Making Your Night Guard More Comfortable: 5 Adjustment Tips from Dentists

Introduction: Can’t Sleep With Your Night Guard In?

You know you should wear your night guard.

But every time you try?
It feels bulky, awkward, or worse—painful.

Before you give up, know this: most people struggle at first, but small adjustments make a big difference.

These 5 dentist-backed comfort tips can turn your night guard from a frustrating chunk of plastic… into the best sleep upgrade you’ve ever made.

Let’s fix it.

1. Trim the Edges (Yes, Really)

Dentists do this all the time—and you can too.

If your mouthguard rubs against your gums or causes a gag reflex, the edges are likely too long or too high.

How to adjust:

• Use fine nail scissors to carefully trim excess areas.
  
  
• Focus on the back molars and upper gumline.
  
  
• Smooth edges with an emery board or nail file.
  

Caution: Only do this if you’re using a boil-and-bite or Reviv guard—not a permanent dental splint.

2. Warm It Slightly Before Wearing

Sometimes, comfort comes down to temperature.

Cold guards = rigid
Slightly warm guards = pliable and forgiving

Pro tip:

• Soak your guard in warm (not hot) water for 15–20 seconds before inserting it.
  
  
• This softens the material just enough to conform better to your bite and reduce pressure points.
  

This is especially helpful during your first week of use.

3. Do a Second Fit at Home

If your night guard feels off-center, uneven, or painful—don’t toss it.

Most high-quality guards (like Reviv One) are re-moldable.

To refit:

• Boil water, let it sit 1 minute
  
  
• Submerge your mouthguard for 20 seconds
  
  
• Place in mouth and bite gently while pushing with fingers
  
  
• Hold for 30 seconds and then rinse with cold water
  

Need help? Check our guide: Step-by-Step Guide to Fitting a Mouthguard for TMJ

4. Wear It During the Day (Short Sessions)

If it feels weird to sleep in, start small.

Daytime wear for 10–15 minutes trains your muscles and brain to accept the new device.

Here’s what to try:

• While working at your desk
  
  
• During light household chores
  
  
• When driving or reading
  

Over a few days, the guard will start to feel like second nature—not foreign plastic.

5. Check for Bite Imbalance

Here’s what dentists know: if your guard causes one side of your jaw to tense up, you’ve got a bite imbalance.

You may need a slight adjustment to even out contact points.

DIY trick:

• Put the guard in and gently bite down
  
  
• Use articulating paper or lipstick dabbed on molars to see where contact happens
  
  
• If it's uneven, consider reheating and shifting the mold slightly forward or back
  

Still unsure? Check out How a Poorly Fitted Mouthguard Impacts TMJ Symptoms

Bonus Tip: Don’t Skip the Break-In Period

Even the most comfortable guard may feel weird at first.

That’s not failure—it’s your nervous system adapting.

Stick to this schedule:

• Day 1–3: 1–2 hours before bed
  
  
• Day 4–7: All night
  
  
• Week 2+: Like a second skin
  

Still struggling after a week? You might have the wrong type of guard.

Explore custom-fit options here:
👉 Reviv Mouthguard Collection

FAQs

1. My guard feels tight—is that bad?
Some tightness is normal. If it causes pain or headaches, it may be too small or misaligned.

2. Can I trim my guard myself?
Yes—for boil-and-bite or Reviv. Use small scissors and file sharp edges.

3. Why does it make me gag?
It may be too thick or extend too far back. Try trimming or switching to a slimmer fit like Reviv One.

4. Can I remold a night guard more than once?
If it’s a re-moldable material (like Reviv), yes—usually up to 2–3 times.

5. Will it ever feel “normal”?
Yes. Most people fully adapt within 1–2 weeks.

6. Can I add cushion or padding?
No. That will affect alignment. Choose a hybrid model if you want soft inner layers.

7. Should it touch all my teeth?
Ideally, yes—especially the molars. But it shouldn’t force your bite.

8. Why does it make my teeth sore?
That’s a sign of uneven pressure. Try a re-fit or go custom.

9. What if I clench harder with it in?
You may need a splint-style appliance with decompression (like Reviv Two).

10. Can I use it during the day?
 Yes—short daytime wear helps speed up nighttime comfort.

Conclusion: Comfort Is Custom—Not Optional

Your night guard is supposed to help you sleep—not give you a new problem to deal with.

If it’s uncomfortable, it’s not your fault—you just need to make it work for you.

Small tweaks. Big relief.

And if your current one isn’t cutting it?

👉 Try the Reviv Mouthguard here — built for comfort and correction.