A sports mouthguard and a night guard have different jobs
Usually you need two, because the devices solve different problems. A sports mouthguard is a thicker, resilient shield designed to absorb and spread the force of a blow to protect the teeth, lips and jaw during contact and collision sports. A night guard is a thinner, usually harder appliance made to let the teeth slide against it during clenching and grinding and to spread bite forces evenly. A night guard is generally too thin and brittle for impact protection, and a sports guard is bulky, soft and not fitted to the bite for a whole night of grinding.
Side by side
| Sports mouthguard | Night guard | |
|---|---|---|
| Job | Absorb impact | Take wear; spread clenching force |
| Thickness | Thick | Thin |
| Material | Resilient, shock-absorbing | Usually hard acrylic, sometimes dual-layer |
| Fit | Covers teeth and gums for protection | Fitted to the bite |
| Worn | During sport | During sleep |
| Fails when | Used at night: too soft, invites chewing | Used in sport: too thin, can shatter |
What changes the answer
The sport: collision and contact sports call for a properly fitted guard, and the American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for sports with a risk of blows to the face (ADA). Braces or aligners, which need a guard made to fit over them. A diagnosis of bruxism, which calls for a night guard as the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research describes (NIDCR).
Types of sports guard
Stock, boil-and-bite and custom. Custom guards fit best and interfere least with breathing and speech; boil-and-bite is better than nothing. Children and teens need refitting as they grow.
Care for both
Rinse after use, brush with a soft brush, store dry in a ventilated case, keep out of heat, and replace when worn or when the fit changes.
Questions to ask
Which sports do I need a guard for? Custom or boil-and-bite? Does my night guard need redesign for my grinding? Can one appliance serve a child with braces?
Next step: Request a consultation or call (805) 565-5111. A request is not a confirmed appointment; the office confirms times during its listed hours (Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm, plus select Fridays).
Which guard for which job
| Situation | Sports guard | Night guard |
|---|---|---|
| Contact or collision sport | Yes | No |
| Diagnosed grinding or clenching | No | Yes |
| Both | Yes | Yes |
| Braces or aligners | Guard made to fit over them | As the orthodontist advises |
| Child or teen | Refit as they grow | As advised |
Care: rinse, brush, dry, ventilated case, away from heat; replace when worn.
Guides are general education; an examination is needed for individual advice.
Sources
- MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies — American Dental Association
- Bruxism — National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Sources were current when this guide was last updated.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Please contact the studio to discuss your own situation.