Best Night Guard for Grinding: 8 Picks & 2025 Buying Guide
Waking up with a sore jaw or noticing chipped enamel is frustrating. You know you grind your teeth at night but figuring out which guard to buy feels overwhelming. Drugstore options are cheap but rarely fit right and can make grinding worse. Custom guards from your dentist deliver great results but can cost $500 or more. Meanwhile, your teeth keep taking damage every night you delay the decision. You need something that actually protects your teeth without emptying your wallet or requiring multiple dental office visits.
This guide covers eight night guards that effectively stop teeth grinding in 2025. We break down what makes each one different, who they work best for, and what you actually get for your money. You'll find custom fitted options that rival what dentists offer at a fraction of the cost, plus budget friendly boil and bite guards for lighter grinding needs. We compare soft versus hard materials, explain thickness options, and show you which guards handle severe grinding versus mild clenching. By the end, you'll know exactly which guard matches your grinding level, comfort preferences, and budget.
1. Remi Custom Night Guard
The Remi Custom Night Guard uses an at-home impression kit to create a guard that matches your exact tooth contours. You take your own impressions using the provided materials, mail them back in a prepaid envelope, and receive your custom guard within days. This approach gives you professional-level customization without scheduling dental appointments or paying dental office markup.
What sets this night guard apart
Remi includes both upper and lower guards with every purchase so you can test which position works better for your mouth. Most competitors force you to choose upfront or charge extra for a second guard. The company stores your dental impression permanently, which means reorders arrive faster since they already have your tooth map on file. You also get three thickness options (1mm, 1.3mm, or 2mm) based on how hard you grind, giving you control over protection level versus bulk in your mouth.
How this night guard fits and feels
The hard outer shell with soft inner lining creates a snug fit against your teeth while cushioning your gums. You'll notice the guard stays put through the night without adhesive strips or constant repositioning. The slim profile means you can close your lips naturally and won't deal with excessive drooling like bulkier guards cause. Most users adapt within three to five nights of consistent wear.
Ideal grinder profile
This guard works well for moderate to heavy grinders who need serious protection but don't want the thickness of a 3mm hard guard. Light grinders who mainly clench rather than slide their teeth will also find the soft inner layer comfortable. You should look elsewhere if you have braces, dental implants, or fewer than six consecutive teeth on your upper or lower arch.
"Custom guards offer better protection, greater comfort, and superior durability than store-bought options."
Material, thickness and durability
Remi uses dental-grade BPA-free plastic that meets the same safety standards as guards made in dental offices. The hard-soft construction typically lasts 12 to 18 months with nightly use and proper cleaning. Severe grinders who wear through the soft layer faster can reorder at any time since your impression stays on file.
Price range and value tips
The initial purchase costs $189, which includes your impression kit, both upper and lower guards, and a storage case. You can use HSA or FSA funds at checkout to reduce out-of-pocket costs. The 30-day guarantee lets you request a free remake if the fit isn't right, so you're not stuck with an uncomfortable guard. This price point sits between drugstore options ($20-$30) and dental office guards ($500+), making it a solid middle option for the best night guard for grinding that balances cost with custom fit quality.
2. Smile Brilliant Night Guard
Smile Brilliant ships you a free impression kit first, then builds your guard after they receive your molds. This approach removes guesswork from the fitting process and delivers a guard that matches your bite pattern precisely. The company digitizes your impression for their records, which streamlines future reorders without repeating the molding process.
What sets this night guard apart
You can purchase multiple guards upfront in packages of one, two, or four units. This bulk option makes sense if you grind heavily and wear through guards faster than average. Smile Brilliant also partners with dental insurance companies to offer discounts up to 25%, which can lower your total cost significantly if your plan covers night guards.
How this night guard fits and feels
The 2mm thickness provides substantial protection while remaining thin enough for comfortable all-night wear. Your guard snaps into place over your teeth and stays secure without adhesive. Most users report minimal adjustment period compared to thicker guards that trigger gagging or excess saliva production.
Ideal grinder profile
This guard handles light to heavy grinding equally well thanks to its balanced thickness and durable construction. You get roughly three months of nightly use before needing a replacement, which makes it practical for severe grinders who need the best night guard for grinding that can withstand constant pressure.
"Custom-fitted mouth guards provide effective protection against bruxism and sports-related trauma."
Material, thickness and durability
Smile Brilliant uses professional-grade dental materials that meet the same standards as guards made in dental labs. The guard measures 2mm throughout, offering consistent protection across your entire bite surface. Each guard typically lasts three months with proper care and cleaning.
Price range and value tips
The starting price hits $149 for a single guard, with the per-unit cost dropping to $49 when you buy a four-pack. Your purchase includes the impression kit, custom guard, and travel case. The 45-day trial period lets you test the fit and return it for a full refund minus shipping if it doesn't work. You can pay with HSA or FSA funds to reduce your actual expense.
3. Pro Teeth Guard Hybrid Night Guard
The Pro Teeth Guard Hybrid Night Guard combines a soft inner layer with a hard outer shell to give you both comfort and protection. This dual-layer construction adapts to your teeth while blocking grinding forces from damaging your enamel. You receive a professional impression kit in the mail, take your molds at home, then send them back for custom fabrication by a dental lab.
What sets this night guard apart
Pro Teeth Guard makes separate designs for men and women, accounting for differences in jaw structure and bite patterns. The elasticized acrylic material softens when soaked in water, which lets you adjust the fit slightly if needed after you receive your guard. This flexibility gives you fine-tuning control that most rigid guards don't offer.
How this night guard fits and feels
The soft interior cushions your gums while the hard exterior stops tooth-on-tooth grinding. You get a secure fit that stays in place through the night without causing pressure points or irritation. Most users find this hybrid design strikes the right balance between protection and wearability, making it one of the best night guard for grinding options if comfort matters to you.
Ideal grinder profile
This guard works well for moderate bruxism where you need more protection than a soft guard provides but don't require the maximum thickness of a 3mm hard guard. You'll get good results if you grind consistently but haven't yet developed severe wear patterns on your teeth.
"A comfy anti-bruxism mouthguard with soft inner lining to protect your teeth and gums."
Material, thickness and durability
Pro Teeth Guard uses elasticized acrylic that meets dental lab standards for night guard fabrication. The 2mm thickness provides substantial protection while remaining comfortable for all-night wear. Your guard should last several months to a year depending on how heavily you grind.
Price range and value tips
The guard costs $169, which includes your impression kit, custom fabrication, and shipping. Pro Teeth Guard backs your purchase with a 110% money-back guarantee during the first 60 days, meaning you get your full payment back plus an extra 10% if you're not satisfied. You can use HSA or FSA funds at checkout, and the company offers free adjustments within the first two months if your fit needs refinement.
4. JS Dental Lab Hard Shield
The JS Dental Lab Hard Shield uses 3mm thick thermoplastic polyester to create a shock-absorbing barrier between your teeth. This extra thickness delivers maximum protection for people who grind so hard they've worn through thinner guards in the past. You take impressions at home, mail them to JS Dental Lab, and receive your finished guard within five business days.
What sets this night guard apart
You can wear this guard with dentures or dental implants, which most competing guards don't allow. The material stays flexible despite its thickness, so you avoid the rigid, uncomfortable feel that some 3mm guards create. JS Dental Lab offers both clear and turquoise color options if you want something besides the standard transparent look.
How this night guard fits and feels
The 3mm profile acts as a cushion that absorbs grinding forces before they reach your teeth. You'll notice the guard feels substantial in your mouth but shouldn't trigger gagging once you adapt to it. Most severe grinders find the extra bulk worthwhile for the protection level it provides.
Ideal grinder profile
This guard targets severe bruxism cases where you've already damaged teeth or worn through thinner guards quickly. You get the best results if you grind with heavy force throughout the night and need the most durable option available. Light grinders will likely find the thickness excessive for their needs.
"A mouthguard designed with a thick profile to prevent severe nighttime teeth grinding."
Material, thickness and durability
JS Dental Lab uses FDA-cleared thermoplastic polyester that meets medical device standards for dental guards. The 3mm thickness exceeds the typical 1mm to 2mm range most guards offer, giving you superior protection against severe grinding. Your guard should last significantly longer than thinner alternatives, making this one of the best night guard for grinding options for heavy users.
Price range and value tips
The Hard Shield costs $145, which includes your impression kit and custom fabrication. JS Dental Lab provides a 365-night trial period, giving you a full year to test the fit and protection. Standard shipping adds just $1, which they credit back after your trial ends. You can choose between upper or lower tray placement based on your preference.
5. Chomper Labs Night Guard
Chomper Labs offers four distinct guard designs in one product line, letting you pick the exact protection level your grinding requires. You select from Soft, Hybrid, Hard, or Retainer styles when ordering, each targeting different grinding intensities. The company operates as a full-service dental lab, which means they can handle custom requests beyond standard options if you have specific needs.
What sets this night guard apart
The four-model selection gives you more choice than most competitors who offer one or two options. You can order a Soft guard at 3mm for light grinding, a Hybrid at 2.5mm for moderate grinding, a Hard guard at 2mm for severe grinding, or a Retainer at 1mm to 1.5mm if you also need to prevent teeth shifting. Chomper Labs will adjust thickness or use special materials if you contact them directly with specific requirements.
How this night guard fits and feels
Each guard gets hand-finished after machine fabrication, which improves precision around your tooth contours. The fit depends on which model you choose, but all versions use your exact dental impressions for customization. You'll notice the guard stays secure through the night without slipping or causing pressure points that wake you up.
Ideal grinder profile
This guard system works for all grinding levels since you pick the model that matches your intensity. Light grinders benefit from the cushiony Soft option, while severe grinders need the rigid Hard version. The variety makes this one of the best night guard for grinding choices if you're unsure which protection level you need.
"An anti-bruxism mouthguard available in various styles to address light, moderate, or severe teeth grinding."
Material, thickness and durability
Materials vary by model but all meet dental lab standards for night guards. The Soft uses flexible rubber-like material, the Hybrid combines soft interior with hard exterior, and the Hard employs rigid copolyester. Thickness ranges from 1mm to 3mm depending on your selection, with thicker options lasting longer under heavy grinding.
Price range and value tips
Each custom guard costs $169 regardless of which model you choose. Your purchase includes the impression kit, custom fabrication, and prepaid return envelope. Chomper Labs provides a 100-day trial where they'll adjust or replace your guard for free, then issue a full refund minus shipping if you're still not satisfied. The company backs each guard with a 6-month warranty and stores your impressions for two years to simplify reordering.
6. Sentinel Soft Dental Night Guard
The Sentinel Soft Dental Night Guard uses flexible plastic construction to cushion your teeth against light grinding and clenching. You take impressions of both your upper and lower teeth at home, then select which guard position works best for your bite pattern. The company offers three thickness levels (1mm, 2mm, or 3mm) so you can match protection to your grinding intensity.
What sets this night guard apart
Sentinel builds guards from materials that contain no BPA, silicon, latex, or phthalates, which matters if you have sensitivities or prefer cleaner materials. The guard can potentially last up to three years with proper maintenance and care, giving you significantly longer use than most competitors claim. You also get to choose between larger and smaller sizes to better match your mouth dimensions before taking impressions.
How this night guard fits and feels
The soft, flexible material conforms to your teeth without creating rigid pressure points that wake you up at night. Your guard stays in place through normal sleep movements while remaining gentle enough that you won't notice it after the first few nights. Most users adapt quickly to the thin profile and soft texture.
Ideal grinder profile
This guard targets light grinders who mainly clench their jaw rather than actively sliding their teeth back and forth. You'll get good results if you're just starting to notice grinding symptoms or want preventive protection. Skip this option if you have braces, spacers, or other orthodontic appliances since the guard won't fit properly around them.
"A thin, gentle mouthguard intended for people with low-level bruxism symptoms."
Material, thickness and durability
Sentinel uses comfortable flexible plastic that stays soft against your gums and teeth. Your thickness choice (1mm, 2mm, or 3mm) determines how much bulk you'll feel in your mouth, with thinner options providing less protection but greater comfort. The material maintains its shape and cushioning properties for up to three years when you clean and store it properly, making this one of the best night guard for grinding options for light users seeking long-term value.
Price range and value tips
The guard costs $149, which includes your impression kit, custom fabrication, and storage case. Sentinel provides a 30-day trial where you can return the guard for a full refund if it doesn't meet your needs. All U.S. orders ship free, which eliminates extra costs at checkout.
7. SmartGuard RX Dental Guard
The SmartGuard RX Dental Guard covers only your top two front teeth instead of wrapping around your entire arch like traditional guards. This minimal design uses a boil-and-bite customization process you complete at home by heating the guard in water, biting down to create your tooth impression, then cooling it to lock the shape. You can remold the guard multiple times if your first attempt doesn't fit properly.
What sets this night guard apart
This guard's front-teeth-only coverage makes it the most discreet option available for grinding protection. You'll barely notice the guard in your mouth compared to full-arch designs that trigger gagging or excess saliva. The company backs each purchase with a 3-year no-grind-through guarantee, meaning they'll replace your guard if you wear through it within three years of normal use.
How this night guard fits and feels
The limited coverage lets you close your lips naturally and sleep comfortably without the bulk of larger guards. You can speak somewhat clearly with it in place, though you'll still have the typical guard lisp. Most users adapt within one to three nights since there's less material to get used to.
Ideal grinder profile
This guard works for light to moderate grinders who want minimal bulk in their mouth. You should avoid it if you have braces, dentures, dental implants, loose teeth, TMJ disorder, gum disease, or more than two missing teeth. The front-only design won't protect back molars if that's where your grinding concentrates.
"A budget-friendly anti-bruxism mouthguard that only covers your top two front teeth."
Material, thickness and durability
SmartGuard RX uses flexible thermoplastic that's been cleared by the FDA. The guard contains no latex or BPA, reducing allergy risks. Your purchase includes two moldable guards so you have a backup when the first one wears out.
Price range and value tips
Each package costs just $30 and includes two customizable guards plus a storage case, making this the cheapest option among the best night guard for grinding choices in this guide. The low price lets you try the unique design without major financial commitment.
8. Neomen Professional Dental Guard
The Neomen Professional Dental Guard uses a boil-and-bite design that you customize at home without dental impressions or lab processing. You heat the guard in boiling water for 90 seconds, let it cool slightly, then bite down firmly to create a mold of your teeth. This instant customization lets you start protecting your teeth the same day you receive the package, making it the fastest option to get protection in place.
What sets this night guard apart
Neomen sells guards in packs of four for around $20, giving you the lowest per-unit cost among all options in this guide. Each guard comes with a hardshell case featuring air holes that keeps your guard clean and dry between uses. The slim profile measures thinner than most boil-and-bite competitors, which reduces bulk in your mouth while still blocking tooth-on-tooth contact.
How this night guard fits and feels
You control the fit quality through how firmly you bite during the molding process. The thermoplastic material softens completely when heated properly, letting it capture detailed impressions of your tooth surfaces. Your finished guard stays in place through the night without adhesive, though the fit won't match custom lab-made options since you're doing the molding yourself. Most users get a workable fit on their first or second attempt.
Ideal grinder profile
This guard works best for light to moderate grinders who want immediate protection without waiting for custom fabrication. You'll get decent results if you're trying out night guards for the first time and want to test whether wearing one helps before investing in pricier custom options. Heavy grinders will likely wear through these guards faster than lab-made alternatives, but the four-pack means you have backups ready.
Material, thickness and durability
Neomen uses moldable thermoplastic that meets basic safety standards for oral use. The guard measures thinner than most drugstore alternatives, which improves comfort but may reduce protection for severe grinders. Each guard typically lasts one to three months depending on how hard you grind, making the four-pack a practical six-month to one-year supply for most users.
Price range and value tips
The $20 four-pack price works out to $5 per guard, making this the most budget-friendly option for the best night guard for grinding if upfront cost matters most to you. You can order directly online without prescription requirements or dental visits. The included storage cases add value since you won't need to buy separate containers.
How to choose the best night guard in 2025
Your grinding intensity determines which guard type provides adequate protection. Light grinders who mainly clench their jaw do fine with soft guards or boil-and-bite options like Neomen. Moderate grinders need hybrid construction with soft interior and hard exterior for balanced comfort and protection. Severe grinders require thick hard guards (2mm to 3mm) made from rigid materials that withstand heavy force. You should also consider your budget, with custom options costing $145 to $189 compared to $20 to $30 for boil-and-bite guards.
"Custom guards offer better protection, greater comfort, and superior durability than store-bought options."
Custom dental guards vs store bought options
Custom guards use dental impressions that capture exact tooth positioning, creating precision fit that stays secure all night. Store-bought guards rely on boil-and-bite molding or one-size-fits-all designs that provide adequate but not optimal fit. You get significantly better protection from custom guards since they distribute grinding forces evenly across your entire bite surface. Store-bought options work for short-term use or budget situations but won't last as long or protect as thoroughly as custom alternatives.
Soft vs hard vs hybrid night guards
Soft guards use flexible rubber-like materials that cushion your teeth during light grinding and clenching. Hard guards employ rigid plastic that creates a solid barrier between upper and lower teeth for severe grinding cases. Hybrid guards combine soft inner layers with hard outer shells to balance comfort against protection for moderate grinding. Your choice depends on grinding intensity, with soft guards typically lasting three to six months, hard guards lasting one to two years, and hybrid guards falling somewhere between.
Thickness and protection levels
Guard thickness ranges from 1mm for light protection up to 3mm for maximum defense against severe grinding. Thinner guards (1mm to 1.5mm) feel more comfortable but offer less durability under heavy grinding forces. Standard guards (2mm) provide good protection for most grinding levels without excessive bulk. Thick guards (3mm) deliver maximum protection for severe cases where you've already damaged teeth or worn through thinner options quickly.
Upper guards vs lower guards
Most manufacturers recommend upper guards since they stay in place more reliably and feel less intrusive during sleep. Lower guards work if you have dental work on your upper arch that prevents guard placement or simply find bottom positioning more comfortable. You can test both positions with products like Remi that include upper and lower guards in one purchase. Your tongue movement typically adapts faster to upper guard placement.
Fit, comfort and ability to speak
Custom guards fit snugly against your teeth without gaps that let grinding continue or create pressure points that wake you up. You'll experience slight speech changes with any guard in place, though you shouldn't need to talk much while sleeping. Comfort improves after three to five nights as your mouth adapts to having an appliance present. Guards that shift position during sleep signal poor fit that needs adjustment or replacement.
Safety, materials and allergies
Quality guards use BPA-free, FDA-cleared materials that won't leach chemicals into your mouth. You should confirm latex-free construction if you have latex sensitivity. Some people react to specific plastics or acrylics, so switching materials often resolves irritation issues. Always clean your guard daily to prevent bacterial buildup that causes bad breath or gum irritation.
Caring for and cleaning your night guard
Rinse your guard with cool or lukewarm water immediately after removal each morning. Brush it gently using a soft toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste to remove saliva and bacteria. Let it air dry completely before storing in a ventilated case to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth. Avoid hot water that can warp the guard shape. Deep clean weekly using denture cleaner or specialized guard cleaning solutions.
When to see a dentist or doctor
You should schedule a dental evaluation if you notice chipped teeth, worn enamel, jaw pain, persistent headaches, or clicking sounds when opening your mouth. These symptoms suggest grinding severe enough to need professional treatment beyond just wearing a guard. Your dentist can identify underlying causes like misaligned bite, sleep apnea, or stress-related clenching that need specific interventions. Consider professional help if store-bought guards haven't reduced your symptoms after two months of consistent use.
How Remi fits into your long term plan
Remi provides custom fit quality at prices between drugstore guards and dental office options, making it practical for long-term grinding protection. You can reorder easily since your impressions stay on file, eliminating the molding process for replacements. The 30-day guarantee lets you test the fit without financial risk, and using HSA or FSA funds reduces your actual cost. Consider Remi if you need better protection than boil-and-bite guards offer but want to avoid the $500-plus cost of dental office custom guards.
Finding your best fit
The best night guard for grinding matches your specific grinding intensity, budget constraints, and comfort preferences. Light grinders get adequate protection from boil-and-bite options like Neomen or the SmartGuard RX, while moderate to severe grinders need custom-fitted guards that distribute forces evenly and last longer. Your decision between soft, hard, or hybrid materials depends on whether you mainly clench or actively grind your teeth back and forth during sleep.
Custom guards deliver superior protection compared to drugstore alternatives, but you don't need to pay dental office prices to get professional quality. Remi's custom night guard provides precision fit using at-home impressions and includes both upper and lower guards in one purchase, letting you test which position works better. You'll spend $189 instead of $500-plus at a dental office while getting the same lab-quality materials and customization. The 30-day guarantee removes financial risk, and storing your impressions on file makes reorders quick and simple when you need replacements.
