Mouthguards 101: How to Choose the Right Night Guard for You

You wake up with a sore jaw.
Your teeth feel sensitive.
And your dentist keeps mentioning "bruxism" and "enamel wear."

You know you need a night guard…
But between custom dental splints, boil-and-bites, online brands, and “grind guards,” it’s hard to know what actually works.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about night guards—how they work, what types exist, and how to choose the right one for your jaw, bite, and budget.

Let’s make this easy.

What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard (also called a dental guard or mouthguard) is a removable oral device worn during sleep to:

• Prevent teeth grinding (bruxism)
  
  
• Reduce jaw clenching
  
  
• Protect enamel and dental work
  
  
• Support proper bite alignment
  
  
• Improve sleep quality by reducing muscular tension
  

Think of it as a bite pillow for your jaw—absorbing stress and guiding your mouth into a calm, neutral position overnight.

Signs You Might Need a Night Guard

• Morning jaw soreness
  
  
• Headaches or facial tension
  
  
• Worn, chipped, or flattened teeth
  
  
• Clicking or popping in the jaw (TMJ)
  
  
• Gum recession or tooth sensitivity
  
  
• Partner hears grinding at night
  
  
• Fatigue despite 7–8 hours of sleep
  

If you nodded to even two of these, it’s time to explore your options.

Types of Night Guards (And Who They're For)

🔹 1. Over-the-Counter Boil-and-Bite Guards

Cost: $15–$50
Fit: Generic but moldable at home
Best For: Short-term use, low budgets

🟡 Downside: Bulky, often uncomfortable, poor long-term durability
🟢 Use if: You just need a quick, temporary fix

🔹 2. Custom Dental Splints (From a Dentist)

Cost: $500–$1,000+
Fit: Lab-made, fitted via impressions
Best For: Complex TMJ cases, severe bite issues

🟡 Downside: Expensive, requires multiple visits
🟢 Use if: You need max precision or have had failed DIY guards

🔹 3. Direct-to-Consumer Custom Guards (Online Brands)

Cost: $100–$200
Fit: Impression kits mailed to your home
Best For: Moderate grinding, value-conscious shoppers

🟡 Downside: Impression process can be tricky
🟢 Use if: You want a well-fitting guard without dentist pricing

🔹 4. At-Home Remoldable Guards (Like Reviv)

Cost: ~$49
Fit: Molded and remolded in hot water
Best For: Daily comfort, moderate grinding, TMJ, and clenching

🟢 Upside:

• Thin and flexible
  
  
• Reusable and customizable
  
  
• Encourages nasal breathing and bite alignment
  
  
• Great balance of affordability and function
  

🟢 See why Reviv works for so many people

Key Features to Look For in a Night Guard

✅ Fit + Comfort: Thin enough to sleep in, secure enough to stay put

✅ Remoldability: Bites change—your guard should adapt

✅ Jaw Alignment Support: Not just protection—look for passive alignment

✅ Durability: Should last 3–6 months minimum for nightly use

✅ Material Safety: BPA- and latex-free is non-negotiable

✅ Airway-Friendly Design: Guards should encourage nasal breathing, not block airflow

✅ Cost-to-Benefit Ratio: Avoid overpaying for tech you don’t need—or going cheap and waking up worse

Why Reviv Stands Out

The Reviv Mouth Guard is the sweet spot between comfort, cost, and clinical benefit.

✔ Remoldable up to 3 times
✔ Ultra-thin and discreet
✔ Designed to align your bite—not just block grinding
✔ Helps reduce clenching, dry mouth, and snoring
✔ Built for people who actually want to wear it every night

It’s trusted by biohackers, dentists, and stressed-out people who want better mornings.

Pro Tip: Your First 3 Nights Are Key

Expect a short adjustment period.

✅ Night 1: You may feel weird wearing anything at all
✅ Night 2: Your jaw begins to relax sooner
✅ Night 3: You start waking up without jaw pain or tightness

Track your sleep quality, jaw tension, and energy levels—you’ll see a shift.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Night Guard Shouldn’t Be Hard

You don’t need a $900 splint to protect your mouth.
And you don’t need to settle for a gas station grind guard either.

What you need is:

• Support
  
  
• Comfort
  
  
• Alignment
  
  
• Durability
  
  
• And something you’ll actually want to wear nightly
  

👉 Get the Reviv Mouth Guard here
 Your mouth will thank you. So will your mornings.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between grinding and clenching?
Grinding is side-to-side motion. Clenching is constant pressure. Both can be damaging—and both benefit from a good night guard.

2. How do I know which type is right for me?
Consider comfort, severity, budget, and adjustability. For most users, a remoldable at-home guard like Reviv works best.

3. Will a night guard stop my TMJ pain?
It can help reduce pressure, align the jaw, and support recovery—especially if used nightly.

4. Can I use Reviv with dental work or braces?
It’s compatible with most crowns, bridges, and fillings. Not recommended over active braces.

5. How long does a guard last?
Reviv lasts 3–6 months depending on bite force and care.

6. Can I remold Reviv if my bite changes?
Yes—up to 3 times for a perfect fit.

7. Will this stop my snoring too?
It can help by encouraging nasal breathing and keeping the mouth gently closed.

8. Is this better than dentist-made splints?
 For most users, yes. Reviv is more affordable, comfortable, and practical for daily use.