Night Guard Materials: The Best Ones for Your Teeth in 2025
What is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a thing you put in your mouth at night. It helps when you grind your teeth. Grinding teeth is bad. A night guard keeps teeth safe.
Night guards come in many types. Some are soft. Some are hard. Some are both! Let me tell you all about them.
Types of Night Guards
There are three main types of night guards:
- Soft night guards
- Hard night guards
- Hybrid night guards (these have both soft and hard parts)
Let's look at each one!
Soft Night Guards
Soft night guards feel nice in your mouth. They are made of soft stuff called EVA. EVA stands for "Ethylene Vinyl Acetate." That's a big name! But it just means "soft plastic."
Good Things About Soft Night Guards:
- Feel good in your mouth
- Help if your jaw hurts
- Good for people who don't grind too hard
- Not too hard on your teeth
Not-So-Good Things:
- Don't last long - need new ones in 6-12 months
- Can make grinding worse for some people
- Get teeth marks fast
- May smell bad if not cleaned well
These are best if you have a sore jaw or just grind a little bit.
Hard Night Guards
Hard night guards are made of strong stuff. They are made with acrylic. Acrylic is a hard plastic. These guards are tough!
Good Things About Hard Night Guards:
- Last a long time - 3 to 5 years!
- Stop teeth from wearing down by 83%
- Best for heavy grinders
- Don't get teeth marks as fast
Not-So-Good Things:
- Feel big in your mouth at first
- Can hurt at first
- May make your jaw sore
- Cost more money
Hard night guards are best if you grind a lot at night.
Hybrid Night Guards
Hybrid night guards are the best of both! They have a soft part that touches your teeth. They have a hard part on the outside. This gives you comfort AND protection.
Good Things About Hybrid Guards:
- Comfy like soft guards
- Strong like hard guards
- Reduce bite force by 40%
- 89% of people like them
Not-So-Good Things:
- Cost more money
- Can be hard to clean
- Thicker than other guards
- Not sold in all stores
These are best for most people who grind their teeth.
Night Guard Materials Chart
Here is a chart that shows what night guards are made of:
| Material | How Long It Lasts | Best For | Bad Things |
|---|---|---|---|
| EVA (soft) | 6-12 months | Sore jaws, light grinding | Wears out fast, can smell |
| Acrylic (hard) | 3-5 years | Heavy grinding | Not as comfy, costs more |
| Hybrid | 2-3 years | Most people | Costs more, thick |
| Boil-and-Bite | 3-6 months | Trying out a night guard | Bad fit (32% get jaw pain) |
| 3D-Printed | 2-4 years | Perfect fit (95% accuracy) | Very costly |
Safety: What to Watch Out For
Some night guards have bad stuff in them. This bad stuff can make you sick. Here's what to look out for:
Bad Things in Some Night Guards:
- BPA: This is a chemical. It can mess up your hormones. 14% of store-bought guards have BPA!
- Phthalates: Another bad chemical. It can hurt your body.
- Latex: Some people are allergic to this. It makes them itch or swell up.
Safety Tips:
- Look for night guards that say "BPA-free"
- Ask your dentist about "hypoallergenic" options
- Choose guards that are "FDA-cleared"
- Clean your guard with soap, not hot water
Store-Bought vs. Dentist-Made Guards
You can buy night guards at the store. Or, you can get them from your dentist. Let's see the big differences:
Store-Bought Night Guards:
- Cheap - cost less money
- Fast - get them right away
- Not a good fit - might hurt your mouth
- Don't last long - need to buy new ones
- May have bad chemicals - not as safe
Dentist-Made Night Guards:
- Fit perfect - made just for your teeth
- Safe materials - no bad stuff
- Last longer - save money over time
- More comfy - don't hurt your mouth
- Work better - stop grinding better
Most dentists say to get a custom night guard. The best ones use 3D scanning to make them fit just right.
Check out these dental equipment options for night guards if you want to learn more about what dentists use.
How to Pick the Right Night Guard Material
Picking the right night guard is big! Here's how to choose:
-
Think about how hard you grind
- Soft for light grinding
- Hard for heavy grinding
- Hybrid for in-between
-
Think about comfort
- Soft feels best at first
- Hard lasts longest
- Hybrid is in the middle
-
Think about how long you want it to last
- Soft: 6-12 months
- Hard: 3-5 years
- Hybrid: 2-3 years
-
Think about what's in your mouth
- Braces? Ask about special guards
- Sensitive gums? Look for hypoallergenic
- Big teeth? Might need custom-fit
Your dentist can help you pick the best one. They know your teeth best!
Orthodontic specialists can help if you have braces and need a special night guard.
Taking Care of Your Night Guard
Your night guard needs to be clean! Here's how to keep it nice:
Cleaning Your Night Guard:
- Rinse with cool water after use
- Brush with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste!)
- Use mild soap if it's dirty
- Let it air dry in a case with holes
- Deep clean once a week in vinegar and water
Things NOT to Do:
- DON'T use hot water (it can warp the guard)
- DON'T use toothpaste (too harsh)
- DON'T leave in the sun
- DON'T let pets chew on it
- DON'T forget to clean the case too!
A clean night guard will last longer and be safer for your mouth.
When to Get a New Night Guard
Night guards don't last forever. Here's how to know when to get a new one:
Signs You Need a New Guard:
- Cracks or holes in the guard
- Bad smell that won't go away
- Doesn't fit right anymore
- Feels rough on your teeth
- It's been more than 2 years (for soft guards)
The right night guard will feel good and keep your teeth safe!
Dental curing lights are used by dentists to make custom night guards hard and strong.
Questions People Ask About Night Guards
Are hard night guards better than soft ones?
It depends. Hard guards last longer. Soft guards feel better. If you grind a lot, hard is better. If your jaw hurts, soft might be better. Hybrid is good for most people.
Can night guards hurt my gums?
Yes, if they don't fit right. Bad-fitting guards can make your gums hurt. Some people are allergic to the materials too. This can make gums red and sore.
How long do night guards last?
It depends on the material:
- Soft guards: 6-12 months
- Hard guards: 3-5 years
- Hybrid guards: 2-3 years
- Store-bought: 3-6 months
Can kids use night guards?
Yes! Kids who grind their teeth can use night guards. But they need special ones made for kids. Their mouths are still growing.
Do I need to clean my night guard every day?
Yes! Clean it every day. Rinse after use. Brush with a soft brush. Keep it in a clean case. This keeps germs away.
Final Thoughts
Your teeth are important! If you grind them at night, you need a good night guard. Pick one that:
- Is made of safe materials
- Fits your mouth well
- Lasts a long time
- Feels comfortable
The best night guard is one that you will wear every night. Talk to your dentist about what's best for you.
Remember: A good night guard keeps your teeth safe while you sleep. It stops you from grinding. It helps your jaw feel better. It's worth getting a good one!
