For clenching, get a hybrid night guard or a muscle relaxer. A thin soft guard is made for light grinding, and a hard clencher bites through it.
Hybrid is $159 an arch, the muscle relaxer $189. Both are made from impressions you take at home.
Night guard for clenching, which one to get
Clenching and grinding are not the same, and the guard is not either
Clenching vs grinding
Grinding moves the teeth side to side. Clenching presses them together and holds, often for minutes at a time.
A grinder wears the guard down slowly. A clencher puts the whole bite on one spot, so the guard needs a firm surface that spreads the load.
Which night guard fits a clencher
| Guard | Per arch | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Soft night guard | $119 | Light grinding, first guard |
| Hybrid night guard | $159 | Heavy grinding and clenching |
| Night muscle relaxer | $189 | Night clenchers |
The hybrid night guard has a firm outer shell over a soft lining. The muscle relaxer is shaped to your bite for people who clench at night.
Signs you clench at night
- Your jaw feels tight when you wake up.
- Flat spots or small chips on your teeth.
- Ridges along the inside of your cheek.
- A soft guard that wears through in weeks.
A night guard protects your teeth from the pressure. It does not stop the clenching itself.
How you get one
We mail an impression kit, you take the mold at home and send it back with the prepaid label. Your guard reaches your door in 6 to 10 business days, or 3 to 4 with Rush for $150.
Night guards are usually HSA and FSA eligible. See are night guards HSA and FSA eligible.
Night guard for clenching questions
What kind of night guard is best for clenching
A hybrid guard with a firm outer shell, or a muscle relaxer shaped to your bite. A thin soft guard is made for light grinding.
Is a soft or hard night guard better for clenching
Hard on the outside. Our hybrid is a firm shell over a soft lining, so it takes the pressure and still feels comfortable.
Can I wear a night guard for clenching every night
Yes, that is what it is made for. Rinse it in the morning and keep it dry in its case.
How long does a night guard last for a clencher
A hybrid guard lasts 1 to 2 years for most clenchers. A soft guard wears through much sooner.
How much is a night guard for clenching
$159 an arch for the hybrid and $189 for the muscle relaxer, with the impression kit and shipping both ways included.
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