Hard vs Soft Night Guard: Which One is Right for You?
Teeth grinding is bad. It can hurt your teeth. You need a night guard to help. But which kind should you get? Let's look at hard night guards and soft night guards.
What is Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding happens when you rub your teeth together. You might do this at night when you sleep. Many people don't know they do it!
Signs you might grind your teeth:
- Sore jaw when you wake up
- Headaches in the morning
- Worn down teeth
- Cracked teeth
If you have these signs, you need help. A night guard can stop the harm to your teeth.
Types of Night Guards
There are two main kinds of night guards:
- Hard night guards
- Soft night guards
Let's see how they are the same and how they are not the same.
Hard Night Guards
Hard night guards are made of hard stuff. They feel stiff in your mouth.
Good Things About Hard Night Guards:
- Last a long time - You can use them for 5-10 years
- Work well for very bad teeth grinding
- Help with jaw pain (TMJ)
- Spread out the force of your bite
Not So Good Things About Hard Night Guards:
- Feel big in your mouth
- Take 1-2 weeks to get used to
- Cost more at first ($200-$500)
- Only 1-2% of people say they make their jaw stiff
Soft Night Guards
Soft night guards are made of soft stuff. They feel like a soft pad in your mouth.
Good Things About Soft Night Guards:
- Feel good right away - 85% of people say they are comfy
- Cost less at first ($100-$300)
- Good for people who are new to night guards
- Good for mild teeth grinding
Not So Good Things About Soft Night Guards:
- Don't last as long - Need new ones every 1-3 years
- Not as good for very bad grinding
- Can make you want to chew on them - 40% of people get this urge
- Can make muscles hurt from night chewing
Want to learn more about other dental tools that help with teeth grinding? Check out our dental equipment collection for options!
Look at the Facts
Here is a simple chart to help you see the facts:
| What We Compare | Hard Night Guards | Soft Night Guards |
|---|---|---|
| How Long They Last | 5-10 years | 1-3 years |
| Good For | Bad grinding, TMJ | Mild grinding |
| Cost | $200-$500 | $100-$300 |
| How They Feel | Take time to get used to | Feel good right away |
| Who Picks Them | 68% of dentists pick for bad grinding | 72% of people with mild grinding use these |
Middle Ground: Hybrid Night Guards
Some people want the best of both! Hybrid night guards have:
- A hard part on the outside
- A soft part on the inside
This gives you:
- Good protection from the hard part
- Good feel from the soft part
A study found that hybrid guards help cut jaw pain by 60% in 6 months. ^6
Do you have jaw pain from grinding? You might need to see a dentist who uses dental equipment made just for this.
How to Pick the Right One
Ask yourself these three big questions:
1. How bad is your grinding?
- Mild grinding → Soft night guard
- Bad grinding → Hard night guard
- In the middle → Hybrid night guard
2. How much can you spend?
- Want to spend less now → Soft night guard
- Want to save in the long run → Hard night guard (lasts longer)
3. Do you have jaw pain?
- Yes, I have TMJ pain → Hard night guard
- My jaw is very tender → Soft night guard at first
If you need help with jaw pain, sometimes the right dental unit at your dentist's office can find the real cause.
Store-Bought vs. Custom Night Guards
You can buy night guards at the store, but these might not be best.
Store-bought night guards:
- Cost less ($20-$50)
- Don't fit as well
- Can make your bite wrong
- Wear out fast
Custom night guards:
- Made just for your teeth
- Last longer
- Fix your bite right
- Feel better
Your dentist can make a custom night guard with dental impressions that get the exact shape of your teeth.
How to Take Care of Your Night Guard
No matter which one you pick, you need to take good care of it!
Do this every day:
- Rinse with cool water after you take it out
- Brush it with a soft brush (no toothpaste)
- Let it dry all the way
- Keep it in its case
Do this once a week:
- Clean it with a special cleaner
- Check for cracks or holes
When to See a Dentist
Go see a dentist if:
- Your pain doesn't stop
- Your night guard breaks
- Your teeth move
- You break your night guard a lot
A dentist with the right dental equipment can help fix the real problem.
Stories from Real People
Tom's Story: "I tried a soft night guard first. It felt good but it broke in just 6 months! My grinding was too bad for it. I switched to a hard night guard 2 years ago. It's still like new!"
Sarah's Story: "The hard night guard made my jaw hurt more at first. I couldn't sleep! My dentist gave me a soft one to start. After my jaw felt better, I moved to a hard one. Now my teeth don't hurt at all."
Questions People Ask
Can a soft night guard hurt my teeth?
No, but it might not stop very bad grinding. If you grind very hard, a soft guard might wear out fast.
Are hard night guards safe?
Yes, if they are made by a lab with the right rules. Ask your dentist if yours is FDA-approved.
Can I use a sports mouth guard for teeth grinding?
No! Sports guards are made to stop hits, not grinding. They are too soft and can make grinding worse.
How long do night guards last?
- Hard night guards: 5-10 years
- Soft night guards: 1-3 years
- Hybrid night guards: 3-5 years
Will my night guard change how I talk?
You might talk funny at first. Most people get used to it in a few days. Hard guards can take longer to get used to.
Final Thoughts
The best night guard for you depends on:
- How bad you grind your teeth
- How much money you can spend
- What feels good in your mouth
Most dentists say:
- Start with a soft night guard if you have mild grinding
- Get a hard night guard if you have bad grinding or TMJ
- Try a hybrid night guard if you want both comfort and good protection
Talk to your dentist. They can look at your teeth and help you pick the right one.
Remember – a night guard can't fix the cause of grinding. It just stops the damage. To fix the real problem, you might need to:
- Cut down on stress
- Fix teeth that don't line up
- Get help for sleep problems
Your smile is worth protecting!
