People with bruxism clench and grind their teeth with force, leading to several problems, including tooth damage, jaw pain, and headaches. Bruxism can make your life very uncomfortable if left unresolved.
Many people with the condition find comfort in using mouthguards for teeth grinding (also known as night guards).
These dental appliances provide a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, cushioning the effect of unconscious teeth clenching and saving you from the clenching pain that inevitably follows.
But, what are the best mouthguards for teeth clenching? In this article, we examine the top mouthguards in the market for clenching and identify seven of the best ones that meet a high standard of teeth protection.
1. MYMOFOSMILE MOUTHGUARDS
MYMOFOSMILE is Australia’s premier provider of mouthguards for uncontrolled teeth clenching and grinding, among other dental appliances. MYMOFOSMILE is on a mission to provide you with the tools you need to protect your smile without breaking the bank.
The MYMOFOSMILE mouthguard effectively reduces uncontrolled teeth clenching – especially during sleep – making each bedtime a happy one.
The MYMOFOMSMILE mouthguard is available without the hassle of expensive appointments at your local dentist.
What we like most about the MYMOFOSMILE mouthguard is that it’s not a cheap plastic moulded splint. It is a dental-grade mouthguard made with TGA compliant materials, using cutting-edge 3D printing technology, and quality checked by qualified dental technicians in a laboratory.
MYMOFOSMILE mouthguards are 100% custom-made splints for grinding. They are made to fit your unique teeth anatomy, ensuring maximum comfort each time you wear them.
It prioritises breathability, ensuring that the mouthguard design fits you perfectly, allowing adequate airflow and reducing the likelihood of breathing difficulties or discomfort when wearing one.
Dental guards for one person may not be suitable for the other. There are different severities of bruxism – some people are heavy grinders, while others are light grinders.
Knowing this, MYMOFOSMILE offers a wide range of teeth-clenching mouthguards, allowing you to personalise your own comfort.
You can choose between the following mouth guards:
HEAVY GRINDER MOUTHGUARD
It features a variable thickness (starting at 1.6mm), which allows it to effectively spread the force of uncontrolled clenching for people who clench and grind a lot
LIGHT GRINDER MOUTHGUARD
With a 1.6 mm uniform thickness, it is a discreet option for light grinders, which offers durability and a slimline profile.
HYBRID COMFORT GUARD
It comes with a soft inner layer for comfort and a harder outer shell for improved durability.
SOFT GUARD
The soft night guards are made from clear, soft rubber material and are perfect for people who find a night guard made from more rigid materials too restricting.
Also Read: 5 Best Mouthguards For TMJ (Ranked)
FEATURES OF THE MYMOFOSMILE MOUTHGUARD
- Offers comprehensive protection against teeth clenching.
- TGA-compliant Class 1 medical device.
- Custom-made to fit your unique bite.
- Highly durable.
- Smell and stain-resistant
- Highly comfortable to wear.
- Comes with a secure carry case.
- Available in four options for different comfort preferences and severity of teeth clenching.
- They are easy to clean and maintain.
2.SENTINEL MOUTHGUARDS
Sentinel advertises its mouthguards with the words “defend your teeth from the daily grind.” The sentinel mouthguards are dental-grade devices made from very safe and durable materials, ensuring they provide maximum protection against teeth clenching and grinding for a long period.
With these mouthguards, you ensure comfortable teeth protection and save big on dental costs.
The sentinel mouthguards for teeth clenching and grinding are specially crafted to fit the unique contours of your teeth. So they fit your teeth snugly and won’t slip out of place during sleep.
The dental guards also feature a slim design. Being custom-made and having a slim profile makes them highly comfortable when worn.
Sentinel offers a variety of mouthguards for different needs. These include:
NO-SHOW DAY MOUTHGUARD
Clear and discreet mouthguard perfect for wearing in the day to provide protection from awake teeth clenching.
MOUTHGUARD FOR HEAVY TEETH GRINDING
It’s a hard/ thick custom mouthguard for people who clench and grind their teeth a lot.
CUSTOM DUAL LAMINATED MOUTHGUARD
It features a soft interior and a harder exterior for ultimate teeth protection and durability.
CUSTOM SOFT NIGHT GUARD
It’s designed with soft materials, so it does not interfere with your speech or breathing.
Sentinel is a US company that manufactures its mouthguards in the US and even offers free shipping within the US.
However, international buyers must pay shipping costs to receive their products, which can be quite expensive for people in Australia.
FEATURES OF THE SENTINEL MOUTHGUARD
- Dental-grade quality.
- Custom-made to fit your teeth snugly.
- Slim profile for comfort.
- A durable mouthguard that offers long-lasting protection.
- Offers different options.
3.CHOMPERLABS NIGHTGUARDS
ChomperLabs is a professional dental lab in Southern California that promises to provide you with a carefully custom-made mouthguard that acts as an effective cushion for the clenching forces of your teeth.
The dental lab lives up to this promise as its mouthguards are made in the lab using quality materials and some of the best dental technologies.
ChomperLabs dental guards are custom-made, ensuring they match your teeth perfectly for optimum comfort while wearing them.
The lab sends you an impression kit allowing you to take a mould of your teeth from the comfort of your home, which it then uses to craft your unique mouth guard.
ChomperLabs also provides different types of dental guards to match your clenching and grinding needs. These include:
HARD NIGHT GUARD
A hard and durable night guard designed for people who clench and grind their teeth a lot, especially while sleeping.
SOFT NIGHT GUARD
Made of a flexible rubber-like material, making it the most comfortable ChomperLabs dental guard for teeth clenching. It’s perfect for people with light clenching.
ULTRA-THIN NIGHT GUARD
Designed to be less noticeable, making it good for people who clench and grind their teeth during the day.
HYBRID NIGHT GUARD
Made of a dual laminate material that’s soft on the inside and hard on the outside, providing maximum teeth protection while being very comfortable to wear. ChomperLabs’ mission is to help everyone get healthier and happier teeth without paying an arm and a leg. The company does well in this regard as its nightguards are relatively less expensive. However, being a US dental lab, Aussies will pay for shipping, which would inflate the cost of getting their dental protection.
FEATURES OF THE CHOMPERLABS MOUTHGUARDS
- Dentist-quality mouthguards made by a full-service lab
- Custom-fit night guards that effectively protect teeth from clenching.
- Choose from several nightguards depending on your teeth-grinding needs.
4.PRO TEETH GUARD MOUTHGUARDS
Pro Teeth Guard says it offers “the best night guard for teeth grinding,” adding that the dental device is made in a professional dental lab that makes night guards for dentists.
The Pro Teeth Guard night guards are made from high-quality materials that hold up against clenching and grinding pressure.
How is this possible? You take the impressions at home. The impressions are then sent to Pro Teeth Guard with a prepaid return envelope. Pro Teeth Guard then uses your impressions to create a custom night guard that matches your teeth perfectly.
Pro Teeth Guard offers four types of night guards so that you can choose the best one for your needs.
The options are as follows:
HARD NIGHT GUARD
It’s made of hard materials – designed for people with severe grinding.
HYBRID NIGHT GUARD
Designed for moderate grinding. It has a soft inside and a hard outside, ensuring a comfortable fit while effectively preventing teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
ULTRA-THIN NIGHT GUARD
This guard is a 1mm thick device designed for light clenching. The low profile of the ultra-thin mouthguard for teeth clenching makes it suitable for daytime use.
SOFT NIGHT GUARD.
It’s a 1.5mm thick night guard made of soft material and is designed for light grinding.
In addition to being a high-quality custom-fit nightguard, these nightguards for teeth clenching come with a 110% money-back guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied within the first 60 days, you can return the device to the company and get a refund of the full purchase price plus an extra 10%.
FEATURES OF PRO TEETH GUARD MOUTHGUARDS
- Dentist-quality mouthguards for teeth clenching.
- Offers custom-made night guards for better fit and comfort.
- Offers a range of night guards for different severity of teeth clenching.
- Comes with an interesting 110% money-back guarantee.
5. ORAL B NIGHTTIME DENTAL GUARD
The Oral B nighttime dental guard nightguard is a safe and quality device made using BPA and latex-free material in an FDA-audited US facility. It also comes with an enjoyable subtle mint flavour.
This is the best mouth guard for clenching if your search is limited to over-the-counter devices.
This mouthguard is a boil-and-bite over-the-counter night guard that is not custom-made for your teeth. You customise it for your teeth at home by heating it, biting into it, and moulding it.
Thankfully, the Oral B nightguard is easy to customise for your teeth. Following the instructions, you can microwave and customise this guard for your teeth in just 3 minutes.
While it’s easy to customise, not everyone likes going through the trouble of making their own mouthguard, and may prefer a professional to make it.
Boil-and-bite nightguards generally do not fit your teeth as snugly as their custom-made counterparts. Thus, while it’ll reduce teeth clenching and grinding, it may not be as effective as a custom-made device.
The Oral B night guard is also relatively bulky, so it may be less comfortable to wear while sleeping.
FEATURES OF THE ORAL B NIGHTTIME DENTAL GUARD
- Very cheap.
- Features a mint flavour.
- Made with high-quality material.
6. SLEEPRIGHT DURA-COMFORT DENTAL GUARD
SleepRight Dura-Comfort Dental Guards are over-the-counter mouthguards for teeth clenching without the hassle of boiling water or microwaving it to fit.
The bite-pads of the night guard fit comfortably between your molars and are held in place by your cheeks and lower lips. You can adjust the pads forward or backward to fit the size of your mouth.
When the pads are adjusted into the right position, the SleepRight Dura-Comfort nightguard can protect against teeth clenching.
It’s more durable than most over-the-counter nightguards, making it suitable for heavy grinders.
Also, the device is made of high-quality materials free of BPA and latex.
However, because the Dura-Comfort nightguard does not offer a custom fit, it may not be as effective or as comfortable as other custom-made options that are available.
FEATURES OF THE SLEEPRIGHT DURA-COMFORT NIGHTGUARD
- It’s an over-the-counter nightguard that does not require boiling and microwaving to fit.
- It’s very cheap.
7. ZYPPAH ANTI-SNORING HYBRID MOUTHGUARD
The ZYPPAH anti-snoring mouthguard is a one-of-a-kind dental device. As its name suggests, it cushions the effect of teeth clenching and grinding while also helping to fight snoring.
The mouthguard is safe and made from high-quality BPA and latex-free materials.
Thanks to a patented tongue strap, the mouth guard controls your tongue and opens the airways, preventing snoring and helping you or your partner get a better night’s sleep.
The ZYPPAH anti-snoring mouthguard is a boil-and-bite over-the-counter mouthguard. You let it sit in hot water for a few minutes, cool, and then bite down on it to mould it to fit your teeth.
However, the ZYPPAH anti-snoring mouthguard offers only a semi-custom fit, meaning it will not be as effective as the custom-made option for teeth grinding.
It is also the bulkiest mouthguard on this list.
FEATURES OF THE ZYPPAH ANTI-SNORING HYBRID MOUTHGUARD
- Made from quality materials.
- It helps stop snoring.
- Relatively cheap (compared to custom-made mouthguards for teeth clenching).
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE BEST MOUTHGUARD FOR CLENCHING?
Mouthguards are not made equally. As such, they differ in their suitability for particular teeth-clenching cases, comfort, and durability.
When choosing a dental guard for teeth grinding and clenching, you should consider factors like mouthguard type, comfort, durability, etc.
Some things to consider to help you choose the best mouthguard include:
TYPE
Depending on how the dental guard is fitted to your teeth, there are three different types of mouthguards.
CUSTOM MOUTH GUARD
These are crafted to fit your unique teeth. They are considered the best mouth guards as they offer the highest level of comfort and protection.
BOIL-AND-BITE MOUTH GUARDS
These are over-the-counter night guards that you customise at home to fit your teeth. You heat the dental guard, bite into it, and it moulds to fit your teeth.
These are generally considered the next best thing after the custom options.
STOCK MOUTHGUARDS
These are generic one-size-fits-all mouth guards available at drugstores. Because these mouthguards are not customised, they often are much more uncomfortable to wear. Due to their poor fit, they are generally less effective in protecting your teeth from the effects of clenching and grinding.
MATERIAL
These dental devices can be made from different materials, including soft plastic, hard plastic, or a combination of both.
Hard plastic options are more durable and better for heavy teeth grinders but may be less comfortable.
Soft plastic options are more comfortable but less durable and, therefore, good for light grinders.
If you have allergies, you may also look out for safe materials, like latex-free or BPA-free mouthguards.
THICKNESS
Thinner night guard feel less bulky in the mouth and are generally more comfortable for the wearer. However, if you are a heavy grinder, you may find that the benefits of having a thick mouthguard for heavy grinding worth having a thicker mouth guard.
COMFORT
The comfort of a night guard depends on different factors, including the mouthguard type, material, fit, and thickness. However, this is largely subjective to each individual.
For example, some users may prefer the feel of soft mouthguards, while others may prefer the low profile of thin guards.
DURABILITY
Mouth guards designed for heavy clenchers are generally more durable. If you want a long-lasting mouth guard, you should go for these or the hybrid options that try to balance durability and comfort.
COST
Custom-fitted night guards are more expensive upfront. But since they provide better protection and comfort, they can save you more money in the long run than their cheaper over-the-counter counterparts.
This is because they prevent dental damage, reducing the need for costly dental repairs.
FAQS
Some of the frequently asked questions about mouthguards for teeth clenching are:
WHAT CAUSES CLENCHING?
Various physical and psychological factors are known to trigger teeth clenching. Daytime/ awake teeth clenching can be triggered by stress, anxiety, tension, serious concentration, or repressed anger.
Nighttime teeth clenching can be triggered by hyperactivity, sleep disorders like sleep apnea, and certain medications.
CAN A MOUTHGUARD HELP WITH MY CLENCHING?
Yes, a mouthguard reduces the intensity of the force that is put on to the teeth when you involuntarily clench them. Protecting your teeth if you clench can save you from related problems such as tooth damage, jaw pains, and headaches.
How does this work? When clenching and grinding teeth, the bite force is redistributed evenly throughout the mouthguard, reducing the force transmitted to the teeth.
Also read7 Ways Mouthguards Help With Clenching (Explained)
Mouthguards for teeth grinding and jaw clenching come in a range of thicknesses. They typically range from 1mm to 3mm, with the best one for you depending on the severity of your teeth clenching and your comfort preference.
Mouthguards of 1mm – 1.6mm thickness are usually designed for light grinders. Their slim profile makes them comfortable, but they may be less durable. Mouthguards of 1.6mm – 2mm thickness are usually designed for heavy grinders. While they are more durable, their thickness makes them less comfortable.
Although less common, mouthguards of thickness 3mm are “extra-soft” dental guards for people who do not like the harder materials of the other options.
WHICH TYPE OF MOUTHGUARD IS THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME?
The right mouthguard for you depends on your teeth-clenching needs and comfort preferences.
- Hard mouthguards are suitable for heavy grinders. While they are very durable, their relatively rigid exterior makes them less comfortable to wear.
- Soft mouthguards are suitable for light teeth grinders but are generally less durable.
- The hybrid mouthguards are excellent for people who want a perfect balance of comfort and durability, as they feature a soft interior that makes them comfortable to wear and a hard exterior for good teeth protection and durability.
HOW MUCH DOES MOUTHGUARD FOR CLENCHING COST?
The cost of a mouthguard for clenching can range from just over $100 to close well over $700. The main factors determining cost include the appliance type, material, and where you get it.
For example, over-the-counter dental guards are cheaper than the custom-made options, and soft mouthguards are generally cheaper than harder, more durable options.
Also, an online custom night guard provided by a dental lab is often 3 – 4 times cheaper than going to a dentist for one.
Also read:How Much Does A Nightguard Cost in Australia?
WHAT’S THE RECOMMENDED DURATION FOR WEARING A MOUTHGUARD TO PREVENT CLENCHING?
The recommended duration for wearing a mouthguard varies depending on your teeth clenching needs and the guidance of your dentist or healthcare provider. However, a night guard is often recommended for as long as teeth clenching persists.
If you clench your teeth during sleep, you should wear your mouth guard when sleeping (for as long as teeth clenching persists).
If you clench during the day when under heightened tension, you should wear a mouthguard during these periods.
SHOULD MOUTHGUARDS BE PLACED ON THE UPPER OR LOWER TEETH?
You can wear your custom mouth guard on the lower or upper teeth, depending on your specific needs. Either option can effectively prevent teeth grinding and clenching and protect your teeth. Generally, upper mouth gaurds are the most common among people who grind.
MYMOFOSMILE lets you choose between upper or lower teeth options when ordering your custom-made mouthguard.
While personal preference informs the choice between top or bottom teeth mouthguards, you should also visit your dentist for a professional recommendation.
WHILE PERSONAL PREFERENCE INFORMS THE CHOICE BETWEEN TOP OR BOTTOM TEETH MOUTHGUARDS, YOU SHOULD ALSO VISIT YOUR DENTIST FOR A PROFESSIONAL RECOMMENDATION.
How long it takes to adjust to wearing a mouthguard for teeth clenching varies from person to person.
Some people adjust to wearing the device and begin noticing improvements in comfort within a few nights to a few weeks of regular use.
However, others may take several months to become accustomed to it.
Factors affecting how quickly one adjusts to wearing a mouthguard for teeth clenching include:
- Device type:People adjust quicker to custom-made mouthguards that fit snugly compared to other options with improper fit.
- Thickness and softness:Thicker or harder mouthguards are more discomforting and take longer time to get accustomed to.
- Usage: Consistency in wearing the mouth/ night guard is crucial to adapting to it quickly. If you only wear it occasionally, it’ll take longer to adjust to wearing it.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I AM CLENCHING MY JAW?
Teeth clenching occurs during sleep or as a subconscious response to stress, so it can be difficult to know when you have the problem.
However, there are several signs and symptoms to look for to identify if you might be clenching your teeth.
These include morning jaw pain, facial pain, frequent headaches, teeth sensitivity, and chipped or worn teeth.
HOW CAN I PREVENT DAYTIME TEETH CLENCHING?
Wearing a mouthguard designed for wearing during the day is an effective way to prevent daytime teeth clenching.
A day time guard for clenching sits between your teeth and absorbs the force generated when you clench your teeth.
IS THERE A NATURAL TREATMENT FOR CLENCHING?
There are several natural treatments for teeth clenching. These focus on reducing the frequency and intensity of clenching or addressing the underlying cause of the problem. They include:
- Stress reduction techniques: Practising relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga.
- Physical therapy: Do jaw exercises to relieve muscle and jaw tension.
- Sleep hygiene: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and limit screen time before bedtime to improve sleep quality.
- Dietary changes: Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening (as these may contribute to nighttime teeth grinding and clenching).
WHEN SHOULD I SPEAK WITH A DENTIST ABOUT MY CLENCHING?
While teeth clenching is not life-threatening, it may lead to serious problems like tooth damage, jaw pain, and throbbing tension headaches.
Early intervention can help prevent these problems, so you should speak with your dentist about your teeth clenching as soon as you suspect or experience any of its signs or symptoms.
TAKEAWAY: PROTECT YOUR TEETH FROM CLENCHING USING A NIGHTGUARD
There are many mouthguards for teeth clenching in the market. However, only a few meet high standards of teeth protection, comfortability, and durability.
Among the seven mouthguards for teeth clenching listed above, MYMOFOSMILE nightguards stand out as the top choice. They are 100% custom-made splints, made to fit your tooth structure, ensuring maximum comfort when you wear them.
Shop MYMOFOSMILE nightguards today and reduce the effect of clenching.
