could save around $300 to $800 by skipping your dentist’s high fees. Dental night guards online will cost you from $100-$200. Getting the same quality for a lower price is indeed a great benefit. Plus, Sentinel Mouthguards offers free all-inclusive shipping on any product.

3. Money back guarantee and/or satisfaction guarantee.

Finding the right night guard can sometimes feel a lot like the Goldilocks’ dilemma. Too thick. Too thin. Too soft. Too hard. Personal preference varies and what works great for one may not work for another. Again, a reputable night guard lab will work with you to find your perfect night guard match, even after you’ve received your product. This is what 100% satisfaction means!

A few “cons” of going the online route:

1. You are responsible for the outcome of your own dental impression.

Making your own teeth impression from the home kit provided is easy, but requires your focus. You must read the instructions and watch the tutorial video before attempting your dental impression.

Note that reputable dental night guard labs should have no problem sending you a new dental impression kit for free if you don’t get your impression right at first.

2. Any adjustments to your night guard device that may be needed are easier to perform in a dental office when the patient is present and can work with the dentist to reach satisfaction of fit.

However, you can still get adjustments made through an online night guard lab. You should be aware the this will take more time because of the mailing correspondence involved. Also, most reputable online dental night guard sellers will offer money back guarantees to ensure customer satisfaction.

How much does a night guard cost from the dentist?

Dental office night guard cost

Professionally Made Night Guard From Dentists

These are custom dental night guards ordered directly from your dentist.

Usually, the dentist takes a mold of your teeth then sends it to a lab, where your own customized dental night guard is created.

These night guards are very effective at preventing teeth grinding at night as they are custom fitted for your teeth specifically.

They vary in thickness depending on the severity of teeth grinding.

In addition to preventing teeth grinding, custom night guards curb jaw strain and enhance better jaw muscle positioning, preventing long-term teeth grinding and clenching. They are comfortable to wear and can last for a very long time if well taken care of.

However, this is the most expensive option out there, with the price falling in the range of $300 to $1200 depending on the dentist. The dental office price can vary greatly, depending on which state you live in and the particular area within that state (ex: in NYC the price for a night guard averages over $1k.)

So,how much is a mouth guard from the dentist?

This answer depends on where you are located in the world. Generally speaking, a dental night guard from your dentist will cost between $400-$900.

What kind of dental night guards should I buy?

First, what to avoid:
The Sports Mouth Guard
Sports mouth guards are very common; this is because it is mandatory for young children to have them on while playing most sports. They are made of stiff plastic, making them uncomfortable to wear for long hours. Some can be boiled then molded to your teeth, but they tend to be bulky. They are a great option for protecting teeth from impact during sport activities.

Do not wear a sports mouth guard as a dental night guard substitut

They are not as effective as dental night guards because their structure and material causes sleeping and breathing difficulties. In fact, they can worsen bruxism and may cause jaw problems because of their bulky nature and bad fit.

Alternative Night Guard Choices

Over the Counter Dental Night Guard

You do have the option of purchasing a night guard from some convenience stores such as CVS or Walmart. These are made of plastic and most come with some sort of fitting instructions such as boiling the plastic appliance in hot water and then molding to your teeth.

These types are affordable as their price falls in the range of $15 -$30 and can are often labeled as “custom” dental night guards. However, there are looming problems with mass produced “one size fits all” night guards.

Some are made of thick plastic and one may find them rather uncomfortable to wear. Many people complain that the excess material towards the back and up the sides makes it difficult to wear. Others are thin but do not stay in place. Also the plastic material is cheaper. This is not dental grade material designed for enduring the act of teeth grinding and clenching. The cheaper material tends to wear down much quicker.

Professional Night Guard from Online Stores

These are custom dental night guards ordered from online stores. Sentinel Mouthguards is a direct business to consumer specialized laboratory that will send you supplies and instructions to help you take a mold of your teeth.

We then use your mold to create a customized dental night guard. The produced appliances are the same high quality dental night guard as you would get from your own dentist, serving the same service of comfort and protection.

This is a less expensive, yet very reliable alternative to purchasing from your dentist, as the level of quality is the same.

Price falls in the range of $90 to $140, making this a very effective and cheap option to go for.

Basically, dentists are more expensive as you pay them for taking the mold of your teeth; this is the only difference between the two, unless your dentist is making a more complex appliance (such as one for TMJ that sets the jaw into desired position).

Check out our frequently asked questions page for more information on how it works, the Sentinel guarantee (something a dentist very rarely offers) and more!

How much do professional night guards cost from online stores?

With the many options out there, you may be split for choice.

The option of buying “one size fits all” type of mouth guards, may seem as a convenient temporary fix to prevent teeth grinding; however, this may not give you service for a long time.

You can comfortably enjoy the services of a professional dental lab at a fraction of the price by buying from an online store.

This is a convenient option because the mouth guard is custom made to suit your mouth, it saves you money, and it is hassle-free.

There are many online stores out there dealing with selling of mouth guards, ensure you go to a credited source to avoid the risks associated with fraudsters.

In today’s world, most people underestimate the importance of dental care. They fail to understand that oral issues can lead to wide range of disorders affecting different regions of the body. As a result, it is quite essential that you understand what your oral health requirements are.

The cost of a high quality, custom dental night guard might seem too much for some, but in reality, it is a worthy investment.

In conclusion

Healthy strong teeth are vital, not just for proper dental health, but also for comfort and well-being.

If diagnosed with bruxism, don’t worry. Take the preventive measures recommended to ensure the problem does not evolve any further.

Most dentists often suggest expensive custom mouth guards, but by going to an online store, you can save a lot of money while enjoying the same level of comfort and protection.

Why spend $500+? You can save more than half the price by going for online options and having your mouth guards made at the same quality.

Whether you choose night guards made by your dentists or purchase custom made online night guards, we hope that you sleep better knowing that your teeth grinding won’t cause damage to your dental health, and that you purchased the best night guard available today (custom made) to suit your needs.

TMJ Mouth Guard

What should I look for when shopping for a TMJ mouth guard? First, it is important to note the umbrella term that is used to cover all problems relating to TMJ is actually called TMD – or Temporomandibular Disorders. TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint.

“What is TMJ  and do I have it?”

Technically, you would not have TMJ. You would have TMD and you would need a mouth guard to treat your TMJ. But you didn’t come here for a lesson in medical terminology. You’re having jaw pain and you are looking for the best mouth guard for TMJ (Ahem, TMD).

Let’s begin with a lesson in ANATOMY!

TMJ is an important joint. It allows you to eat, talk, sing and yell at your kids! Every time we open or close our mouth, or go side to side, we are using this joint. It is estimated that 6 percent of women and 3 percent of men have TMJ problems.

There are multiple reasons why TMJ disorders can occur.

Causes of TMJ Disruption and Disorders

• teeth grinding, teeth clenching,
• jaw posturing, abnormal occlusion (poor teeth alignment), misaligned bite
• stress, anxiety
• abnormalities of the intra-articular disk
• People who have experienced bone or cartilage loss (arthritis) can often become susceptible to TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder)

A dentist can properly diagnose you by listening and feeling your jaw for clicking and popping.

Signs and Symptoms of TMJD

Clicking in the jaw is extremely common. Most of the time, if it is painless, it’s not a problem. An examination typically involves having you open and close your mouth. The dentist will observe the range of motion in your jaw. They will also feel areas of your jaw by pressing on certain points. A CT scan may also show that you have TMJD by providing detailed images of the bones and joints. An MRI can show disk problems or abnormalities.

During a bruxing session, the teeth can emit forces up to 6x more than normal chewing.

The term “TMJ syndrome” has only been around since 1934.

There is a lot that is unknown about this disorder. There are some great community support groups for TMD online that have real people discussing their real stories and sharing their journey through what can be a very difficult disorder. If you have TMD, think about joining the group and start reading others’ stories. The path to a resolution may be closer than you think.

How long does it take for a mouth guard to work for TMJ? Do I need a TMJ Mouth Guard?

The answer to this depends on the cause of your TMJ.

If your TMJ is being caused by jaw clenching or teeth grinding, a mouth guard may provide immediate relief from jaw and/or teeth pain and facial soreness.

If your TMJ is being prompted by uneven teeth (chewing) surfaces or missing teeth that is causing your bite to be “off” a simple dental procedure may relieve the TMJ.

However, TMJ issues can be more complex and may require more extensive work (even sometimes surgery of the jaw) that involves weeks, sometimes months, before relief is felt.

Some good news!

TMJ issues have been known to go away with time. Some people experience TMJ issues for a brief time in their life and the symptoms simply disappear with time.

TMD is a group of orofacial disorders. Symptoms may include:

• pain in the TMJ
• tooth pain, headaches
• clicking or popping sounds during motion
• sensitive teeth
• possible limitations in range of motion
• possible dysfunction including jaw misalignment

“What types of mouth guards are used to treat TMJ?”

A mouth guard is the most common solution prescribed for TMD.

The purpose of a TMJ splint or mouth guard is to protect the TMJ discs from dysfunctional forces that may lead to inflammation or permanent damage. A TMJ mouth guard can also improve jaw-muscle function and relieve associated pain by creating a stable balanced occlusion.

The difference between types of TMJ splints (night guards):

Occluding and non-occluding splints

An occluding splint focuses on the alignment of both the upper and lower teeth. This type of splint needs to be purchased through the dental office as the occlusion is carefully guided through a series of adjustments.

Non–occluding splints are non-complex appliances. These are sometimes called simple splints.

You can purchase non-occluding splints online at a fraction of the dental office cost. In many cases, a non-occluding splint will work to provide the relief you need and prevent TMJD from worsening. Do not continue to wear a night guard appliance/splint if symptoms get worse or do not improve. A reputable online night guard lab should have a great return policy so that you can return the appliance if it is not working for you.

Sometimes an occluding appliance will have a better result, or if you have alignment issues, you may need a re-positioning appliance. Both of these types must be fabricated through a dental office or a TMJ specialist.

There is little to no argument that a conservative approach (avoiding surgery and trying the splint first) is the best course of action.

Interesting Factoid: TMJ affects more women than men.

How does a mouth guard for TMJ help?

It prevents the teeth from making direct contact with each other.

The disruption in contact forces the teeth to take a much needed break from each other and in turn allows the condyles to sit in a centric position.

It is useful for masticatory muscle pain relief. A TMJ mouth guard is typically fabricated out of hard acrylic or acrylic-like material.

• Relieves TMJ Pain
• Reduces or eliminates TMJ noises such as popping and/or clicking
• Relief from restricted jaw mobility

“What happens if I don’t wear a TMJ mouth guard?”

Problems will persist and can quickly get worse. If the TMJD is being caused by teeth grinding or clenching, you’re going to continue to become more vulnerable to cavities and gum recession

Risk factors of Wearing a Dental Night Guard

It is important to make sure your night guard is fitting well. Most doctors discourage the use of store bought “one size fits all” night guard types.

An improperly fitted night guard can cause changes in the bite that can result in jaw pain.

A night guard that is too tight can cause pressure on the teeth.

Areas of a custom made night guard that protrude or rough edges can irritate the gums and tongue. These can be smoothed down during an adjustment by a technician.

“How can I stop my TMJ?”

To date, there is no known cure for TMJ. Even surgery is not guaranteed to solve the problem.

Check the TMJ discussion boards in the community TMJ forums online to read some real life stories and experiences with jaw surgery for TMJ. In some cases, it has worked beautifully. In other cases, it seems to have not worked at all or has made the situation even worse. Do your research if you’re considering surgery!

Help Yourself First!

It is treatable (manageable). Treatment includes hot and cold paks, sleeping on the side, eating soft food, avoiding chewing gum, decreasing stress, relaxation techniques and wearing a mouth guard nightly.

There is counseling available as well as therapeutic jaw exercises that can be taught. This is a self exercise treatment that can increase mouth opening range and decrease pain.

Keep in mind that physical activities like moving heavy furniture or weight lifting can aggravate TMJ. Be aware of your actions. Are you clenching or grinding your teeth during the day? Try to keep the jaw relaxed.

Therapies

Non-surgical treatment should always be considered first.

Arthroscopy means “to look within the joint”. Small incision instead of large incision. This procedure allows the surgeon to see cartilage and bone. Using small instruments, a video lens and light, the surgeon sees within the jaw joint. Possibly can fix a misalignment issue on the spot (if there is one), has the ability to removes inflamed tissue. Patient can go home same day.

Open Joint Surgery involves a cut in the front of the ear to expose jaw joint. Surgery can last one hour to several hours depending on complexity. This type of surgery can re-position slipped cartilage,  repair injured tissue and replace a joint entirely.

Wearing a mouth guard is a preventative measure. In most cases, you can prevent any further damage by wearing a night guard consistently. It can be a very effective way to manage your TMJD.

Studies and Trials

Temporomandibular implant devices. This surgery is strongly urged as a last resort ONLY. Studies have shown some success but overall have not reduced the pain associated with TMD.

Do you have a TMJ story to share, or just want to say hello? We would love to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected] or chat with us via Livechat 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri Eastern Time.

Feel free to comment below.

Date last reviewed for accuracy and completeness 02/25/20

Is Your Night Guard Causing You Pain? Can a Night Guard Shift Your Teeth?

Let’s first start by determining which type of dental night guard you’re using. Are you wearing a boil and bite or “one size fits all” dental guard that you purchased through a retailer like CVS, Walgreens or Amazon? If so, this could be an issue. Though some do have success wearing these less expensive versions (in comparison to custom made guards) many people feel discomfort and report being unsatisfied with their purchase.

These mass-produced night guards can even lead to greater problems like increased jaw pain and/or soreness. One of the reasons for this is because mouth arches and teeth sizes are so varied. It’s terribly difficult to create a “one size fits all” solution. Can a night guard shift your teeth? Perhaps the use of an ill-fitting hard night guard could shift your teeth if worn continuously – or a more likely story is that your teeth may naturally shift over time.

The verdict is in and most agree that custom made night guards are, hands down, the way to go if you must wear a nighttime dental device. It’s true, they are the best option available in terms of comfort, fit, & durability. If you’re wearing a store bought “one size fits all” dental guard and it’s hurting your teeth at night, you should look into purchasing a custom made night guard. You can get a great quality custom night guard directly from our online dental lab for as low as $99.00 here.

You did the right thing. You got a custom made night guard and you still can’t sleep with it. Now what?

But what if you opted to go through a dentist and paid their prices (which range from $400-$1500) only to be disappointed or in downright pain after usage? If you find yourself thinking “my night guard hurts my teeth”, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. There may be a problem with your night guard. A reputable dentist will work with you to resolve your discomfort issue. You shouldn’t be wearing an ill-fitting night guard for several reasons listed in this article.

Your dentist may have prescribed a night guard because they noticed that you grind or clench your teeth. You may grind your teeth at night, or even catch yourself grinding your teeth during the day. You’ve taken their advice, and wear your night guard faithfully as prescribed.

But within a few days, or maybe over a period of months, you start to notice some changes in your mouth. You’re protecting your teeth against the wear and tear of grinding. But you’re concerned. You’ve noticed some changes in your mouth, so you go back to your dentist with the concern that “my night guard hurts my teeth.”

Why is my night guard causing me pain?

A couple of things to remember:

It may take several nights of consistent use before you adapt to sleeping comfortably with your new guard.
Some light tooth soreness during this time period can be normal.

Night guards should not cause continued pain. When they do, it is often because they are not fitting correctly. Pain may be the only clue that your night guard is not fitting properly.
If you continue to have pain after more than a week of getting your new night guard, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. If you purchased from a direct night guard lab online, you should contact them for a replacement. A reputable dental night guard lab will work with you to get a great fitting (and pain free) dental night guard.

Is your night guard causing irritation on the tongue or gums?

It could have a little rough spots or edges and simply needs to be polished. If you’re handy with a Dremel tool, you may be able to lightly brush those areas with a polishing bur yourself and save a trip to the dentist. Otherwise, your dentist should be happy to fix that for you.

What are the symptoms of an ill-fitting night guard?

Pain is just one possible symptom of an ill-fitting night guard. You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• an ache in your jaw or jaw joint next to your ear (called the TMJ)
• sore spots on your cheeks and tongue
• tenderness in one or more of your teeth
• non-specific facial pain or aching

Why is my night guard not fitting my mouth?

• One common reason can be an inaccurate dental impression that was taken during your initial visit to the dentist – and if you ordered online, you may have distorted your dental impression. A clear cast of your teeth is essential in getting a well-fitting night guard.
• Improper fabrication of your night guard. Your dental device could be made by an inexperienced worker causing an extremely tight fit or possibly one that’s too loose.

Many changes can happen in our mouths without us noticing. These changes may affect the fit of your night guard.

• Pieces of food can lodge between your teeth or on the surface of a tooth. You may be able to remove these with a toothbrush or floss. Plaque can also build up. It may need to be removed by a hygienist. These obstructions can dislodge your night guard.
• A new filling, or even replacing an old filling, can cause night guards to stop fitting. If you only wear your night guard at night, you may forget to tell your dentist. He will need to adjust it to fit the new filling area. Even if the filling is on an “opposing tooth”, a tooth opposite the night guard, it can affect how the guard fits and functions in your mouth.
• Sometimes a chip out of a tooth changes the way it fits against the teeth around it. Even a small chip can be enough to change the way your night guard fits.

What further problems do ill-fitting night guards cause?

• Your teeth may get pushed out of their normal place.
• Your jaw can become misaligned. This can lead to TMJ (temporal mandibular joint) problems.
• Other areas of your mouth may become irritated, such as the inside of your cheeks, the edges of your tongue, and your gums.

The important message is to take mouth pain and discomfort seriously. Sentinel Mouthguard Co. recognizes that all night guards are not created equal and that individual preference plays a huge role in finding a night guard that is comfortable. We provide a continuous service, even after your night guard is delivered, to ensure that you are 100% happy with the fit and comfort of your new guard.

This article goes in-depth to cover all night guard related topics. This includes types of night guards, costs, causes and concerns of bruxism, TMJ, wear instructions and proper routine cleaning.

The best mouth guard for teeth grinding and teeth clenching is a custom made night guard.

Why is a professional custom-made mouth guard for teeth grinding the preferred choice to help relieve symptoms of bruxism?

First! Let’s get clear on what bruxism is.

“What is Bruxism?”

Bruxism is excessive grinding of the teeth and/or excessive clenching of the jaw.

It is an oral parafunctional activity. This means, it is NOT an activity related to normal function such as eating or talking.

The need to find a mouth guard for grinding teeth is usually the result of teeth grinding and jaw clenching, also known as bruxism.

Bruxism is a super common problem. Reports of prevalence range from 8–31% in the general population.

Note* Sleep bruxism can be definitively diagnosed in a sleep laboratory by means of a costly test called polysomnographic recordings.

The Dental Night Guard for Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching

The custom dental night guard – also referred to as the occlusal guard, night guard, nocturnal bite plate, dental guard, night/mouth guard for teeth grinding, and “bite splint” – is an exact, custom-fit mouth guard for teeth grinding, made by taking dental impressions of your teeth.

Wearing a custom night guard protects the teeth from excessive wear and can relieve pain & discomfort in the teeth/jaw area(s).

A stone replica of your exact dental anatomy is then made from your impression. The difference between a custom made dental guard and a stock-type guard that you would buy over-the-counter is quite significant.

Stock Night Guard vs. Custom Made

The main problem with the “one size fits all” type is that mouths (in general) are not one size.

Ex: Men typically have bigger mouths than women.

A teenager vs an adult is going to be a completely different size. The arch of teeth can vary greatly from person to person.

Disappointment usually follows when you buy an over-the-counter type (even the boil & bite guards)

Store bought night guards are affordable but come with a slew of potential problems. The most common complaints include being “too bulky”, “uncomfortable to sleep in”, “falls out during the night”, wears down too quickly, etc.

“Do I really have to wear a night guard if I grind my teeth?”

If you are grinding/clenching your teeth night after night, you really do need to be wearing a night guard.

Your best bet is to get professionally fitted and have a custom night guard made from either a dental lab online or your local dental office.

If cost is an issue, you can go through an online night guard lab. By going this route, you can order directly through the night guard company.

“How does purchasing online work?”

After placing your order, the lab will ship out a do-it-yourself impression kit This impression kit consists of mixing putty and a plastic tray.

You take your own dental impression and mail it back to the company. Your custom night guard will be processed and shipped to you. Cost varies from company to company, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $100-$200 for a custom night guard for grinding teeth.

Be sure to choose an online lab that will work with you to make sure that you end up with the right guard.

Here at Sentinel Mouth Guards, we make sure you are completely satisfied with your purchase – or your money back! The Sentinel warranty and return policy is unlike any other.

We stand by our products and will always work with you to your absolute satisfaction. This means that if you are dissatisfied with your product for any reason, you can either contact Sentinel within 90 days for a full refund, or opt to continue working with us until you get a great fitting guard. Our commitment to you is 100% satisfaction.

Choosing to purchase through your local dental office will cost quite a bit more. Dental office prices GREATLY vary (average price can be from $400-$1200).

Finding the Type of Mouth Guard For Teeth Grinding and Clenching That Is Right For You

When you start to shop for a custom night guard, you may become confused about which one to choose.

How do you know if you need a hard type or a soft type? What exactly is a dual-laminated night guard? What if you grind your teeth during the day? Do you need to be wearing a day-time guard as well? And most importantly, will any of these guards be comfortable enough during sleep?

These are all important questions. We’ve noticed that people are searching the web for answers quite frequently but the information that is being put out there is often times conflicting and vague.

“So how do you know if you need a hard night guard, a soft one or the dual laminate type?“

Here’s the not-so-great news. Even dentists can’t all agree on which mouth guard for grinding teeth is better. A dentist can look at your teeth and tell you if you’re doing short or long term damage to your teeth.

Instinctively, you may also know if you’re doing some serious damage to your teeth. If you wake up every day (for instance) with mouth/jaw/teeth soreness and a headache, you should look into purchasing a night guard.

But wait! There is good news!

The good news is, any type of properly fitted, custom made night guard will protect your teeth from direct tooth on tooth contact, preventing teeth damage and effects that are associated with teeth grinding and/or jaw clenching (such as headaches, jaw pain, facial pain).

Tune into your body and evaluate your own teeth grinding habits. Are you in a lot of pain night after night? Is the pain in your teeth or jaw? Both? Are you cracking your teeth?

A thin 1mm night guard is a perfect discreet solution for daytime use.

Make a guided choice based on what you know about your own particular situation. Establishing what type of teeth grinder/jaw clencher you are (heavy, moderate or light) is a step in the right direction.

Let’s begin!

Different types of custom night guards

Sentinel Soft Night Guard

The Sentinel Soft Dental Night Guard Review

If you grind your teeth, you may be all too familiar with waking up in the morning with painful jaws and a headache.  So far, nothing protects your teeth more than a custom mouth guard. The mouth guard for teeth grinding is not like the typical sports mouth guard; rather it is a dental night guard. Among the available dental guards on the market, the soft night guard still stands as the most common type used.

A Soft Dental Mouth Guard for Grinding Teeth?

Types and features of soft dental night guard

There are two main types of the soft dental night guard. You have the over-the-counter (store bought) and the custom-made night guard.

Custom vs. store bought

The custom made night guard is a special guard that is professionally modified to fit the dental structure of the patient. This one will ensure that the teeth do not grind and that you sleep comfortably without any pain. The custom made guards are quite comfortable. They also help prevent the soreness, headaches, and jaw pain.

The store-bought night guards are manufactured in bulk to fit every type of person. Because these are mass-produced, they may not be as comfortable as the custom made. Most of the one size fits all guards have a default size and fit. Also, the material used is a lesser quality than the custom made dental night guards and wears down much quicker.

Pros and cons of the soft night guard

The Pros
The soft night guard tends to be the most comfortable. Even if you try grinding your teeth while you have the guard on, there is no way your teeth will be damaged. The custom made soft guards are designed to fit the exact structure of the teeth and are totally flexible. Compared to the hard and dual laminated guards, these tend to be more adaptable and easier to get used to.

The Cons
Though the soft dental guards are comfortable in the mouth, some people may innately want to clench or grind on the soft material. One study has shown that some of the patients using the soft dental guards will attempt to chew the guard and also may grind their teeth more often. Another negative is that the soft dental guard has a limited lifespan. Most of the companies (including Sentinel Mouth Guards) that develop the soft night guard will terminate their warranty after six months. The other types of dental guards are more stable and they can last for a longer time than the soft dental guards.

What are dentists saying about the soft night guard?
Regardless of the few flaws of the soft dental night guard, they are the most common type of guards on the market.

These night guards are recommended by many dentists due to their easy adaptability and high customer satisfaction rate. Dentists highly advise patients to go for the custom-made guards, so keep in mind that a soft custom-made night guard is still far superior to store-bought “one size fits all” guards.

Choosing a professionally custom made night guard helps to enhance the comfort and limit the grinding. The guard also feels more comfortable than over-the-counter guards.

The soft dental night guard is an excellent choice if you have teeth grinding or clenching issues when sleeping.

Key points about the soft guard

• Still the most common type produced in dental offices
• High customer satisfaction rate
• Many customers believe the soft guard to be the most comfortable
• This soft type has generally been the most common style of night guard produced in dental offices, but recent research has indicated that the soft material may actually encourage grinding or clenching by up to 50%. The cases that have been reported/studied show that this new revelation is more prevalent with the thicker stock or boil & bite guards (such as when a person buys an over-the-counter mouthguard and tries to conform it to their teeth). You should be aware of this risk when deciding on which guard to choose.
• The professionally made custom soft guards are small & comfortable but may wear down a bit quicker than the dual-laminated and hard acrylic guards (depending on the degree of your grinding or clenching habits).
• Sentinel Mouth Guard Co. offers a 6 month replacement warranty on this guard type in the event that you grind through your guard or it becomes defective.

Sentinel Hard Night Guard

The Sentinel Hard Dental Night Guard Review

The hard acrylic-like night guard is small & low profile, yet very durable.

It is generally recommended for moderate to extreme grinders/clenchers or persons suffering from TMJ.

Be aware that teeth may shift overtime. A hard, non flexible dental guard does not allow much “wiggle room” for ANY changes to the teeth.Keep this in mind when making your decision.

If you plan on having work done in the future that could change your dental anatomy (new crown, bridge, bonding, implants, veneers, even cavities being filled could alter your anatomy enough to change how your night guard fits) consider getting a night guard made for the opposing arch or choose a different (more adaptable) type.

In addition to wearing a hard night guard, you may need to seek additional treatment (if suffering from TMJ). In some cases, a special type of night guard that could involve ramps and/or metal clasps may need to be made by your dentist/TMJ specialist.

If you’re experiencing alignment issues or if you know you suffer from TMJ please consult with a dentist before ordering a night guard online.

Sentinel Mouthguards offers a 1 year replacement warranty on this guard type in the event that you grind through your guard or it becomes defective.

Hard night guard key points

• non-flexible
• durable
• not bulky, snaps into place
• can prevent teeth from shifting if worn consistently
• Sentinel Mouth Guard Co. offers a 1-year replacement warranty on this guard type in the event that you grind through your guard or it becomes defective

Sentinel Dual-Laminated Night Guard

The Sentinel Dual Laminated Dental Night Guard Review

This guard type is relatively new on the scene. It combines two layers of material (a soft inside and a hard acrylic outside).

It is a wee bit thicker than the hard acrylic guard. This nighttime guard can handle heavy jaw clenching/teeth grinding.

The soft plastic is comfortable against the teeth and the hard outside acts as a protective shell. Customer feedback has given us some insight into the preference of the general public.

We have found that most people are extremely happy with the fit of the dual laminated night guard.

Sentinel Mouth Guards Co. offers a 1-year replacement warranty on this guard type in the event that you grind through your guard or it becomes defective.

Pro tip: Sentinel Mouthguards. guarantees 100% satisfaction. If you choose a guard and you’re not happy with it, we will make you a different type, free of charge or your money back (within 90 days of purchase)

Dual Laminated Night Guard Key Points

• Semi-flexible appliance
• Rates #1 in overall customer satisfaction, comfort and durability
• Sentinel Mouth Guard Co. offers a 1 year replacement warranty on this guard type in the event that you grind through your guard or it becomes defective
• Must keep this appliance dry between uses, as layers can separate if soaked in overnight cleaning solution or left with water sitting in the teeth compartments

When deciding on an upper or lower guard, there may be some obvious factors that will dictate your decision.

For instance, if you’re missing teeth on either the upper or lower set, you will want to choose the set that has more. Or if you know you’re grinding your teeth, and you need to get a night guard quickly, but you have some upcoming dental work on your upper teeth that may change your dental anatomy, you will want to go with the lower teeth (or vice versa).

Same thing goes for loose teeth, or loose crowns/bridge work, etc- You will want to choose an opposing guard and avoid the potential to loosen that dental work with the continuous use of a tight fitting night guard.

Now, if you have all of your nice solid teeth on both the upper and lower side of your mouth and no plans for upcoming dental work, it really just comes down to preference.

The upper guard has been the “go to” choice for many but if you think a lower guard would feel more comfortable then go for it (unless your dentist has recommended a certain arch for a specific reason).

Many customers say that they prefer the lower mouth guard for grinding teeth over the upper as it tends to be smaller and less obtrusive.

NOTE: Tongue thrusters may be inclined to lift the edge of a lower night guard with the tongue (something to consider).

“Are Night Guards BPA Free? Latex Free? What Are Night Guards Made Of?“

Most night guards are made from EVA material (Ethylene-vinyl acetate (also known as EVA) is the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate). The material is BPA free and latex free & is not considered hazardous or toxic by OSHA per 29 CFR 1910.

Ask your dentist or night guard lab to supply information regarding the materials used in the fabrication of your sleep device.

Sentinel Mouth Guards are made with ProForm materials.

All material used is BPA free and latex free & is not considered hazardous or toxic by OSHA per 29 CFR 1910.

“How do I clean my night guard?”

• Daily care of your night guard is very important for sanitary reasons and to get the most life out of your guard.
• The night guard should be cleaned with a soft toothbrush and a mild soap. It should be noted that some dentists recommend toothpaste as a cleaner. Keep in mind some toothpastes are too harsh and if not rinsed thoroughly can leave a white residue in the crevices of the guard. Dry the guard thoroughly and store in its breathable retainer case. Get in the routine of cleaning daily to prevent bacteria and discoloration.
• For a deep clean, feel free to soak your night guard in a denture cleaning solution no more than 3 times per month and no more than the recommended time on packaging. This deep clean will keep the guard clear and like new.

Why am I Biting My Tongue In Sleep?

Tongue biting is a common problem.

Complaints of ‘biting tongue in sleep’ or ‘biting my cheek’ while sleeping are all too familiar to dentists and can be downright irritating and painful.

The damage done to the tongue or cheek can be quite distressing and even visible. People who bite their tongue while sleeping commonly bite it on the sides or on its tip.

Tenderness, bleeding and incessant throbbing are uncomfortable symptoms but good news! It can be relieved.

You’re not alone, and there IS a solution.

Severe tongue biting problems can lead to tongue scalloping, soreness and ulcers. Tongue biting can also cause pain while speaking and eating. This can begin at any stage in life.

What causes biting my tongue in sleep? Why does my tongue hurt?

“I bite my tongue in my sleep. Why?”

There are a number of causes for tongue biting while asleep. One common cause is when your tongue is bigger than it should be. In this case, it is a frequent occurrence to accidentally bite it while eating or talking.
Other causes include; rhythmic disorder, nocturnal seizures and sleep bruxism. All these lead to involuntary tongue biting.

Let us look at each one of them briefly.

• Nocturnal seizures (nighttime seizures)

  Having seizures during the night can induce biting the tongue. If a person has chronic seizures they are likely to experience biting on parts of the tongue, especially the edges. A seizure is a is a state in which a person has lost consciousness, jerking movements are seen and the muscles stiffen. Some seizures however might be calm and therefore harder to be noted. Tongue biting is listed as a common symptom in people suffering from seizures.

  People suffering from nocturnal seizures may not have any other symptom during the day, making it hard to determine the cause of the tongue injuries. However, the condition can be diagnosed by observing brainwaves. Prescription medication is the primary treatment for this condition. Once taken, the biting stops.

• Rhythmic movement disorder

  The second potential reason for biting your tongue while sleeping is rhythmic movement disorder. Rhythmic movement disorder involves banging of the head, truck movements and rocking and rolling.

  Mostly common in children, it does not always result in injuries, but when severe, it can lead to tongue injuries. It involves repeated movements of the head and neck. The movements are involuntary and usually occur before and during sleep. They can last about 15 minutes. The victim can suffer from various injuries tongue biting included. In serious but rare cases, brain and eye damage can occur.

  The movements usually go unnoticed by the sufferer since they do not cause much pain. They only come to know about the problem after noticing the injuries on their tongue or other parts of the body. In many cases, the seizures stop as the child grows up, so medical treatment may not be necessary. In adults, controlled sleep restrictions or medical drugs may be used to treat the condition.

• Teeth grinding or bruxism

  Bruxism is another cause of tongue biting during sleep. In most cases, it is accompanied by other sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea which causes breathing pauses. Snoring is also a common problem that can accompany teeth grinding. People with the habit of grinding their teeth while sleeping may accidentally bite their tongue.

 

• Sleep Apnea

  This is a condition where you experience shallow breath or frequent pauses while breathing. The tongue relaxes and can slip between the teeth, resulting in tongue injury. Doctors can prescribe treatment for sleep apnea which can stop this form of tongue biting.

• Lyme Disease

  This disease negatively affects the brain and nervous system. Incorrect or misfired brain signals are sent to the muscles and nerves causing involuntary movements during sleep that can cause you to bite your tongue.

• Drug Use such as MDMA (ecstasy)

  MDMA, or ecstasy; a synthetic, psychoactive drug that acts as a stimulant and increases energy and pleasure. Many people have damaged their tongue, gums and cheeks from taking MDMA.

  The drug can increase anxiety and the tongue biting can even feel pleasurable while on drugs. However the damage can be troublesome.

• Effect of Medication

  Prescribed medications like antidepressants may have negative reactions or side effects and causes tongue biting during sleep. A change in medication could prevent this.

• Ill-fitting Dentures

  Dentures that are not fitted properly can cause you to bite your tongue while sleeping.

Other causes of tongue biting include Lyme disease, swollen tongue ulcers, tobacco chewing and side effects of some medications.

More on Nighttime Tongue Biting

Nighttime tongue biting is a condition that has disturbed many people, leaving them frustrated and seeking answers. Everyone has bitten their tongue at one point or another but this is mostly accidental and happens mostly when eating or talking. It can happen occasionally while sleeping but this is normal. Some causes include having a disproportionately large tongue or having a set of misaligned teeth. Nighttime tongue biting becomes a problem when it is a habit.

How common is it?

Millions of people around the world suffer from tongue biting at night.

Some people are not aware of it yet since it can be hard to determine the problem, especially when it is not as a result of an underlying illness. It may take time before the problem is detected. To determine approximately how many people suffer from nighttime tongue biting, we could look at the number of people suffering from bruxism, epilepsy and sleep apnea.

One in five people suffer from excessive teeth grinding.

Millions of people suffer from epilepsy with over 2 million in the United States. Sleep apnea afflicts more than 20 million in the United States with millions more found all over the world. If all these people suffer from excessive tongue biting frequently then there are likely millions of people experiencing nighttime tongue biting.

Damages Caused by Tongue Biting

1. In frequent cases of tongue biting, the lateral sides of the tongue are affected and you develop a condition known as Morsication lingarum which only affects the tongue’s lateral sides.
2. Bleeding may occur when the biting is frequent and cuts into the tongue
3. Tongue ulcers can form as a result of tongue biting. They usually heal within 10 days
4. Your tongue may be sore after frequent biting thus making you uncomfortable

All these may make it hard for you to eat certain types of foods, especially spicy ones. Speaking may become difficult and chewing food may be difficult.

Prevent Damage from Tongue Biting

While biting cannot be controlled there are measures you can take to prevent damage.

One of the most effective prevention methods is to wear a soft, thin custom-made night guard on both the lower and upper teeth.

Over-the-counter night mouth guards will not fit perfectly and can cause further oral damage. You can visit your dentist to take dental impressions, create a mold, and then send it to a dental lab for a mouth guard tailored specifically for you. But that is the most expensive route. For a more affordable alternative, purchase online.

Treating Tongue Damage
If you have experienced any damage resulting from tongue biting, there are steps you can take to heal the tongue and prevent further damage.

These methods include:

1. Using salt solution
   This helps kill bacteria and aids the tongue in the healing process. The solution should be warm with small amounts of salt. Hot water will increase pain and discomfort in the tongue.
2. Using Ice cubes
   They help to reduce swelling and also numb nerves on the tongue to reduce pain and soreness
3. Avoiding spicy foods until the tongue heals.
4. PREVENTING FURTHER DAMAGE; Wear soft dental night guards on both your upper and lower teeth. Choose thin, 1mm guards so that they are unobtrusive and easy to sleep with. You will want custom-fitted guards for the most comfort.

Preventing tongue biting in sleep

The best way to prevent tongue biting problems is by treating the cause or knowing how to avoid it. The following are treatments used for different causes.

Treatment for rhythmic disorder.

Cognitive behavior therapy is recommended for people suffering from sleep apnea. Rhythmic movements are usually associated with children and can disappear as the child grows older. This might not require pharmacological treatment.

Treatment for seizures.

If your nighttime tongue biting is caused by seizures, the normal course of treatment by a doctor should be followed. If treated successfully, it will prevent tongue-biting.

There are several medications for tonic-clonic seizures. Going for a vagus nerve stimulation device may also reduce the chances of seizure occurrence.

Treatment for bruxism.

Bruxism requires you to treat the underlying cause. Cognitive behavior therapy is recommended. It helps in dealing with anxiety and stress which are major causes of bruxism. Ensuring that your mind is relaxed before going to bed can greatly reduce the chances of bruxism.

Protecting your tongue during sleep using a night mouth guard. 

Regardless of the causes there are ways you can protect your tongue from more damage by using mouth guards. These are plastic mouth appliances made to fit over the teeth. They are meant to reduce the damage effect of the teeth to the tongue, should it be caught between them.

The mouth guards are also referred to as night dental guards. Wearing dental guards is the best way to prevent damage to the tongue. There are several types of Mouth guards:

Standard and Boil & Bite athletic mouth guards (Completely different from dental night guards)

These are the mouth guards used by persons who play sports. They are made from tough plastic and they either can’t be adjusted at all, or they conform to the shape of your mouth by using hot water and manual manipulation. They are available in most sports stores and are NOT recommended for wearing at night.

Standard dental night guards

These are one size fits all, mass-produced night guards designed for nighttime use. They are largely seen as too bulky, ineffective and uncomfortable, though they are affordable.

Boil & Bite mouth guards

These are made from a special kind of plastic that allows you to semi custom-fit them. They’re softened by hot water and then adjusted to fit your mouth. They are available in most CVS or Walgreens stores.

Custom-fitted mouth guards

These are made in a dental lab to fit your mouth. The dentist takes an impression of your teeth and then creates a model. The model is then sent to a lab that makes a custom guard according to that model. You can also order one online and take your own dental impression in the convenience of your own home. Your dental impression is sent to the Sentinel dental lab using our convenient mail-order system.

It is always best to consult a dentist before buying a night guard. They will help determine the best mouth guard for you, especially if your tongue biting is caused by seizure disorder.

Upper or lower dental night guard? Which one do I choose?

Many people grind or clench their teeth at night during sleep. This is a condition known as nocturnal bruxism. Over time, bruxism can lead to the wearing away of the teeth enamel, as well as a host of other problems such as cracked teeth or jaw pain. After the enamel is worn, this also opens up the opportunity for cavities to form in the teeth.

Although nocturnal bruxism typically can’t be “cured”, there is an easy solution for those who grind or clench at night in the form of wearing an upper or lower dental night guard. While there are some dental night guards that can be purchased from commercial, big box stores, a bruxer’s best bet is to have one custom made, by your dentist or an online dental night guard lab. This ensures a proper, effective fit that provides comfort and prevents slipping.

The dental night guard acts as a cushioned barrier between the upper and lower teeth, so that while your jaw may still, in fact, be going through the motions of grinding or clenching, the teeth are not making contact with each other which prevents further damage to them.

Wearing a night guard does not CURE teeth grinding.

Yet it effectively saves your teeth from physical harm and can save a person thousands of dollars in dental repair bills. It can also relieve uncomfortable pain that stems from the act of grinding the teeth and clenching the jaw.

“Should I Buy an Upper Or Lower Dental Night Guard?”

Dental night guards can be made for either the upper teeth or the lower teeth, but usually not both.

Many people wish to know “what is the difference between an upper or lower night guard?”. They also wish to know if one type of guard is better than the other – and which they should choose.

For common cases of bruxism, most find that either one will provide the same results. The upper dental night guard is still the most common type made, but this may simply be due to a slow progression towards the acceptance & use of lower night guards within the industry. In other words, it may be that, because the dental night guard was originally made for the upper teeth, dentists/lab technicians are still commonly fabricating the upper teeth guard out of habit or preference for no substantiated reason. Though you will always find varying opinions such as dentists who favor lower guards for their patients who grind their teeth.

Most people will first learn of their bruxing disorder through their dentist, so naturally, they make a follow-up appointment in order to have impressions made for a custom dental night guard.

An alternative and cost-effective option for creating a great fitting custom night guard is to contact us here at Sentinel Mouthguards.

We will mail out a dental impression kit for you to take your own impressions at home, then, you mail the impressions back to our lab and we’ll have the custom guard made for you. We provide you with a cost-saving solution, without ever having to leave your home! More about this can be found on our FAQs page.

Either way, a custom-made guard provides you with a much better fit than one of the boil and bite versions you might buy from your local pharmacy or retail outlet.

Most mouth guards are made from materials such as acetate, rubber, acrylic, or vinyl. You should check to make sure your night guard is BPA, Silicon, and Latex free.

When either an upper or lower dental night guard fits properly, the wearer should not experience slipping or moving of the guard. They also should not be able to “spit” the guard out during sleep. The guard should be comfortable and mold itself to the form of your teeth, while keeping the teeth in place. This is another reason why an upper or lower dental night guard made by a dental professional or lab is far superior to those found in stores.

Sentinel Mouthguards are made from BPA, Silicon & Latex FREE material.

EVA (Ethylene – Vinyl Copolymer) is the material used for the Sentinel Soft Dental Night Guard. This product contains no HAPs or ODS & does not contain any chemicals listed under the U.S. Clean Water Act Priority Pollutant and Hazardous Substance List. This product is not considered to be hazardous under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and is regulated under Section 311-312 (40 CFR 370). It is safe to use in the mouth on a nightly basis and will not irritate the oral area or skin.

The Sentinel Hard Dental Night Guard is made of a copolyester material. Prolonged contact is non-irritating to the oral cavity or skin. This product also neither contains HAPs or ODS, nor any chemicals listed under the U. S. Clean Water Act Priority Pollutant and Hazardous Substance List and is not considered to be hazardous under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.

Finally, the Sentinel Dual-Laminated Night Guard is a combination of both materials stated above and meets all likewise requirements.

Taking your dental impression on the upper teeth and lower teeth

If you opt for a lower dental impression, you’ll notice that the impression tray will look slightly different from an upper teeth impression tray. The lower tray has a “cut out” for your tongue. Follow the instructions exactly as written and you will be sure to get a great impression no matter which teeth arch you choose – ensuring that your upper or lower dental night guard fits like a glove.

What are the dentists saying?

Here are some varying opinions from dentists on whether to choose an upper or lower night guard:

“Both upper or lower dental night guards serve the same function. They provide a gliding surface for teeth to rub against rather than a direct impact on teeth to teeth. If someone has a gag reflex, we may recommend a lower night guard .”  –Mark Bishara, DDS

“After 21 years of making these occlusal guards, I find that lower appliances are better tolerated and provide a significantly better therapeutic effect. 24 hours is all that is necessary to get used to it. The tongue adapts beautifully.” –Marc G. Rothman, DMD

“The design of your dental night guard is dependent on several factors, which might include your bite, the affect on speech or airway, your tolerance for having an appliance in your mouth, or even the preference of your dentist; just to name a few. There is no “right way” that applies to every situation. What is most important is that it fits, is used, and protects your teeth and jaw joint from the destructive forces that can accompany the harmful habits of unconscious grinding. For long term use, the night guard should also cover all the teeth. This kind of design prevents shifting of your teeth and changes to your bite.”  –Jonathan F. Richards, DDS

Reference Source: Doctorbase.com

The Bottom Line
Consult your dentist as to whether they feel your individual case would benefit most from an upper or lower night guard. In most cases, it’s simply a matter of getting a well fitting guard that does its job of keeping the upper and lower jaw from coming into contact with each other.

It is well known that a smile is an important asset in life, yet it is often taken for granted. Whether you flaunt your all-natural teeth when you smile, or have cosmetically enhanced your teeth in one way or the other, a dental night guard may be the solution you need to protect your teeth.

A dental night guard is a device that is normally considered to be the first-line treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism). Often known as an occlusal splint, the dental night guard might cover just one row of teeth, or both rows depending on one’s requirements.

Generally, a night guard is recommended to be worn on one tooth arch only (not both). The best night guard type is custom fitted to help reduce the clenching and grinding during the night. It is worn at night (and sometimes during the day) to prevent potential tooth damage caused by the grinding or clenching.

The action of grinding or clenching teeth at night is considered a sleep disorder. The effects of stress, one’s irregular bite, medications, stimulants, or other issues may be the cause.

Wearing a night guard will significantly reduce the effects of continuous grinding & clenching by creating a barrier between the chewing surfaces of the teeth, preventing direct tooth on tooth contact.

Ordering a Night Guard Online

First, decide which night guard type is right for you. One common question we’re asked is which thickness to choose.

The 2mm thickness is the most common choice. Just to give you a reference point, 2mm is about the same thickness as a nickle.

If you’re a heavy grinder, you may need a more durable 3mm night guard (available in soft only).

The 1mm guard is very thin and typically recommended for daytime use. Remember, any of our guards will serve the function of protecting your teeth from the damages associated with teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

Once your order has been placed, you will receive a do-it-yourself dental impression kit. This kit contains two plastic trays of different sizes (choose which fits best for you), blue and white putty paks, instructions, and a prepaid return mailer.

Taking your dental impression is easy. Check out our “how to” video for simple instructions. Upon receipt of your dental impression, we will make your custom guard within 8-12 business days and ship it to you.

How Does a Dental Night Guard Work Exactly?

A dental night guard will reduce your teeth grinding problem by:

• Relaxing your jaws, thereby reducing muscles spasms
• Easing the tension that leads to a constant ache and alleviating constant headaches
• Allowing your jaw muscles to align properly, thereby preventing your teeth from constantly locking together
• Providing an alternative solution to help prevent the wearing of your teeth
• It also cushions the teeth, thereby preventing your teeth from damage due to the grinding or clenching action

A dental night guard will not only protect your teeth against surface damage, gum problems (including recession) and loose teeth; it will also help strengthen your teeth.

During daytime, it is important to note that the teeth are supposed to meet when you are chewing or swallowing. At other times, teeth should be apart, and the lips together.

Teeth grinding can overtime wear away the teeth surface, making them susceptible to damage, or loose and painful.

While upper arch (maxillary) devices are often used to treat the condition, a lower arch device can be recommended to a patient who doesn’t want to have a visible or noticeable device in their mouth, or if they get a lot of gag reflexes with the maxillary device.

A night guard on either teeth arch will serve the same function. That is, to create a barrier so that the teeth do not have direct tooth on tooth contact with one another.

There are a number of materials that can be used to make a dental night guard, including hard and soft plastics, or a combination of both. All materials are effective; although the hard night guards are less flexible and therefore more likely to stay in place longer – preventing direct tooth on tooth grinding for a longer period of time. These types are generally more expensive than soft night guards.

A professional dental lab can also tailor a dental night guard for your individual needs. The dimensions and outline of your mouth are recorded and used to make a custom night guard. This is usually the best night guard because it provides the best fit and comfort.

You may have bought a “one size fits all” dental night guard previously, but what you may not know is that an impression of your teeth should be used to make the dental night guard for the best results. A professional lab can customize a night guard for you based on your teeth impression.

Quality dental night guards can be quite affordable and you can easily avoid further damage to your teeth surface.

They can also help protect your valuable investment in case you have undergone a dental smile makeover. With these devices, some change in the fit can occur over time.

For instance, your dental anatomy may shift over the years and cause your dental night guard not to fit like it used to.

Night guards should be regularly assessed and adjusted to ensure they are well-fitting and serving their purpose well. Poorly devised or badly aligned night guards might not be able to solve the issue.

Well-adjusted dental night guards will enable anyone with bruxism to lead a normal lifestyle, without having to worry about tooth wear or any other dental-related issues.

For your dental night guard to properly limit the issue related to teeth grinding, it is highly recommended to wear the device every night. Some patients will ultimately be able to stop teeth grinding over time and the night guard won’t be required. In order to maintain the night guard, it must be properly cleaned after use – by thorough brushing and rinsing.

How Are Dental Night Guards Made?

Here is the process behind night dental guard creation:

Step 1: Impression Taking
This is a critical step to guarantee an excellent end-result. A negative copy of the lower and/or upper teeth is taken in order to create a stone cast from it.

The impression gels have viscosities that capture the softness and hardness of the tissues. This cast or mold is used in a dental laboratory to create the custom dental night guard.

In a dental office, most often a type of alginate is used to take your dental impression. The powdery alginate is mixed with water. You may remember seeing this sticky mixture if you have ever had your dental impression taken in a dental office setting.

The impression material you receive when you order online is not messy like alginate, but gives the same, clear results.

It is similar to play-doh in texture and mixes together easily with no residue. Taking your own dental impression is easy. Mix the two putties together, and roll them into a hotdog-like shape.

Place the putty in the tray and submerge all the whites of your teeth. Hold very still, and the putty will begin to harden. Then, simply remove the tray when the putty has completely hardened.

Step 2: Making of the Mold

Once the impression has been taken, it is time to pour up the stone cast of the teeth. Here you may begin to understand why the impression taking process is so important.

A stone replica of your teeth should capture all of your unique dental anatomy.

It should be a perfect cast of your exact teeth. The gum margin should be visible too.

Our lab mixes a powdery dental stone and water together to create a thick, soupy mixture. The stone is then laid carefully into the teeth impression. It’s stacked high to create a nice base, and the weight of the stone disrupts any bubbles that may have formed in the teeth area.

Now we wait for the stone to harden. Hardening times differ (on average, it’s about a 20-minute wait time). The stone will becomes hot, then cools down.

After the model is dry and hard, we carefully remove the stone from the dental impression.

It is always necessary to trim the excess stone material. All of this prep work is to ensure that the night guard is as accurate as possible.

It is imperative not to skip steps. We make sure that the back of the stone cast lays completely flat, so that the night guard material can distribute evenly across the surfaces of the teeth.

When the model is trimmed and dried, it is then sprayed with a lubricant so that the night guard material separates easily from the stone mold later on.

Step 3: Fabrication
Now that the model is ready for fabrication, the process to follow is a method of bilamination by thermopressure.

In this process, the trimmed model and night guard sheet is placed under a heater to soften the night guard material. A timer is set, and the mold is ready to be thermoformed and pressurized.

After this process, the mold is left to cool down before a second trimming takes place. A skilled technician uses multiple burs, cutting wheels, and a bit of artistry to create a well-fitted custom appliance.

Step 4: Delivery
When the dental guard is finished, it is delivered to the customer to try on and check for fit and comfort. The guard should be stable and not cause any kind of pain or discomfort.

Some tightness may be felt initially, but should ease after a few days of consistent use.

Rarely, the customer asks for minor adjustments. If everything fits perfectly, the customer also receives instructions for proper wear and care of the guard.

A case is also provided to keep it in when not in use.

Teeth grinding or bruxism can greatly weaken the teeth, cause chipping and high sensitivity. If it’s left untreated, not only the health of the teeth and jaw can be compromised, but your overall health and lifestyle can change.

A professionally made dental night guard can relieve the pain and discomfort caused by teeth grinding and jaw clenching, plus protect teeth from further damage (weakening, breakage, flattening).

The night guard keeps teeth from making direct contact with one another, which helps avoid the effects of teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

Every case is different. It is important to speak to a certified dental professional to see if the use of a dental night guard is needed, and what type of night guard is more appropriate for a specific situation.

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a serious condition that can lead to a number of problems; jaw disorders, jaw pain, earaches, and persistent headaches, to name a few. This condition affects people from all ages, and the generally identified causes can be physical, psychological – or both.

These include:

• Emotions, like stress, frustration, anger, or anxiety
• Personality, either hyperactive, competitive or aggressive
• Malocclusion which is the abnormal alignment of the teeth
• Sleep problems
• Acid reflux
• Response to pain
• Complications from certain disorders
• Genetics

A person with bruxism requires treatment.

An immediate solution to stopping all the dental damage and health problems this condition causes is the use of a professionally made dental night guard.

As opposed to the over-the-counter mouth guards, a professionally made dental guard will fit the patient’s mouth to the tiniest detail, protecting teeth and the jaw from additional pain and damage during sleep.

The way the dental night guards are fabricated guarantees their effectiveness due to the preciseness of the process the dental lab goes through.

This process also gives the patient not only the piece of mind of wearing a guard professionally made –just for them,– but also the comfort of having good sleep without feeling discomfort from the guard in their mouth.

I see you. Lady in the dental hygiene section of Walmart. An Oral-B Night Guard in one hand. Doctor’s Choice Night Guard in the other.
You look perplexed. Confused.
I imagine you’re wondering if either Walmart mouth guard brand will work for you.
Is it a waste of $30? You think of your last dental office visit and roll your eyes. $600 for a night guard?
Forget it. With an unsure shrug, you head to the cashier and hope for the best.

Wouldn’t it be nice if someone did the leg work for you and researched all the popular brands of over-the-counter dental night guards?

The Oral-B Dental Night Guard alone gets hundreds of google searches per day. People are wondering if these cheaper Walmart mouth guard versions do the trick, and we’re here to investigate.

So here’s what we did.

We went to the store and bought..well..all of them. All of the over-the-counter dental night guards are now in our possession. Okay, fine. We narrowed it down to five of the most popular store bought brands.

We will follow the instructions and mold each type on our teeth model. We’ll provide pictures and videos of the molding process (if any) as well as our findings and humble opinions.

We’ll also continue to add to this article as new brands pop up on the market and/or if current manufacturers make any changes that would effect you and your decision to purchase.

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#1

The Oral-B Night Guard

The Oral-B Dental Nighttime Guard packaging looks like this (Below)

You will need a microwave, the package contents, and a mirror

Step #1 Place guard in your mouth to become familiar with placement. Remove guard.
Step#2 Put the mouth guard in the white case. Fill the white case with tap water and snap closed.
Step #3 Place filled/closed storage case in the microwave for 1 minute and 15 seconds on the high temperature setting.
Step #4 Remove case by holding the front of the case. Be careful! It can be very hot.
Step #5 Flush the case with the vent holes for 3 seconds.
Step #6 Be sure to center the tray to match the middle of your teeth.
Step #7 Immediately pickup the guard and tray with two hands, and place the guard into your mouth.
Step #8 Firmly bite down into the guard and keep in place for 1 minute. Using your thumbs, press the green tray into your molars – and then press the fingers into the front teeth. Use pressure to make sure the guard forms to the teeth completely and evenly.
Step #9 Remove guard from your mouth and place it in water for 15 seconds
Step #10 Leave the molded guard in the green tray for 15 minutes while the material hardens
Step #11 After 15 minutes, gently remove the guard from the tray by lifting from each open end working your way toward the front and center of the guard until it releases.

That’s it! If the guard feels too tight or too loose, you can repeat the process.

PROS:

• This guard is thinner than most store bought guards, which is nice if comfort is your main concern.
• You can get a good fit.

CONS:

• The durability is not as great because of the fact that the plastic is a mass produced, cheap plastic.
• This is not the same quality of plastic that you find in a dental office or lab.
• You may wear through this guard much faster than a dentist quality night guard.

The average price of the Oral-B Night Guard is $14 – $20

Our verdict: This is our favorite of the store bought guards. For ~$16 it is worth a try. In any event, you get what you pay, for but this store bought guard gets a big thumbs up from us!

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#2

The Doctor’s Night Guard

Claims they’re different by having deeper channels (sides) for a more secure fit, a hard & smooth base for protection &
A slim & and flexible design so that you can sleep comfortably.

How you mold the night guard.
Step #1 Fill a microwave-safe mug with water.
Step #2 Heat in microwave for 30 Seconds.
Step #3 Place your night guard face down in the water for 2 minutes.
Remove your night guard from the water with a fork so that you don’t burn yourself.
Step#4 Use a fork and place night guard on a plate, then allow it to cool for 10 seconds. Take the plate to a mirror so that you can use the mirror’s reflection to help you in the following steps.
Step #5 Pick the night guard up and place it in your mouth. Be sure to touch the base of the night guard only.
Step #6 Position the guard in your mouth and bite down. Use your fingers to form the guard around the outside of your teeth. Then use your fingers to smoothen and mold the guard around the inside of your teeth.
Step #7 Bite down again and count to 30 seconds.

You will know it is time to remove your night guard if it stays in place when you open your mouth.
Open your mouth fully and gently remove the night guard.

If it doesn’t fit properly the first time, go back to your instructions and try try again.

Average Price $30.00 – $37.00

Verdict: Okay, the reviews on this one are not good. Many people say that they couldn’t ever get a good fit, even after multiple attempts.

We advise that you research this one yourself. There are some nasty reviews about this product. We did not have a great experience with this one. Thumbs down for the Doctor’s Choice Night Guard.

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#3

Smart Guard

What You Need To Mold Your Night Guard

You’ll need a coffee cup, a glass of cold water, metal fork, timer, and a mirror

Step #1 Push two tines of the fork into the open groove on the hard, bottom part of the Smart Guard.
Step #2 Place the mug of water in the microwave or stove and heat it until it boils.
Step #3 Once the water has reached a boiling point, remove the mug from the microwave and submerge the Smart Guard into the water. Wait 50 seconds.

Do not let the Smart Guard to touch the bottom or sides of the mug

Step #4 Take a large sip of cool water and swish it around in your mouth before taking the Smart Guard out of the hot water. Then dip your index finger and thumb into the cold water to prepare to hold the warm Smart Guard.
Step #5 Remove the Smart Guard from the fork.
Step #6 Insert the Smart Guard into your mouth. Make sure your thumbs are on the hard bottom part, then push it up into place. Make sure the “V” part is lined up between the upper teeth.
Step #7 Bite down with medium pressure and suck the moisture out of the guard. Use your fingers to mold the front area. Keep the guard in your mouth for 90 seconds before removing it.
Step #8 Rinse the guard in cold water for 15 seconds. Your mouth guard should be formed and ready for use.

Thoughts: It only covers the front portion of the teeth. It is bulky and does not seem to stay in place. 

What Amazon customers are saying:

Can’t get a tight enough grip on my teeth, I followed instructions but it just falls out of my mouth and is completely ineffective.

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#4

Dental Duty Night Guard

With over 2800 Amazon reviews and an average of 4 stars per customer, we have high hopes for the Dental Duty Night Guard. Let’s get started!

The Dental Duty Night Guard separates itself from the competition by having two different styles to choose from.

What you need:

The mold, a paper towel, a spoon, a mirror, and pre-heated, rolling water this is ready to go.

Step #1 Pay attention to the time! 18-20 seconds is perfect. Now the key is to not leave the appliance out of the water too long before you make your mold. If it cools too much you will not be able to get a good imprint of your teeth.
Step #2 Place mouth guard into the hot water. Watch the time. Watch for the sides to start curling in.
Step #3 Remove from the hot water. Place it on a paper towel. Separate the walls a bit. Now place onto your teeth, and bite.
Step #4 With your mouth closed, apply pressure on the skin and mouth around the front of your teeth.

PROS:

• It forms very well. The indentation is there. 
• If you couldn’t get it right the first time, you can contact the company and they’ll send you another mold, free of charge.

CONS:

• Lots of excess material.
• The mold dimensions are too big (height).
• The inner area has a lot of excess plastic. This can make it feel like there’s too much material in the mouth for a comfortable nights’ sleep. 

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#5

Dentek Professional Night Guard

Weighing in with over 1500 Amazon reviews at an average of 3.5 stars, let’s see what this company has to offer!

I immediately notice it is different because it comes with a white plastic tray, and the clear, moldable night guard sits in the plastic “guiding” tray. The instructions are clear, easy and straight forward.

The guard is very bulky, soft and flexible. It is also a bit short in length. You will most likely not be able to include your molars (depending on the size of your mouth).  It does have excess material on it (particularly in the lingual- tongue side). This can be uncomfortable as the excess material is a negative result of the “one size fits all” style.

The molding process took about 5 minutes in total. It was quick and easy. I wondered though – If you mess up, can you remold?
The outcome seemed pretty final.

How to mold the guard:

Step #1 Stand in front of a mirror and practice aligning/positioning the white plastic tray to your teeth. (It’s okay if the clear guard is inside the white tray.)
Step #2 Place the appliance, face down, in a bowl of water. Microwave the bowl for 2 minutes .
Step #3 Rinse appliance for 3 seconds so it cools down.
Step #4 Submerge all your teeth into the tray. Remember the position you practiced. Submerge the teeth and stay completely still for 2 minutes.
Step#5 Rinse the appliance in water for 20 seconds.
Step #6 Gently remove guard from white tray.

Thoughts:

It’s thick – about 5mm in the occlusal surfaces – and has a flat bottom.

Though there is some molding to the teeth that occurs after heating, the guard does not have the length to cover the 2nd molar, and in a larger mouth, it may not cover any molars at all.

When people say “it feels like you’re biting down on a hockey puck” this may be what they mean.
I worry that the thickness and the lack of a solid fit could disrupt jaw alignment.

Our Verdict: This style may work for some, but I worry about the thickness and resulting discomfort.

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Now it’s time for the big baller – The top tier in mouth protection.

The Custom Dental Night Guard

What makes this fella different? A lot actually. The material fits over your dental anatomy like a glove.

It’s thin (no unnecessary bulkiness) and comfortable.

To take a dental impression of your teeth, you need a timer, clean hands, a mirror, white & blue putty, and a plastic tray.

While in front of the mirror, practice placing the plastic tray in your mouth and pretend to submerge the teeth. Practicing with the empty tray will familiarize you with placement.

How to take the dental impression for your Custom Mouth Guard

Step #1 Mix putty quickly for 1 minute.
Step #2 Roll putty into a hot-dog shape and place it into the tray. Smoothen out the putty.
Step #3 Submerge all the whites of your teeth into the putty. Hold completely still for 3 minutes.
Step #4 Remove the tray from your mouth. Do not remove the putty from the tray.
Step #5 Place the impression in the clear bag provided, and mail it back to Sentinel Mouthguards, LLC.

Once your package is received by the Sentinel Lab, your impression is checked in and a stone cast of your teeth is poured up.

Your stone cast is then trimmed and sprayed with a non-stick spray.

The stone mold is then loaded into our Drufomat scanner.

The Drufomat scanner is a high-tech machine that combines both high heat and pressure in Mouth Guard creation.

ProForm Night Guard material is placed in a circular ring above the stone mold. A timer is set, and the heat begins to melt/soften the material.

The shaft is then pressed down onto the stone mold. The heat and pressure forms the material to the exact anatomy of the stone mold. This is why it is imperative to take an accurate impression of your teeth.

The custom fit of a lab made guard is unlike anything you can purchase in a store. The quality of the material is high and made to withstand intense grinding and/or clenching. The Sentinel Night Guard starts at $98 and the price ranges between $98 – $130 depending on which style or thickness you choose.

This is at a significantly lower cost than opting to buy through your dentist.

PROS:

• Professional, thin & comfortable fit
• BPA, Silicon & Latex Free
• 1 year warranty
• High quality night guard material
• Several material options to choose from (ranging from hard plastic to soft plastic)
• You can choose the thickness of your guard
• Easy refund policy
• If for any reason you don’t take your impression correctly the first time, Sentinel will mail you a re-do kit, free of charge.

CONS:

• You must pay special attention to the impression instructions and take an accurate mold of your teeth for the fit to be perfect.

We hope you have found this article useful! If you have had experience with custom made night guards or store bought night guards and would like to share your story, please use the comment section below!

We would love to chat with you.

Dental Night Guard for Lower Teeth

“Is A Night Guard For Lower Teeth Better Than Upper Night Guards?”

Do you often grind your teeth when you sleep at night? A quick visit to the dentist will determine if you have nocturnal bruxism. Bruxism is a condition where constant grinding wears away your teeth’s enamel and causes other problems, such as waking up with headaches, jaw pain and cracked teeth.

Your dentist may prescribe a night guard in order to prevent further teeth damage. Many dentists will naturally be inclined to make you a night guard to be worn for your upper teeth. They may have a good reason why – but sometimes it’s more out of habit as night guards are most commonly made for upper teeth. Patients may not know they have an option to have a lower night guard made. Some people find the lower teeth guard to be far more comfortable and tolerable.

Either choice works by acting as a type of cushion or barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Instead of grinding directly against one another, the night guard ensures the teeth do not make contact with each another, preventing further damage. Ask your dentist if a lower night guard may be an option for you. Your dentist will know which type is best suited for your unique needs.

“But which one works best? An upper night guard or a night guard for lower teeth?”

 

Benefits Of Wearing a Night Guard For Lower Teeth

• Reduced Gagging Reflex

Sensitive gag reflex: Some upper night guard users take out their night guard because they find themselves feeling the need to gag which makes it hard to sleep. In these cases, a lower night may reduce the susceptibility to invoking the gag reflex.

• Better Tolerance

A lot of users have reported that wearing a lower night guard is more comfortable for them. Dentists agree that a lower guard can be better tolerated and increases the ease of wear for some of their patients.
Sometimes the tongue gets in the habit of feeling the upper night guard constantly, which leads to irritation, but a lower guard can make the tongue adapt better.

The Differences Between An Upper And Lower Night Guard

Almost all night guards are made from materials such as vinyl, acrylic, rubber or acetate. You should check and make sure that the dental appliance you’re getting is latex, silicon and BPA-free. A good night guard is one that fits perfectly and doesn’t slip. It’s better to have a night guard made in a professional lab as opposed to buying one in a store.

Night guards for the upper and lower teeth can be made to address the grinding problem, but wearing both an upper and lower night guard at the same time is typically not recommended.

In common bruxism cases, either night guard (upper or lower) will work the same way and therefore provide identical results.

The reason why upper night guards are a popular option is because night guards were originally created for the upper teeth. Dentists and labs tend to be quite slow to adapt to the usage and acceptance of lower night guards across the industry by habit. Today, many dentists are recommending the use of lower night guards for the benefits they provide to the wearer.

Overall, the design of your night guard will depend on several personal factors, such as your bite, comfort level and your dentist’s preference, among others. Traditionally, upper guards may be recommended due to the fact that they can’t be as easily removed compared to lower arches.

Lower guards are recommended because they are sometimes more comfortable and patients may adapt to wearing them more easily. More importantly, the night guard should fit your teeth arches just right – shielding your teeth and jaw from the harmful effects of unconscious teeth grinding at night. The best kind of night guard should cover all your teeth and not effect your natural bite.

The success of a night guard first depends on your ability to wear it.

At Sentinel Mouth guards, we realize that what works for you may not work for another individual. Knowing this, we have implemented a satisfaction guarantee that includes changing material type, thickness and/or switching teeth arches to find which guard works best for you. You read that right! If you purchase your Sentinel Night Guard and find that it is not working for you, we will work with you to explore which night guard may be best suited for your unique needs. Our commitment to you is 100% satisfaction.

Broken Dental Night Guards

Dental night guards are devices which are worn by dental patients who suffer from unconsciously grinding their teeth during the night while they sleep. Grinding your teeth during the night can cause tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, and other negative health consequences. Night guards protect the teeth of individuals who grind their teeth while they sleep from the extensive damage that can ensue as a result of habitual teeth grinding. They are usually worn only at night and taken out first thing in the morning. Simply put, night guards are made from an exact mold of your teeth that is generally crafted from a hard or soft blend of materials (usually plastics). A true custom made night guard is crafted using special machinery that heats material to form over a stone mold of your teeth so that the custom formed appliance fits each patient’s teeth exactly and remain still in the patient’s mouth in order to cover their teeth completely throughout the entire night.

 “I paid so much money and my night guard broke!”
Unfortunately, mouth guards can be extremely expensive. One night guard purchased from a dentist that has been fitted specifically to your mouth can cost upwards of three hundred to one thousand dollars, with the average price settling around five hundred dollars. It is an option to purchase a cheaper mouth guard in a drug store or similar shop, but these mouth guards are not guaranteed to fit your mouth well and often break very easily. However, even expensive mouth guards purchased from a dentist are known to crack, break, or wear down after nightly use. Night guards generally cannot be repaired if they are cracked or broken and must be re-molded and crafted from scratch.

“My night guard broke. Why?”
There are different reasons why night guards break. Some night guards are simply made poorly and break easily. Other times, your dentist might underestimate the severity and frequency of your teeth grinding and prescribe you a night guard that is not strong enough to withstand your grinding. Patient care can also contribute significantly to the breakage of a night guard. If patients treat their night guards poorly and fail to take care of them sufficiently, they are likely to crack or break much more quickly than they would if they received proper and frequent care.

Anti Grinding Teeth Protection

Make Sure You Are Choosing The Right Thickness

Types of Night Guards and How Long They Last

Before you purchase a night guard, it is helpful to know how long night guards are supposed to last in order to compare prices and prepare for ultimate replacement. The expected life span of a night guard depends on the material that the night guard is made from and how it is crafted. Different types of night guards have varying expected life spans.
Soft Night Guards
Soft night guards are usually prescribed only to patients who do not grind their teeth severely or grind them fairly infrequently. They are made primarily from EVA plastic which is why they have such a soft texture as compared with other harder night guard models. This type of night guard lasts the shortest amount of time; the lifespan can extend through years but often needs to be replaced every six months or so before it wears down or breaks. However, soft night guards are also usually less expensive than their harder counterparts because they are easier to make and can be less durable.

Dual Laminate Night Guards
Dual laminate night guards have a longer life span that ranges from about nine months to five years. This wide range is due to the variation of different patients’ frequency and severity of grinding as well as discrepancies in how different patients care for their night guards. Dual laminate night guards can offer more durability than soft night guards. They are still soft on the inside but hard on the outside & can offer the same amount of protection for severe grinding as night guards that are crafted from completely hard material.

Hard Night Guards
Hard night guards can be made to be the strongest and most durable type of night guard (depending on chosen thickness). The guard does need to be at least 3mm for maximum durability. A thin, hard daytime guard such as a 1mm can crack more easily. The 3mm thick+ hard guards are designed for patients who grind their teeth on a nightly basis and grind extremely heavily. In these extreme cases, a hard night guard is necessary in order to protect these patients’ teeth from grinding damage. Hard night guards are crafted from hard plastics and are generally quoted to last between one and five years. Like the dual laminate night guards, the life span of hard night guards can vary significantly depending on how different patients care for them.

Night Guard Dental Warranty
No matter what type of night guard you get to fit your needs, it will eventually break, crack, or wear down until it no longer fits or becomes ineffective. At this point, if you do not want to purchase a new night guard for hundreds of dollars at its full price, you have to rely on your dentist’s warranty. Not all dentists offer warranties on night guards. Some dentists offer full warranties that last many years, while others only offer extremely short, limited warranties that only extend for a few months in order to give patients some time to get used to their mouth guard and ensure that it fits well. Before you purchase a night guard from your dentist, it is important to ask them what their warranty policies are for night guards. If their warranties are extremely limited, it is a smart idea to check around and determine if other dentists in your area offer a better warranty in order to save hundreds of dollars in the long run.

Sentinel Mouthguard Warranty

Keep in mind that the Sentinel warranty and return policy is unlike any other. We stand by our products and will always work with you to your absolute satisfaction. This means that if you are dissatisfied with your product for any reason, you can either contact Sentinel within 90 days for a full refund or opt to continue working with us until you get a great fitting guard. Our commitment to you is 100% satisfaction.

Warranty Information: 100% satisfaction or 90 day money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with your new night guard for any reason, Sentinel will either offer a full refund (provided you contact us within 90 days of receiving your night guard) or we will work with you until we get it right.

Defects and wear policy: If your night guard becomes defective and/or wears down before stated time frame (see below) we will replace at no additional cost to you (upon receipt of defective/worn night guard and original invoice).

Hard Dental Night Guard– 12 months from date you received your night guard in the mail

Dual laminated/hybrid night guard– 12 months from date you received your night guard in the mail

Soft night guard– 6 months from date you received your night guard in the mail

What if a Night Guard Breaks While you are Sleeping?
After discovering that night guards often crack or break without warning, many individuals begin to worry about what might happen if their night guard break while they are sleeping and wearing it. Most patients’ primary fear is that they might choke if their night guard breaks and falls out of their mouth while they are wearing it at night. Fortunately, this fear is very unlikely to come to fruition. Even when night guards crack while they are being worn, they usually do not come loose from your teeth. When your mouth is closed while you are sleeping, most night guards heat up from your body temperature and meld slightly to your teeth in order to remain in position throughout the night, so there is very little chance of it coming loose even if it were to break during the night. Furthermore, the natural reflex of your brain is to spit out any strange objects in your mouth, even while you are sleeping. Therefore, even if your night guard were to crack and fall out of position while you were sleeping, you would probably wake up to find it missing from your mouth rather than choke on it.

There’s more good news, You don’t have to leave your house.

• Direct from the lab
• Easy online ordering
• Easy do-it-yourself dental impression kit
• Affordable custom night guard same as dentist

Sentinel Mouth Guard Company is a digital dental mouth guard company located in the St. Petersburg/Tampa area distributing custom night guard products worldwide. We specialize in custom made mouth guards for persons suffering from bruxism (the habit of excessive teeth grinding and/or jaw clenching) and athletes involved in contact sports.

An affordable solution for teeth grinders available online

When you want to protect your teeth against the irreversible effects of involuntary teeth grinding, the only true option that is available is to protect your teeth with the use of a dental night guard. A dental night guard is for those who want to preserve their teeth, and perhaps, save on huge dental bills they will likely incur in the future. Instead of paying dental office prices, check out our direct lab services. We send out a DIY teeth impression kit with everything you need to take a nice cast of your teeth. Simply mail it back in to us using the prepaid mailer and never leave your home!

If you live in Tampa, Idaho, Montreal or even Singapore we can help! It’s time to shield your teeth from the  effects of jaw clenching or teeth grinding. Don’t waste your money on some other store-bought night guard product. The reason behind the high dissatisfaction rate amongst most of the night guards available is because these are not designed from a mold of your teeth, hence they become extremely uncomfortable at night.

With that in mind, you should be looking for a custom-made dental night guard that will fit your teeth like a glove and not add stress on your jaws.

Affordable Night Guard For Teeth Grinding Lab in Tampa, FL

Our low-cost dental night guards are customized for you and able to fully protect your teeth.  The Sentinel Night Guard is made by experienced, professional lab technicians & designed with the unique dental contours of the patient in mind.

Types of night guards offered

These include the hard dental night guard, dual laminated night guard, and the soft dental night guard. Each one of these come in varying thicknesses & material unique to patients who order them.

Which do I choose?

The decision to choose a particular night guard over the other depends on your dentist’s prescription and whether you’re an intense or moderate clencher/grinder.

How it works

The mechanism behind the Sentinel Night Guard is very straight forward. The oral piece simply creates a small space between your upper and lower arch. This way, your teeth will not come into contact with one another.

These customized night guards are made out of the mold of your teeth with the best material money can buy and because they are designed to follow the impression of your teeth, they will fit snugly and comfortably, whether you’re using them for sleeping at night or athletics purposes. The correct dental impression will include your teeth and also extend towards the gum tissues on the upper or lower part of the teeth.

Why these night guards for teeth grinding are different from others

Customers in Tampa/ St. Petersburg and those buying from other parts of the world can enjoy the fact that these night guards are more superior than boil & bite models. They’re the highest tier in mouth protection and outperform over the counter or stock mouth guards. What’s more: they’re thin, and this makes talking, breathing or even swallowing easier for the wearer.

Sentinel mouth guards can be bought online, plus our Live Chat experts are readily available for your questions. The company is situated in St. Petersburg/ Tampa Florida area (available online only), though it serves customers across the globe. Therefore, it only makes sense to protect your teeth using this low-cost solution rather than visiting your dentist for a costly tooth job in the future.

• Direct from the lab
• Easy online ordering
• Easy do-it-yourself dental impression kit
• Same as dentists at an affordable price.

Can you sleep with a mouth guard?

Comfortable Night Guards and Where to Find Them

How long does it take to get used to wearing one?

Is there such a thing as a comfortable night guard?

These are the two questions that ran through Mary’s mind as she sat with her dentist. “You need a night guard, Mary. Plain and simple. Those teeth of yours are going to look like broken eggshells if you keep grinding them together” he said.

The thought of wearing a plastic teeth guard to bed every night really bothered her. Never one to just fall asleep into blissful oblivion, she couldn’t imagine ever getting used to sleeping with a foreign object in her mouth night after night. Skeptical Mary politely thanked the doctor, went home and took to the internet to explore her options. She thought to herself “can you sleep with a mouth guard?”

Night grinding or bruxism is a condition that is characterized by involuntary grinding of teeth when the individual is asleep at night.

Night grinding manifests in varying degrees across patients, and may cause a number of problems to the person involved. In fact, with the constant grinding at night, teeth structure is likely to suffer since vital tissues of the teeth are exposed as a result of the clenching. Again, the patient’s teeth may become uneven.

Depending on the severity of the problem, the condition may be serious, prompting the individual to resolve the issue as fast as possible. Thankfully, the effects of night grinding can be controlled with a night guard.

A night guard is a simple dental appliance that is worn in the mouth so the patient can protect their teeth from the effects of teeth grinding. These effects tend to be irreversible. This means that the moment the damage has occurred, it is impossible for the teeth to regenerate, thus restorative work is needed to fix the problem. This can be costly.

Therefore, it makes sense for the patient to manage their condition using a night guard. And just like most other products on the market, there are many options.

1. Is a night guard uncomfortable to wear?
2. What are the factors that increase chances of a night guard being uncomfortable?
3. What are some of the characteristics of a comfortable night guard device?
4. What are the most comfortable types of night guards?

So. Where art thou comfortable night guards?

It depends on the type of night guard a patient chooses.

If one chooses to go with a store bought night guard, comfort is usually sacrificed, since store bought options are made in mass volume and created for the general public. On the other hand, if one chooses to buy a customized one, the device will conform to the natural contours of their dental anatomy, thus it will be more comfortable for them to wear.

Factors that increase the chances of a night guard being comfortable

Conformity to the mouth, the night guard material and the material thickness will play the main roles in determining comfort level. You can opt for a soft or dual laminate material which feels cozy in the mouth. Soft night guards tend to be very comfortable for those suffering from minor cases of bruxism. Dual laminate devices with a soft interior and hard exterior tend to be more durable and comfortable to the person wearing them. A hard custom night guard can be very nice as well, but make sure your dental impression is highly accurate. There is no room for error when wearing a hard night guard. If your hard night guard was made from a distorted dental impression, you will feel it! Thinner is more comfortable, but the thinner you go, the more you sacrifice durability and longevity.
A 2mm thickness tends to be the most popular choice.

Characteristics of a comfortable night guard

It has to be constructed with a special kind of plastic which is in perfect sync with the dental tissues & tooth structure in the mouth. Again, the device has to be a snug fit (not too tight, but not falling out of the mouth) to achieve maximum comfort, a.k.a custom made.

The different types of night guards and comfort levels

On a larger scale, there are three types of night guards a patient can buy. These include the standard types which can be purchased as ready-made, the boil and bite type which are partially customized, and lastly — a custom-made device done by a professional dentist or a specialized night guard lab such as ours.

The first option tends to be uncomfortable since it’s standard. The second option is not so comfortable since it’s slightly modified. Lastly, the fully-customized option is the most comfortable.

Conclusion

If a patient can afford it, it’s best that they opt for the fully-customized option, since it’s what conforms to their dental impression. Luckily, dental night guards have become more affordable thanks to the internet and online services that allow you to take your own dental impression using a mail order system. Thickness is a primary factor in night guard comfort. The thinner the guard the more comfortable it is (but may be less durable). Fabrication method is also a factor. A knowledgeable, trained lab technician will be sure to make the night guard as comfortable as possible.

Dental Night Guards: Longevity, and how to make them last longer

How long do dental night guards last?

If you have been diagnosed with bruxism by your dentist, they may have recommended a night guard for you.

Dental night guards are pretty expensive. With such a hefty price tag, you may find yourself wondering how long a dental night guard will serve you. How long do dental night guards last before you need to get a replacement?

Night guards have varying durability

This can be is attributed to a number of factors.

One of these factors is the type of night guard. Dental night guards come in different types, and each type is prescribed for a given severity of bruxism.

The three most common types of night guards are: the soft night guards, dual laminate night guards and hard night guards.

The average lifespan of night guards typically given as 2-10 years (sometimes less – for the soft type). To understand the reason for this variation, let’s have a look at each type of night guard and its durability.

Soft Night Guards: Six months or more

This type is commonly prescribed to patients with mild bruxism. These are patients who don’t grind or clench their teeth on a nightly basis, and when they do so, the grinding is not so significant.

The material used to make these night guards is usually soft and doesn’t offer as much durability as other types of night guards, although these soft ones do handle the cases they have been prescribed for pretty well.

So, if you’re a light teeth grinder or jaw clencher, the soft night guard should suffice.

Dual Laminate Dental Night Guard: 9 months to 5 years

The next type of night guard is the dual laminate night guard. This version is prescribed for moderate to severe bruxism. It is usually hard on the outside but soft on the inside, and offers more durability than the soft night guard.

Hard Dental Night Guard: 12 months to 5 years

Last but not least is the hard dental night guard. Generally prescribed for moderate to severe bruxism, this type is more durable than double laminate, as long as it is 2mm thick or more.

This is due to the solid hard plastic used throughout the guard. Acrylic and acrylic-like plastic is a more durable material and can be known to last for 5 years or more under regular use.

Note: If you choose a thin style of any of the above mentioned guards, you can expect to gain comfort and a minimalist feel, but you will also be sacrificing durability.

Apart from the thickness of night guards, other factors also affect durability

These are: the severity of your teeth grinding as an individual, and the age of the individual. The age of the individual is a viable factor, since, for younger patients such as children, the night guards need to be changed frequently to accommodate the growth of teeth and teeth movement.

Despite the assured durability of a given type of night guard, there are certain practices that can cause the night guard to wear out faster than expected.

One of these practices is poor night guard maintenance. A common mistake, made by many people, is washing night guards using hot water.

Hot water is known to weaken the plastic, and as a result, the night guard loses shape and fails to fit well in the mouth, calling in for a replacement.

Eating and drinking with your night guard on will also contribute to reduced durability. The food or drink may discolor it and the food particles may accumulate on the mouth guard, providing a breeding place for bacteria and viruses. The material will discolor, become brittle and may warp or break.

Clean Your Night Guard To Ensure Longevity

It is everyone’s desire to prolong the life of their dental night guard.

The surest way to do this is through careful maintenance of your night guard. Cleaning night guards is a commonly ignored matter when it should be imperative.

There are several ways of cleaning your night guard. One quick way is cleaning it using cold water, a toothbrush and toothpaste; just like you clean your own teeth. Keep in mind though that some toothpastes can be very abrasive.

What’s the best way to clean my night guard?

An ideal solution is to purchase a natural cleanser – such as Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap.

You can cut this particular soap with water so it lasts longer.

Using a soft toothbrush, place a tiny piece of peppermint soap on the brush and gently clean your guard. Remember to dry it completely afterwards. 

It leaves a nice peppermint smell. It’s all organic and very effective at keeping your guard fresh.

Apart from this simple exercise – which should be done on a daily basis – it is recommended that once in a week, you soak it in a mix of a mouth guard cleaner and water for a few hours. This will remove plaque and bacteria in the night guard, and also give it a nice smell.

Makeshift mouth guard cleaners such as vinegar have been suggested by some, though they are not highly recommended as their odor will penetrate the plastic.

Once you have cleaned your night guard, ensure you dry it thoroughly and keep it in a ventilated box, away from any heat source.

Dental night guards can serve you for a long time if you get the right type and maintain it the right way. In return for the service you are giving it, it will protect your teeth and save you from frighteningly costly dental repairs down the road.