Mouth guards and night guards: what is the difference?
Both are plastic appliances that fit over your teeth. A sports mouth guard protects your teeth, lips, tongue, gums and cheeks from trauma during physical activity, usually in the daytime. A night guard protects your teeth from clenching and grinding while you sleep. Both work only if you wear them regularly and as directed. If you wear braces, you can have a guard made to fit over them.
Who can benefit
- People who grind or clench their teeth
- People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
- People with certain sleep issues
- Anyone who plays sports, especially contact sports
Protection for sports
Many dental injuries happen during sports. They include chipped or broken teeth, fractured roots and cuts to the lips and cheeks. Basketball, football, hockey, martial arts and boxing carry some of the highest risks. Skating, biking and gymnastics are non-contact sports, but a mouth guard helps there too. We can also talk about sports guards at your child's visit with our kid-friendly dentist.
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Bruxism means unconsciously clenching or grinding your teeth, often during sleep, so many people do not know they have it. It is often linked to stress, sleep disorders, acid reflux or a misaligned bite, and smoking or alcohol can raise the risk. The National Sleep Foundation reports that 8% of adults and 14% to 20% of children under age 11 grind their teeth in their sleep.
Untreated, bruxism can wear away enamel, chip teeth, cause gum recession and lead to jaw pain and headaches. A night guard acts as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth so they do not wear against each other, and it lets the jaw muscles rest. A night guard does not cure bruxism, but it protects your teeth from its effects.
Signs you may be grinding include waking with headaches or a sore jaw, chipped or loose teeth, and tooth pain or sensitivity that is increasing.
Jaw joint problems and sleep apnea
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull. A night guard can help the jaw muscles rest more naturally and reduce strain that contributes to jaw pain.
Specialized appliances can also help some people with sleep apnea or snoring. Mandibular advancement devices move the lower jaw forward to open the airway, and tongue-retaining devices keep the tongue from falling back. They can reduce snoring but do not cure it. Sleep apnea is a serious condition, so please read do I have sleep apnea? and talk with us.
Types of night guards
- Soft: the most comfortable and the easiest to get used to, often used for mild or occasional grinding.
- Dual laminate: soft inside and hard outside, for moderate to severe grinding.
- Hard: for the most severe grinding and TMJ disorders.
Modern guards are made of clear acrylic and are barely noticeable. For the best fit, order one through your dentist.
How we make a custom guard
- At the first visit we take impressions of your teeth and make a model. For a night guard we take impressions of both the upper and lower teeth, so we can account for how they come together.
- At the second visit we check the fit, smooth any rough edges and make adjustments until it is comfortable.
Care and replacement
- Rinse the guard with cold water and brush it with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste, before and after each use.
- Brush and floss before putting it in. Drink only plain water while wearing it.
- Store it in a protective case. Keep it away from hot water, hot surfaces and sunlight, which can warp it.
- Bring it to your checkups. Night guards typically last from six months to a few years, and custom guards last longer than store-bought ones.
If your guard is lost, damaged or no longer fits well, call us. A damaged or poorly fitted guard can put your oral health at risk.
Common questions
How much does a mouth guard cost?
It depends on the type and materials. Some insurance plans may help, so check with your provider.
Do I need a night guard on both the upper and lower teeth?
No. Many patients wear one only on the upper teeth. We will help you choose during a consultation.
Can I wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes. Custom guards can be made to fit over braces, and people with braces especially benefit from protection.
How long will my guard last?
It depends on how often you use it and how hard you grind. With good care it can last several years. Custom guards are generally more durable than over-the-counter ones.
Do night guards cure bruxism?
No. There is no known cure, but a night guard protects your teeth from the damage.