Get an upper night guard unless you have a reason not to. A lower guard is the better choice when you gag easily, when the upper teeth carry crowns or veneers, or when the wear shows on the bottom teeth. You almost never need both at once.
The guard works by putting a layer between the two rows of teeth. One layer does that, whichever arch it sits on.
| Upper | Lower | Both | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort | More plastic, more stable | Smaller, less gagging | Bulky, hard to sleep in |
| Speech if worn awake | Harder | Easier | Hardest |
| Protects | Both arches | Both arches | Same as one |
| Price | $119 | $119 | Two guards |
Two guards double the plastic in the mouth and give the jaw nothing to rest against. One guard against bare teeth spreads the load evenly and is easier to keep in. The only common case for two is a dentist who wants different thicknesses on each arch for a specific bite, and that is a dentist decision.
The kit has trays for both arches. The lower mold takes a minute longer because the tongue wants to help, hold it still against the floor of the mouth while the putty sets. Photos of both trays go to a licensed dentist first, then our technicians press the guard. Custom night guard cost from $119 an arch, pick the arch when you order.
You can, but one guard protects both arches and sleeps easier. Two is for specific bites on a dentist's advice.
Yes. A lower guard takes clenching load the same as an upper one, and many clenchers find it less bulky.
Lower, so the guard does not rub the crown margins every night.
The same material and thickness, the lower just covers less area, so it feels smaller.
Yes. The kit includes a lower tray, and the guard is made from your own lower model.