Hard vs Soft Night Guards: How to Pick the Right One for You
Do you grind your teeth at night? This is called bruxism. It can hurt your teeth and jaw. Night guards can help. But which kind is best for you? Let’s look at hard vs soft night guards to find out.
Table of Contents
What Are Night Guards?
Night guards are like special trays that fit over your teeth. You wear them when you sleep. They stop your teeth from grinding together. This helps:
- Save your teeth from wear
- Stop pain in your jaw (TMJ pain)
- Keep your teeth from breaking
- Let you sleep better
Many people need night guards for teeth grinding. About 8% of adults grind their teeth at night.
Hard Night Guards
Hard night guards are made of strong acrylic resin or rigid plastic. They are very tough.
Good Things About Hard Night Guards:
- Last a long time: Can work for 5-10 years if you take care of them
- Very strong: Good for people who grind teeth very hard
- Spread out bite force: Makes pressure even on all teeth
- Reduce enamel wear by 80% in bad cases of grinding
Not-So-Good Things:
- Feel bulky: Take longer to get used to
- Less comfy at first: 35% of people say they feel odd at first
- Not great for jaw pain: Only help TMJ pain in 15% of cases
- Cost more: $300-$600 for custom ones
Hard night guards are best if you grind your teeth very hard or if you want something that will last many years.
Want to see custom options? Check out our custom hard night guard page for more info.
Soft Night Guards
Soft night guards are made of bendy silicone or a material called ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). They feel more like a soft mouth guard.
Good Things About Soft Night Guards:
- Very comfy: 85% of people say they feel good right away
- Easy to get used to: Feel less strange in your mouth
- Help jaw pain: 60% of people with TMJ say these help
- Light to wear: Don’t feel as big in your mouth
- Cost less: $100-$300 for custom ones; $20-$50 for store ones
Not-So-Good Things:
- Don’t last as long: Need to be changed every 6-12 months
- Can make grinding worse: Some people chew on them more
- Less protection: Only cut down grinding damage by 50%
- Can get teeth marks: The soft material shows wear faster
Soft night guards are best if you have jaw pain, grind your teeth less hard, or are using a night guard for the first time.
Learn more about soft mouth guards on our site.
How to Choose Between Hard and Soft Night Guards
To pick the right night guard, think about these things:
1. How Hard Do You Grind?
- Mild grinding: Soft night guard
- Heavy grinding: Hard night guard
2. Do You Have Jaw Pain?
- Yes: Soft guards help muscles rest (60% say they work)
- No: Either kind works
3. What Matters More?
- Comfort: Soft guard (85% say comfy from day one)
- How long it lasts: Hard guard (can last 5-10 years)
4. Money Matters
- Hard guards: Cost more now but last longer
- Soft guards: Cost less but need to be changed more often
5. Store Bought or From Dentist?
- Store bought: Less cost but fit less well
- Dentist made: Fit better but cost more
Hybrid Night Guards: The Best of Both
Can’t pick? Try a hybrid night guard. These have:
- Soft inside (comfy on teeth)
- Hard outside (strong against grinding)
They give you the best parts of both kinds. They’re good for most people who grind.
Check out our hard soft night guard options that give you both in one.
What Real Studies Show
Let’s look at what clinical research shows about night guards:
| What We Know | Hard Night Guards | Soft Night Guards |
|---|---|---|
| How Long They Last | 5-10 years | 6-12 months |
| Help With Bad Grinding | 80% less tooth wear | 50% less tooth wear |
| First Comfort | 35% say not comfy at first | 85% say comfy right away |
| Help With Jaw Pain | 15% say it helps | 60% say it helps |
| What Users Like | 40% of hard grinders pick these | 65% of mild grinders pick these |
The Mayo Clinic found that 72% of people with TMJ feel better with soft guards, but only 28% feel better with hard ones.
Special Night Guards for Special Needs
Sometimes you need a special kind of night guard:
For People With Braces
- Special orthodontic night guards fit over braces
For People Who Play Sports
- Thicker guards protect against hits
- Look at our custom sports mouth guard page
For Sleep Apnea
- Special guards help keep air flowing
How to Take Care of Your Night Guard
No matter which kind you pick, take good care of it:
- Clean it every day: Brush with mild soap
- Keep it in a case: Don’t leave it out
- Keep it away from heat: Hot water can warp it
- Check for damage: Look for cracks or holes
- Take it to the dentist: Have them check it when you go
Questions People Ask
Can I buy a night guard online?
Yes! You can get kits to make them at home or buy pre-made ones. But ones from the dentist fit best.
Will my dental plan pay for a night guard?
Many plans pay for part of a night guard. Check your ADA dental plan.
How do I clean my night guard?
Brush it with mild soap and cool water. Do not use hot water or harsh cleaners.
Can night guards stop snoring?
No, they don’t help with snoring. There are other mouth devices for that.
How long do night guards last?
Hard guards: 5-10 years
Soft guards: 6-12 months
Hybrid guards: 2-5 years
Which Night Guard Should You Use?
The best night guard for you depends on your needs:
- Pick a hard night guard if: You grind very hard, want something that lasts a long time, or have worn through soft guards before.
- Pick a soft night guard if: You have jaw pain, want something comfy right away, or are new to night guards.
- Pick a hybrid night guard if: You want both comfort and strength, or can’t decide between hard and soft.
The best way to choose is to talk to your dentist. They can see how hard you grind and what your teeth need.
