Introduction

If you’re grinding your teeth, dealing with jaw tension, or waking up sore, your next question is usually:
“Which night guard should I use?”

Over-the-counter, online custom, dentist-made… the choices are confusing.
But the truth is simple: the right night guard is the one that protects your teeth, supports your jaw, and maintains your vertical height at night.

In this guide, I’ll break down the three main types—OTC, custom, and dentist-made—in a clear, no-fluff comparison.
 By the end, you’ll know exactly which option fits your mouth, your symptoms, and your budget.

 

1. Over-the-Counter Guards: The Cheapest—but Not Always Safest

OTC guards include boil-and-bite, stock guards, and soft retail options.

Pros: cheap, fast, everywhere.
 Cons: uneven thickness, poor fit, deform quickly sometimes

OTC guards can work temporarily—but not for long-term jaw support.

 

2. OTC Guards Often Don’t Last

Soft, squishy materials break down quickly—especially for heavy grinders.
This means deeper bite marks and less protection within weeks.

For grinding relief, see:
➡️ “How to Stop Jaw Pain at Night Naturally”
https://getreviv.com/blogs/content/how-to-stop-jaw-pain-at-night-naturally

 

5. Preformed mouthguards (Online) – The Sweet Spot for Most People

This includes brands like Reviv ONE and Reviv TWO.
They’re pre-designed, pre-formed, precision-made, and tested on thousands.

They offer:

• Controlled vertical height
  
  
• Consistent thickness
  
  
• Safe materials
  
  
• Predictable jaw support
  
  

And they cost far less than dentist-made guards.

Explore them here:
➡️ https://getreviv.com/products/reviv-one
➡️ https://getreviv.com/products/reviv-two

 

7. Dentist-Made Guards – The Most Precise (But Not Better)

Dentist-made guards use lab impressions and acrylic materials.
 They’re durable but they are typically 'indexed' and that is a bad thing in my view.

 

8. Dentist-Made Guards Are Often Hard Acrylic

Hard acrylic is great for heavy grinders…
…but it can also:

• Feel rigid
  
  
• Be uncomfortable
  
  
• Require multiple fittings
  
  
• Crack if dropped
  

 

10. The Fit: OTC vs. Custom vs. Dentist

You don't want an 'exact' fit.

 

11. Breathability and Comfort

OTC guards often block breathing due to bulk.
Custom guards sit more comfortably, allowing jaw rest and easier sleep.

Reviv ONE was designed specifically to feel light, smooth, and easy to wear.

 

12. Durability Differences

OTC: weeks
R2: 6–12 months
Dentist-made: 1–3 years

Durability impacts cost—and also the safety of your enamel.

 

13. Bite Stability Matters More Than Price

What actually matters:

• Flat plane design
  
  
• Even pressure distribution
  
  
• Stable vertical dimension
  
  

Reviv’s flat plane design matches what top dentists use for TMJ support.

See:
➡️ “What Is a TMJ Mouthguard and How to Fit It?”
https://getreviv.com/blogs/content/what-is-a-tmj-mouthguard-and-how-to-fit-it-correctly

 

 

15. Dentist Guards Require Multiple Appointments

Custom dental guards require:

• Initial consult
  
  
• Impression
  
  
• Fitting
  
  
• Adjustments
  
  

This is part of why they cost $600–$1,200.

 

17. Heavy Grinders Need More Support

If you grind through every guard you buy, you need a stronger material.

Reviv TWO is built specifically for this level of wear.
Explore it here:
➡️ https://getreviv.com/products/reviv-two

 

18. Cost Comparison

• OTC: $10–$40
  
  
• Reviv: $50–$150
  
  
• Dentist-Made: $600–$1,200
  
  

Custom online guards offer the best price-to-performance ratio.

 

19. Which Option Protects Your Enamel Best?

Protection comes from:

• Thickness
  
  
• Durability
  
  
• Even contact
  
  
• Consistent height
  
  

Reviv’s flat, even surface ensures stable, predictable protection.

 

20. The Simple Rule: Choose the Guard That Supports Your Jaw, Not Just Your Teeth

The best night guard isn’t the most expensive—it's the one that preserves:

• Dental height
  
  
• Jaw alignment
  
  
• Airway support
  
  
• Enamel health
  
  

This is why thousands choose Reviv over OTC and over pricey dentist-made options.

 

FAQs (10+)

1. Are dentist-made guards always better?

They’re more precise, but not always necessary.

2. Do OTC guards work long-term?

Rarely—they wear out fast and don’t support jaw mechanics.

3. Are custom guards safe?

Yes—if they use medical-grade materials and a flat-plane design (Reviv does).

4. What if I grind heavily?

Reviv TWO is built for heavy grinders.

5. Will a night guard fix my bite?

It won’t move teeth, but it improves jaw stability.

6. Can OTC guards cause jaw pain?

Yes—if they change your bite unevenly.

7. How long does a custom guard last?

6–12 months depending on grinding intensity.

10. Which Reviv should I pick?

Reviv ONE for moderate clenching.
 Reviv TWO for heavy grinding.

Conclusion

Choosing the right night guard doesn’t have to be confusing.
Prefit mouthguards—like Reviv ONE and TWO—offer the best balance of comfort, support, and protection without the dentist’s price tag.

If you want a guard that supports your jaw, protects your enamel, and actually lasts, Reviv is the simplest, smartest choice.

👉 Buy Reviv Mouthguard or other Reviv products by clicking here