Medically reviewed by Dr. Jeremy Silverman, DMD | Peace of Mind Dental Studio, Chandler, AZ

Quick Answer: Custom-made mouth guards are considered a better option for your teeth if you are a heavy grinder. Store-bought mouth guards are good if you don’t have any dental problems and you don’t have severe bruxism. Both options are great in specific cases.

Summary

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, puts considerable pressure on your teeth, weakening them and causing them to wear down over time. Night guards protect teeth from such pressure while you sleep, but not every night guard offers the same level of protection. You can choose between store-bought and custom-made night guards. While the first option is readily available, it might not be the right fit. Custom night guards, on the other hand, are designed specifically for you.

Read on to explore which one is right for you. 

The key highlights of the blog are:

• Night guards can help protect teeth from the effects of nighttime grinding and clenching.
• Store-bought guards are convenient and affordable but may not fit as precisely.
• Custom guards are made from impressions or digital scans of your teeth for a more individualized fit.
• A poorly fitting guard may cause discomfort, interfere with your bite, or contribute to jaw soreness.
• People with heavy or persistent bruxism may benefit from professional evaluation rather than choosing a guard based only on price.

Do you grind your teeth? You might say no, but you probably do. Bruxism can happen even without you realizing it. You might wake up with soreness and headaches, or notice chipped, worn, flattened, or sensitive teeth.

Continuous teeth grinding damages tooth enamel and can affect dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and fillings. That’s where mouth guards step in. They can be custom-made or store-bought; your choice depends on your preference and budget.

This blog discusses both in detail so you can choose the right one for you. 

Store-Bought Night Guards: Convenient but Not One-Size-Fits-All

Here are the various advantages that store-bought mouth guards offer:

• You can easily buy them at supermarkets, pharmacies, and online retailers. 
• They are ready-to-wear. They can be softened in hot water and then molded to fit your mouth correctly. 
• They are better suited for growing kids who need replacements every few weeks.
• They cost less and are therefore preferred by most patients.

However, there are multiple downsides as well:

• Every mouth is unique, and thus, store-bought guards don’t offer the proper fit in most cases. 
• The materials don’t offer the same shock absorption as custom-made guards.
• They can shift during the night. 
• They have a shorter lifespan. 

Custom Night Guards: Designed Around Your Teeth

A custom mouth guard is designed for you. It involves a dental examination in which the dentist takes an impression of your teeth and the effects of bruxism. 

A well-fitted mouth guard is more secure and feels more comfortable during sleep. Your dentist can also help choose the right material. The design is also based on factors such as the severity of your grinding, your bite, and whether you have crowns, bridges, implants, or other dental restorations.

This makes custom nightguards for bruxism especially useful when grinding is frequent or severe and protecting existing dental work matters.

Expert insight from Dr. Jeremy Silverman, DMD: “A store-bought guard can be fine for someone with mild, occasional grinding. But once we see wear on the teeth or damage to existing dental work, an impression-based custom guard is really the only appliance built for that level of force.”

Which One Is Best for Heavy Teeth Grinding?

If you have been experiencing heavy teeth grinding, don’t choose between mouth guard types based on cost alone. The guard needs to withstand repeated forces while fitting securely and comfortably.

A custom mouth guard is better for heavy grinding because a dentist can assess the severity of the wear and design the appliance accordingly. 

Which One Lasts Longer?

When comparing the two options, durability depends on the material, design, grinding intensity, and how you care for it. 

A custom guard is made with material appropriate for the severity of your case, so it lasts longer. They do wear down over time, especially with heavy grinding. 

Visit your dentist regularly so they can examine the mouth guard and tell you when it’s time for a replacement. 

Real patient experience: “I’ve been going here for about a year and a half and the front desk employees, hygienist, and doctor are all amazing. Very easy to speak with and take great care of my teeth! 🤗.” — Stephanie Faenza, verified Google review

Is a Custom Night Guard Worth the Money?

For occasional grinding, you can rely on an inexpensive store-bought mouth guard, but for heavy grinding, custom-made mouth guards are worth the money. They offer an individualized fit, durability, and professional oversight.

Making the Right Choice for Your Smile

When choosing between the two options, consider all the factors carefully. Every bite is different, so a custom mouth guard has the upper hand when it comes to protecting against grinding.

Book regular dental appointments so your dentist can understand the severity of your situation and design a custom-made mouth guard for your teeth. 

At Peace of Mind Dental Studio, we ensure that you are satisfied with the results. At your first visit, we take impressions of your teeth and send them to the lab for fabrication. 

At your second visit, when they are ready, you can check them for fit and make adjustments, then take them home. 

Real patient experience: “I love the dental hygienist she makes the experience personal and fun!” — Vivian Carvallo, verified Google review

If you have any more questions, you can book an appointment with us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can store-bought night guards ruin your bite?

A: No, it doesn’t automatically ruin your bite, but a poorly fitted appliance can interfere with how your teeth come together and cause discomfort.

Q: What is the best night guard for heavy teeth grinding?

A: A custom-made mouth guard is the best option for heavy grinding. It fits your mouth perfectly and supports your medical condition.

Q: Can the wrong night guard cause jaw pain?

A: Yes. An appliance that fits poorly or changes how your teeth contact each other can cause jaw or muscle discomfort.

Q: Is a custom night guard worth the money?

A: For frequent or heavy grinding, a custom appliance offers advantages in fit, comfort, durability, and professional monitoring, making it a worthy investment.

Q: How long does a custom night guard last?

A: There is no fixed lifespan. Heavy grinders might wear through an appliance faster than occasional grinders. Regular dental examinations can help determine when a night guard needs replacement.