How to Choose the Best Night Guard for Your Grinding
Posted by Chomper Labs on November 16th, 2020
When it comes to teeth grinding and clenching, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to try to figure out what will help relieve your symptoms. Headaches, jaw pain, and teeth damage can have a major impact on your quality of life, and nobody wants the additional headache of trying to find a solution that will actually work! From over the counter night guards, to custom options, we’ll go over the varieties you have to choose from so you can get the relief you’re looking for now.
There are two main categories of night guards: over the counter boil-and-bite and custom made. Over-the-counter night guards are cheap, both in cost and quality, and are convenient to get at your local drugstore. They provide a quick fix, but because of the lower quality materials, they can sometimes make grinding and clenching even worse. Due to their bulky material, they can also be uncomfortable to wear. Many people find that they remove their over the counter night guard during the night, and if it’s too uncomfortable to keep on, it obviously can’t do its job of protecting your teeth. Fortunately, over the counter night guards aren’t the only option available to teeth grinders and clenchers.
Custom night guards provide the highest level of protection for your teeth and also tend to be much more comfortable than over the counter night guards because of the precision of their fit. Historically, a custom made night guard was only available through a dentist who would contract with a dental lab to make it, then sell it at a marked up, often extremely expensive price. Thankfully it is no longer the case that you have to pay outrageous prices for a high quality night guard. You can find the exact same quality night guards as the dentist for a fraction of the price online at Chomper Labs with options to fit every teeth grinder or clencher’s needs.
With all of the choices of materials available at Chomper Labs, you may be wondering which is the best for you. This largely depends on your level of grinding and clenching, and the level of comfort you are looking for. Sometimes It can be a bit tricky to figure out how severe your grinding or clenching is, especially when it typically happens in your sleep. Not to worry, we’ll give you some tips to help give you insight into your teeth grinding habits.
The main indicators to look for are your symptoms when trying to figure out the severity of your grinding and clenching. Common symptoms include headaches, jaw tension or pain, and damage to your teeth. If your symptoms mainly consist of a feeling of a tight jaw in the morning, perhaps accompanied by a headache at times, but without noticeable wear on your teeth, you are likely a light grinder. If you’re experiencing jaw tension or pain that is noticeable, periodic headaches, or are starting to notice some wearing down of the surfaces of your teeth, you’re likely a moderate grinder. If you have jaw pain and tightness that limits your ability to chew or makes it tiring to speak for periods of time, experience severe headaches or migraines, or have severe wear on your teeth to the point that there are cracks or the surfaces of your molars are flattened, you are probably a severe grinder.
Now that you have more of an idea of your level of grinding or clenching, let’s take a look at the night guard options available at Chomper Labs. The Soft is perfect for light grinders/clenchers who are looking for the most comfortable option. Its soft material cushions the teeth, providing relief from jaw tension and headaches. The Hybrid is made of a unique material that is comprised of a hard outer layer for increased durability, and a soft inner layer for comfort. This option is great for moderate grinders/clenchers who are looking for a balance of durability and comfort. The Hard is made of a hard and durable material made to stand up to the heaviest grinding and clenching. Though it may be less comfortable than the other materials, its durability can’t be beat.
Choosing the best night guard for you doesn’t need to be daunting. Armed with the knowledge of how to determine your grinding needs and all of the options available, you’ll be well on your way to getting the night guard that’s perfect for you.
