Night Guards for Teeth Grinding FAQs

Teeth Grinding

Q: What causes teeth grinding?

Although researchers have yet to identify the exact reason behind this common problem, stress is believed to play a significant role. For more information, check out our article on five reasons we grind our teeth at night.

Q: What is the result of long-term teeth grinding?

• Long-term teeth grinding can lead to significant dental issues and chronic pain. The excessive pressure can cause teeth to crack or break, leading to expensive and extensive dental work.
• It can also worsen symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), causing persistent jaw pain, popping, and difficulty opening and closing your mouth.
• Additionally, teeth grinding can result in flattened teeth, increased teeth sensitivity, and frequent headaches.

Protect your dental health with Sentinel Mouthguards' custom-fitted night guards, designed to alleviate the effects of teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

Q: How do I know if I’m grinding my teeth at night?

Obvious signs include teeth and jaw pain (strong upon awakening), popping of the jaw, teeth fracture lines, teeth cracking or breakage, tooth sensitivity. Your partner may hear you grinding or clenching. A dentist can also tell if you grind or clench your teeth. He/she/they can properly diagnose your bruxism. You can also check out this article Waring signs of bruxism.

Q: How do dental night guards solve the problem of teeth grinding?

Custom dental night guards do not solve the problem of teeth grinding, but they can protect against the damages it causes. By acting as a barrier between your teeth, a night guard can prevent cracked, broken, or sensitive teeth, as well as jaw pain and headaches. With the right fit, a night guard can also alleviate the symptoms of bruxism and prevent the need for expensive dental work down the road. Click here to learn more about how night guards protect against teeth grinding.

Night Guard Questions

Q: How do I know which dental night guard to choose?

Choosing the right night guard depends on the severity of your teeth grinding and your personal preferences.

• Assess Your Grinding: Consider how often and how intensely you grind your teeth. Do you experience jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity?
• Comfort and Durability: Think about your preferences for comfort and durability. Thicker guards offer more durability but may be bulkier, while thinner guards are more comfortable but may wear down faster.
• Sentinel's Unique Features: Our custom-made night guards are designed for optimal comfort and protection, using high-quality materials.

Take our free 60-second quiz to get personalized recommendations. Or, contact our customer support for expert guidance.

Q: Why are there different thickness options?

The thickness of your night guard depends on the severity of your teeth grinding or clenching.

• Thin (1mm): Ideal for daytime use or very light grinding. Offers maximum comfort but may wear down faster.
• Thicker (2mm): Recommended for nighttime use and moderate grinding. This is the most common thickness and provides a good balance of comfort and protection.
• Thickest (3mm): Suitable for very heavy grinding. Available in soft or extra-hard durability options.

Q: How long do your night guards typically last?

The durability and longevity of our night guard vary greatly depending on the wearer’s grinding/clenching habits and if the guard is cleaned and maintained properly. Our custom night guards are made from high-quality material and usually last 2–5 years.

For more information on longevity of night guards read this article: How Long Do Dental Night Guards Last?

Q: Is there a warranty if my night guard wears down quickly?

Absolutely! You can either contact Sentinel within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or opt for a replacement. Our commitment to you is 100% satisfaction. We stand by our products and will always work with you to ensure you’re completely satisfied.

Replacement Warranty Information:
Hard and Dual laminated Night Guards- 1 year warranty (if you grind or wear through your guard we will pull your existing dental impression on file and remake it free of charge).

Soft Night Guard- 6 month warranty (if you grind or wear through your guard we will pull your existing dental impression on file and remake it free of charge).

Note: All orders placed must be completed within 2 years of purchase. Customers are responsible for mailing their impression(s) to us within 6 months of original purchase date.

Q: I need a night guard but my wisdom teeth are coming in. Will they affect the fit of my night guard?

The custom night guards do not extend all the way back to your wisdom teeth unless you specifically request this extension.

Q: I have TMJ. My jaw is misaligned from clenching. Will a night guard help?

It is possible that a night guard can help, but we recommend seeking treatment from your dentist. You may need a more complex guard that involves setting your jaw in a certain position.

For more information on TMJ and the use of dental night guards, read this article: Best Mouth Guard for TMJ

Q: If I order a night guard and the fit isn’t right, what are my options?

All night guard purchases are covered by our 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Returns

If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with your custom product, you can ask for a full refund excluding shipping and impression kit cost ($23). Sentinel Mouthguards must receive the returned item within 30 days of receiving the refund request. Refunds will be issued once we receive the returned product.

Exchanges

During your 30 day satisfaction guarantee period, you may choose a different guard type and/or choose a different thickness. If there is a price difference, you will either be billed via PayPal invoice for remaining amount due or receive a credit if guard type chosen is less in value. Exchanges do not include changing to the opposing teeth arch. You may choose to exchange your guard within 30 days from the date you receive your guard.

Adjustments

If you're experiencing an issue with your newly received guard such as tightness or a rough edge/spot, we can typically resolve this by adjusting the guard.

Sentinel Mouthguards is committed to customer satisfaction and all fees associated with adjustments will be covered by us (including shipping and handling). 

How does the adjustment process work?

We will email you a printable return label to mail your guard to us. Additionally, we'll provide a .pdf tooth chart to mark the area(s) that are causing the issue(s). Upon receipt of your guard, we will make the appropriate adjustments within (1) business day for a fast turnaround.  Remember, our commitment to you is 100% satisfaction. We'll work hard to make sure you receive a night guard you love!

The appropriate adjustment is determined after careful evaluation of each guard by Sentinel Mouthguards quality control team. All adjustments will be completed within 1 - 2 business days of receiving the returned guard for a fast turnaround time.

When deemed necessary, Sentinel Mouthguards will also provide a new impression kit if required. Adjustments and impression kits are provided at the sole discretion of Sentinel Mouthguards. 

Expedited service fee

Our expedited service fee is non-refundable but will be honored for any remake needed.

Payments received for expedited shipping services cannot be refunded. Sentinel Mouthguards is not responsible for any shipping delays resulting from mail carrier issues.

Sports Guard

Q: What is the difference between a custom athletic mouth guard and a store bought one?

It is custom made for you; the custom-fit mouth guard is made from a mold of your teeth using the best quality material. With store bought mouth guards (specifically boil and bite guards) the sizing is limited, and any modification can jeopardize protection. Most importantly, you can lose up to 70% of the protection after the boil and bite process.

Q: How do you make the custom impressions for the athletic mouth guard?

A: We send you a kit with instructions (additionally, an instructional video is provided) on taking your own impression and send it back to us using the prepaid envelope. Check out out impression kit tutorial.

Q: Do you sell stock mouth guards, what kind?

We do not. Professionally fitted mouth guards are the absolute best guard that money can buy. One size fits all mouth guard types are subpar to custom made sports guards. To maximize protection of your teeth, you will need to use the custom fit mouth guard because you can lose up to 70% of the protection if you use the boil and bite mouth guard. Stock guards (cheap, unfitted guards) offer some protection but are in danger of falling out or getting knocked out easily.

Q: Do you make mouth guards for athletes who wear braces or other orthodontic devices?

Not at this time. Please note the Sentinel Guard Impression System is NOT designed for persons wearing braces or another orthodontic appliance.

Q: How long will it take to get my custom mouth guard?

Upon receipt of your impression, approximately 5-7 business days.

Q: How thick are the athletic mouth guards?

Between 1-4mm. You can choose your desired thickness. 1-2mm is best for non contact sports. 3-4mm is recommended for full contact sports.

Q: What is the material used to make the custom mouth guard?

It is an EVA, high quality thermoforming material designed specifically for athletic mouth guards. The material is soft, making it more comfortable to wear and also absorbs more force. BPA, Silicon & latex free.

Q: How does the custom mouth guard fit?

Sentinel custom fit guards are individually made from the impressions of your teeth. Follow the directions correctly, and your mouth guard will be snug and comfortable. A good impression should include all your teeth and extend to the gum tissue above the teeth.

Q: How long will my mouth guard last?

Stored properly in its case and cleaned regularly, your guard should last 3 years.

Q: What if I don't like it?

We stand by our product but if you are not completely satisfied, return it within 30 days and we will replace your guard at no charge.

Q: What if there is a problem with the mouth guard (fitting, adjustments, etc)?

We keep your digital impressions digital for life for easy re-ordering. Mail in your defective mouth guard and original invoice or order number (we will provide prepaid return shipping label). We will either adjust or replace your mouth guard at no cost to you. Must contact us within 30 days of receiving the mouth guard.

Q: Do you have group discounts available?

We do! Contact us for additional information.

Impression Kit

Q: Is it hard to take a good dental impression?

Taking a good dental impression is actually quite easy and can be done from the comfort of your own home. With Sentinel Mouthguards' easy-to-use dental impression kit, all you need is a timer, clean hands, and healthy teeth. The kit includes everything else you need to take an accurate impression on the first try. And if for any reason you do not get it right on the first try, don't worry! We send and extra set of materials incase you mess up.

Additional kits can be purchase here for $15.

Q: Can I use the impression kit with braces? What about loose teeth or dental work?

Do not use the impression kit if you have braces, loose teeth, loose dental work, etc. Sentinel Mouthguard Co. is not liable for any damages resulting from the use of the putty system.

Q: Does Sentinel Mouthguards accept outside impressions?

We accept outside impressions less than six months old. They must be physical impressions.

Please keep in mind, Sentinel Mouthguards is not liable in the case the impression is lost in transit or damaged during the fabrication process.

Cleaning & Care