Best Dental Guards

About one-third of children and 20% of adults in America live with bruxism--a condition that causes teeth grinding and jaw clenching when sleeping. Bruxism can lead to chipped teeth, jaw pain, poor quality of sleep, and even chronic headaches. It’s advised to use a dental guard to avoid these complications.

Also, during contact sports, there is a high tendency that you’ll get a hit to the mouth. Depending on the severity of impact, a person can sustain serious injuries to the lips, tongue, cheeks, teeth, and jaw. The use of a dental guard will help prevent most mouth injuries. It will keep the soft tissue of the mouth away from the teeth, thereby reducing the risk of cuts and bruises.

Whether for night use or sports, selecting the best suited dental guard can be confusing because there are many options. This buying guide will help make the selection process simpler.

• Custom Impression: They are designed in the dental clinic or laboratory based on your dentist's instructions. They require dental visits, but they provide the best fit and adaptation.

• Boil-and-bite: This type is made from “thermoplastic”, which softens when placed in boiling water. When it is cool, you can use it. The bite pressure enables it to adapt to the user's mouth. They are designed for home use and are widely available at retail stores.

• Stock: It is the most common type of dental guard. They come already formed for use by you. They come in three sizes (small, medium, and large) or one-size-fits-all, limiting their ability to fit everyone exactly.

• Price: This depends on what your budget is. The cost of dental guards varies based on types and brands. The custom impression dental guards are usually the most expensive, while the boil-and-bite and stock are relatively cheap.

• Molded or one-size-fits-all: Going for either is based on personal choice. The molded guards allow for better adaptability to your mouth and are more comfortable. One-size-fits-all can size anyone, but they are relatively less comfortable.

• Gender: Some brands offer different tray sizes for males and females. Male dental guards usually have larger trays than female dental guards. When buying, make sure that you check the gender specification.

• Transparent or opaque: This depends on your personal preference. You can go for a dental guard that is not obvious or a guard that is opaque and easy to see.

• Trial period: Many brands offer trial periods to allow buyers to return the guard (if it is not suitable) and get a full refund within a particular period. The trial period can range from 30 to 365 days.

• Protection: Dental guards are for protective purposes. When buying the guard, check the thickness. A thin dental guard will offer minimal protection. The dental guard should be strong and durable to withstand pressure to deliver adequate protection.

• Material: This determines the level of comfort and the possibility of a reaction to the dental guard. When buying a dental guard, ensure that it is BPA and latex-free. Custom impression guards have a soft layer inside, where it is made from materials such as acrylic, and a rigid (bottom) layer made from materials like laminate. Other types can be made from a single layer.

• Comfort: A dental guard should not make you choose between protection and comfort. It should be a proper fit for you. When you use it, you should be able to breathe and speak without difficulty.

• Weight: A dental guard should not be heavy--otherwise, it will cause discomfort. Most dental guards weigh less than 10 ounces. For better comfort, it is advisable to buy dental guards that weigh four ounces or less.

• Maintenance: Maintenance of a dental guard is easy--it just involves daily rinsing. The more expensive models (like custom impressions) have time-consuming maintenance. Sometimes, they require that you visit your dentist for proper dental guard care.

• Case: The dental guard case is necessary for adequate maintenance. It should be sterilized and vented to allow the dental guard to dry after use. It should be strong enough to protect the dental guard from damage in case it falls on the floor.

• Extra teeth whitening feature: Some dental guards come with an additional feature for dental whitening. They are usually more expensive, but they are a good investment.

• Pro Teeth Guard makes a custom impression dental guard that allows buyers to create a mold at home using the kit and sending it to the dental lab for customization. The dental guard is durable, with two layers made from laminate and acrylic. It is best for people that have bruxism, and they allow a 60-night trial period.

• Shock Doctor Mouth Guard is one of the best boil-and-bite dental protection for athletes engaged in contact sports. The dental guard can be strapped on when in use. The guard has three layers, and it is ideal for all age groups. It is made from silicon, and free from BPA.

• Brux is one of the best boil-and-bite dental guards. It is very comfortable for people who grind their teeth at night. It covers the front row, allowing for more airflow and easy breathing. It is free from toxic and BPA materials.