A Complete Guide to Night Guard & Sports Mouth Guard Thickness (1mm–3mm)
Updated November 27, 2025 to include the latest recommendations for choosing between day and night guards.
Choosing the right thickness for your mouth guard is one of the most important decisions you will make—whether your goal is to protect your teeth from daytime or nighttime grinding, clenching, or athletic impact. Thickness affects comfort, durability, flexibility, bite feel, and how much protection you actually get.
The best mouth guard thickness depends on your grinding severity and comfort preference. A 1mm guard is thin and low-profile for light grinding, 2mm gives balanced protection for most sleepers, and 3mm is the strongest option for heavy clenching or severe bruxism. For sports, choose 1.5–2mm for light impact and 3mm for medium–high contact.
If you’ve asked yourself “Should I choose a thin or thicker mouth guard?” this guide breaks down everything you need to know—simply and clearly.
This guide is part of our Complete Guide to Choosing a Custom Night Guard—helping you understand materials, thickness, comfort, and protection so you can choose the right guard with confidence.
⭐ Quick Summary
| Guard Type | Best Thickness | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Light grinding / clenching | 1mm | Thinner, low-profile, easy to wear |
| Moderate grinding / all-night wear | 2mm | Balanced comfort + strength |
| Severe grinding / heavy clenching | 3mm | Maximum durability & protection |
| No-Show Day Guard | 2mm | Ultra discreet, ideal for daytime grinding |
| Tongue + Cheek Biting Guard | 1mm | Thinnest option for smooth edge protection |
| Sports Mouth Guards | 1.5mm–3mm | Thickness depends on contact level |
1. Why Thickness Matters More Than You Think
The right thickness protects your teeth, but the wrong thickness becomes uncomfortable—too bulky, too thin, or not durable enough. Thickness affects:
-
Pressure absorption (how well it cushions grinding forces)
-
Longevity (thicker = longer lasting under stress)
-
Speech + breathing (especially for daytime or athletic use)
-
Overall comfort + adaptability
Instead of choosing randomly, think about your grinding level and when you plan to wear it.
2. Night Guards: Thin vs. Thick—Which Should You Choose?
Night guards are custom-made to cushion teeth from grinding (bruxism) while you sleep. Sentinel Mouthguards offers:
1mm Night Guard
Best for:
✔ Light grinding
✔ First-time night guard users
✔ People who dislike bulk
✔ Tongue or cheek-biting protection
Feels: Thin, comfortable, minimal.
Why choose it: Easy to adapt to, barely noticeable in the mouth.
Offered in: Hard, soft, & Tongue + Cheek Biting Relief version.
2mm Night Guard (Most Popular Choice)
Best for:
✔ Moderate grinding
✔ Nightly wearers
✔ People needing comfort + durability balance
Feels: Slightly thicker, still comfortable for sleep.
Why choose it: Ideal blend of flexibility + strength.
Available in: Hard, Soft, and Dual-Laminated
🟢 Our Dual-Laminated Night Guard (soft inside / hard outside) is offered in 1mm & 2mm only.
This material gives cushion inside + strong exterior for long-term wear.
3mm Night Guard
Best for:
✔ Severe clenching + heavy grinding
✔ Long-term durability needs
✔ Jaw pain or strong bite forces
Feels: Heavier material with maximum protection.
Why choose it: Thickest option = longest lasting.
Ideal for: Chronic bruxers, muscle-tension grinders.
Note:
We do not offer dual-laminated in 3mm.
3. What About a Mouth Guard for Daytime Wear?
If you clench while working, commuting, driving, focusing, or lifting weights, you likely need something low-visibility, thin, and easy to talk with.
Our No-Show Day Guard — 2mm Thickness
Designed specifically for daytime grinding.
-
Nearly invisible
-
Comfortable while speaking
-
Slim + discreet with strong protection
If you clench during the day, 2mm is the perfect middle-ground thickness.
4. Sports Mouth Guard Thickness
Sports guards require impact-absorption rather than grinding protection. Sentinel offers:
| Contact Level | Recommended Thickness |
|---|---|
| No contact / minimal impact | 1.5mm |
| Light contact | 2mm |
| Medium–High contact sports | 3mm |
If you play basketball, hockey, MMA, lacrosse, or any sport where facial impact is possible—3mm is strongly recommended.
5. How to Choose the Right Thickness: A Simple Guide
🌙 Night Guard Buyers
| You Should Choose | If You… |
|---|---|
| 1mm | Want low bulk, light grinding, new user |
| 2mm | Most people: moderate grinding + comfort |
| 3mm | Heavy bruxism + maximum durability needed |
🏈 Sports Guard Buyers
| Choose | Best For |
|---|---|
| 1.5mm–2mm | Low to moderate impact |
| 3mm | Hard-contact sports or strong hits |
Final Takeaway
A thinner guard is easier to wear.
A thicker guard lasts longer and absorbs more force.
Your perfect thickness depends on your grinding intensity, comfort preferences, and when you’ll be wearing it.
So, should you choose a thin or thicker mouth guard?
| Looking for comfort + ease? → Start with 1mm
| Need balance + nightly durability? → Choose 2mm
| Heavy grinding or contact sports? → Go 3mm