Article updated for accuracy on 02/18/23
When searching for the right night guard for your teeth grinding and jaw clenching needs, you’ll quickly discover that night guards come in several different material types and thickness options. Some common complaints when receiving a new night guard include the night guard being too thick or too thin. So we want to make sure you’re choosing the right night guard for you.
In this article, we explore the different night guard thicknesses and help to guide you in choosing the best night guard for your needs.
How Thick Should a Dental Night Guard Be?
Below are three standard thickness options to choose from.
“Thin” (1mm)- This is very thin (think invisalign thin). This thickness is suitable for daytime clenching and grinding or very light nighttime bruxism.
“Thicker” for Moderate/Medium (2mm)- For reference, a nickel coin is 2mm thick. This is the most common night guard thickness and works well to combat the effects of most teeth grinding and jaw clenching habits.
“Thickest” for Heavy duty (3mm) – Any night guard that is 3mm thick or more is for heavy, intense episodes of teeth grinding and jaw clenching. The thicker the night guard, the more durable it becomes. Beware that this type may take longer to feel comfortable in the mouth.
Evaluate your grinding/clenching habits
There is no universal, mass produced perfect dental night guard. It simply doesn’t exist. The reason why is because every one of us has a different mouth shape, teeth arch, and dental anatomy. To go beyond that, we also have different levels of intensity when dealing with grinding and clenching habits. Some of us will grind right through a thin guard within a few months, while a thin type may last years for a less intense teeth grinder.
How Do I Know Which Night Guard to Choose?
Many customers that ring our line here at Sentinel Mouth Guards® have one question:
Which night guard do I choose?
First, determine your teeth grinding habits.
Are you showing signs of wear? Chipping or cracking your teeth? Are your teeth getting shorter and flatter? These are all signs of a teeth grinder or clencher that has been at it for a while.
In this case, you may need to go with a thicker night guard.
If you’re a severe teeth grinder or jaw clencher you may need the thickest night guard type.
A dentist can evaluate your teeth and determine if you’re a light, moderate or heavy duty teeth grinder.
If your only experience with night guards has been the use of a cheap store bought kind, you will be happy to learn that even our thickest night guard is smaller and less bulky than most mass produced, bulky stock types.
Sentinel Mouthguards® 90 Day Satisfaction Guarantee
One great thing about our company is that we work with you to make sure you receive the right night guard type for you. What does this mean exactly? You’re not stuck with your initial purchase. We can always change the thickness and/or the material type so that you end up with a night guard that you love. That’s right! We’ll work hard to make sure you’re smiling or your money back! Visit our help center to learn more.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition that makes you grind, clench or gnash your teeth during sleep.
If a person has the condition, they may grind their teeth during the day or they may also grind/clench their teeth while asleep.
Night bruxism is more common and tends to raise more concern compared to experiencing the condition during the day. This is because we grind and/or clench significantly harder at nighttime.
Why Wear a Dental Night Guard?
Wearing a night guard is a preventative measure. Even a person with mild bruxism may have major dental issues down the road – if the condition persists and they opt to forego wearing a protective appliance for their teeth.
Prevents damage and costly dental repairs
Bruxism can make life uncomfortable, not to mention expensive (costly dental repairs).
Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep disorder. Some research has indicated that it can be caused by other sleep complications/conditions such as sleep apnea, snoring & disturbed sleep patterns of the individual.
The reason for this is most likely
Prevents jaw pain, facial pain, teeth sensitivity and more
f you have even a mild form of the condition, through years of continuous grinding or clenching action, it can lead to damaged teeth, gum recession, jaw disorders and bad headaches. It is thus important for you to protect your teeth.
If you have visited a dentist and a diagnosis has confirmed, it is important to manage the condition.
Bottom line: Don’t sweep this one under the rug. Untreated bruxism can cause major and expensive dental work down the road). The only known, surefire way to protect your teeth from the effects of bruxing is the consistent use of a dental night guard.
You already know to avoid mass produced “one size fits all types” and order a custom dental night guard from a reputable company.
How Does Ordering a Night Guard Online Work?
Sentinel Mouthguards® makes it easy for you to take an impression of your teeth by providing a kit that allows you do it from the comfort of your home.
Once our lab receives your impression, we are able to customize and produce a dental night guard that fits your teeth like a glove.
Still have questions? Below is some additional advice to help you choose the right thickness.
Dental Night Guards: Choosing the Right Thickness
1mm Thin Night Guard (optimal for daytime use)
If you are looking for a dental night guard that you can wear during the day, a 1mm thin dental guard may be the best option for you. This is because it allows you to conduct your daily activities, including speaking, without a problem.
This type of dental night guard is available in a thickness of 1mm, and its slimline design allows you wear it comfortably and speak with ease for the duration of your day.
Always remove your daytime guard while eating and drinking.
Pictured below is the Sentinel Hard Dental Night Guard (1mm thick) for your daytime needs.
Medium/Moderate Thickness Night guard (2mm)
If you have a case of night bruxism that is moderate, you’re better off settling for a dental night guard of medium thickness.
This guard will have the capacity to protect your teeth while being comfortable in the mouth. This thickness is not bulky. A nickel coin is a great reference point to get an idea of a 2mm thick night guard.
The nickel is almost exactly two millimeters thick.
3mm Thick Dental Night Guard (For Heavy Teeth Grinding/Jaw Clenching)
In case you have a severe form of the condition that is adversely affecting your teeth, it may be advisable to choose a thicker (3mm) dental night guard. Always check with your dentist to determine whethere a thicker night guard is right for you.
The Sentinel Mouthguards® Extreme Hard Dental Night Guard is a full 3mm of thickness between the chewing surfaces of the teeth, so you can expect complete protection no matter how serious your condition is.
Does Sentinel Mouthguards® offer a 3mm soft night guard?
We do! We offer a 3mm Soft (flexible) Night Guard and an Extreme Hard Dental Night Guard.
How Long Do Dental Night Guards Last?
Dental Night Guard Longevity Guide:
1mm Thin Night Guard
This type of dental guard is likely to serve you for a period of between 6 months to 2 years.
2mm Medium/Moderate Night Guard
This thickness is suggested for most general teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Your 2mm night guard should last 2 to 5 years.
3mm Thick Night Guard
Since the material is thick enough to withstand your heavy duty grinding and clenching, you can expect your 3mm night guard to serve you for a period of between 2 to 10 years.
All Sentinel Mouthguard products are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. This means we are working hard to make you smile or your money back!
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