How do I choose a night guard?

[thecooperhouse]

I have been grinding my teeth at night.

My dentist recommended I get a night guard, but even with my dental insurance its over $300.

So - I am looking to buy an 'over the counter' one.

But how do I make sure I buy a good one?

[petergabrielfan]

Honestly, I've owned them all and there isn't a good OTC one. They're all huge and don't fit quite right, and a few were gag-inducing on me because of how far back they went in my mouth. I now have a dentist-made one and it's far superior to the OTC ones. If you have to get an OTC one, I think the Doctor's is the best. There is a rebate on those at Rite Aid this month.

[Arie]

When my dentist wanted me to get a night guard, he saw me freak out at the price of it... what he suggested is to have a teeth whitening tray made up (where they do a mold of your teeth, much like they would for a night guard). It's made of a similar material - AND - you get to whiten your teeth over night while you're at it!

I believe mine was in the range of 175 with my insurance, but that was a few years ago.

Good luck!

-Arie

[SouthernBelle5]

go to the wal mart sporting goods section and get the double layer mouthgaurd trim to size, boil it and fit it. the extra holes in the front will give you better air capacity and help you not grind. i think they are called shock doctor.

this one made by everlast may work as well (maybe even better, since it is low profile). and its even pink!! how cute....
Walmart.com: Everlast Brain Pad Low-Profile Female Mouth Guard - Pink: Exercise & Fitness

worth a shot if you wanna save dough. they make cheaper ones but you get what you pay for.


i am SB5's DH and i approve this message.

[cybilx10]

I found the Doctors is the best but like earlier said it is still bulky and kinda odd in the mouth. I have tried the sprots mouth pieces but those I had problems with keeping it in. I think I went through 3 or 4 otc ones before I found the right one.

[mmb1996]

I feel your pain, I have tried them all myself. I even have the one from the dentist, cost me $185. I actually prefer this one

Splintek SleepRight NightGuard Mouth Guard

to the dentist made one. Its not bulky at all and just feels so much better in my mouth at nite than the ones that fit your teeth. There is no need to boil this to fit and I just love it. I paid around $40 for it at walgreens, I think cvs and rite aid sells them also.

[thecooperhouse]

Thanks everyone for the info! I don't know what brand the one I am getting is - but I will let you know how it ends up!

[petergabrielfan]

Thanks everyone for the info! I don't know what brand the one I am getting is - but I will let you know how it ends up!

You're getting a Doctor's.

[280turbo]

The over the counter ones are no good. I used them for years and they last only a few months and are unconfortable. You want a custom one from your dentist. If you don't want to spend that much money there is online companies that make them too. I ordered on from nightgrindingguard.com and it was just like the one my dentist made.