Protect the Smile You Have Worked to Maintain with a Customized Nightguard

Think of a nightguard as a retainer. It’s worn in the mouth, creating a soft but strong barrier between your upper and lower teeth. No more direct contact. No more tooth-on-tooth combat. Just smooth, silent protection.

It does more than protect teeth—it absorbs pressure, relieves tension, and gives your jaw muscles a much-needed break. Many patients also wake up refreshed, with fewer morning headaches and less jaw soreness.

There are several types of nightguards. Here are some options available. 

• Stock mouthguards: Generic mouthguards are the cheapest but offer the least protection. They are readily available online or from retail stores. They aren’t customized to your dentition, so they rarely fit well. They are also created from subpar materials, which aren’t durable enough to withstand everyday chewing and grinding. We don’t recommend stock mouthguards because of their poor fit and inadequate protection. 
• Boil and bite nightguards: These nightguards are softened by hot water and then inserted into the mouth to form the shape of your teeth and gums. They provide better protection than generic mouthguards but aren’t the best. Sometimes, the materials are too hard or too soft, providing inadequate protection and comfort. 
• Customized mouthguards: These nightguards are custom-made after taking impressions of your teeth. Custom nightguards fit snugly and comfortably, unlike the bulky, one-size-fits-all versions from the drugstore. It’s personalized protection made just for your smile. The materials are also resilient enough to last many years before replacement. 

Getting used to a nightguard can feel a bit strange at first. Initially, your mouth might feel slightly full, and you may notice more saliva than usual. However, with a little patience, most people adjust quickly and wonder how they ever slept without it.