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Bonus points: You’ll save money and protect your teeth without a costly custom guard.

While the experts we consulted agree OTC options don’t replace professional-grade, custom mouthguards made from the exact impressions of your teeth, they do serve a purpose.

“As a dentist, I typically do not recommend OTC mouthguards for patients unless they are for very short-term use,” said Dr. Anjali Rajpal, a cosmetic dentist and owner of Beverly Hills Dental Arts. “For those with jaw pain, significant grinding or sleep issues, an OTC mouthguard may help very temporarily, but a custom nightguard designed by a dentist is the safer long-term option.”

According to Dr. Sandip Sachar, a New York City-based dentist and owner of Sachar Dental, when shopping for an OTC mouthguard, there are three important factors worth considering.

“An OTC mouthguard should fit comfortably and securely without slipping or falling out,” Sachar said. “You should not have to keep your teeth in a biting position to hold the guard in place.” According to Rajpal, the guard should fit snugly without causing jaw strain, gagging or breathing interference. Adequate thickness is important for protection, but it should not feel overly bulky or uncomfortable, she added.

According to Sachar, the mouthguard’s material should create a stable and even-biting surface that’s not too soft. “[One] that is too soft may feel comfortable, but it can trigger the urge to clench more, thereby causing jaw pain or making existing temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms worse,” she said. “I always tell my patients to look for mouthguards made from materials that are BPA-free and medical-grade so that they are durable enough to withstand clenching forces, yet slim enough to be comfortable.” 

Sachar explained OTC mouthguards use firmer outer layers or internal bite pads that resist compression, which can help reduce the instinct to clench teeth harder, a common issue with very soft mouthguards. “They are also slimmer and easier to tolerate,” she said. 

Before investing in an OTC mouthguard, Sachar recommends paying attention to whether the mouthguard is made for upper or lower teeth.

“OTC mouthguards can be a great temporary solution as they can help protect teeth from wear and reduce damage from grinding, but they are not replacements for a professionally-made custom appliance,” Sachar said. She cautions patients to monitor for the likes of jaw pain, headaches and gum irritation with OTC mouthguard use, and if these symptoms occur or worsen, “a professional dental evaluation is recommended and a custom mouthguard may need to be fabricated.”

The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.

Rajpal said mouthguards like DenTek Professional-Fit offer a “boil-and-bite fit that can mold to your bite for better coverage and cushioning against grinding.” A firm and protective bottom layer protects the teeth while a soft top layer creates contouring comfort for front and back teeth while you sleep. 

Promising review: “I am extremely happy with the DenTek Professional-Fit Dental Guard. I’ve been dealing with nighttime teeth grinding for a long time, and this mouthguard has truly made a difference. The fitting process was simple and straightforward. I appreciated that it allows you to customize the fit at home, and once molded, it felt secure and comfortable in my mouth. After using it for several nights, I noticed a huge improvement. I wake up without jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity that I used to experience regularly. It stays in place all night and doesn’t feel bulky or irritating, which was a big concern for me. I was also impressed by the quality — it feels durable and well-made, especially for the price.” —Tamara Gardener

Sachar is also a fan of these disposable BPA-free mouthguards because “they’re ready to use straight out of the package, which appeals to people who don’t want the extra step of boiling or molding."

She noted that they are slim in design and not bulky, making them fairly comfortable, as well as being convenient and disposable, which works well for travel or occasional use. But because they’re pre-formed, fit and retention can vary from patient to patient. While Rajpal is also a big fan of Plackers, she said they aren't as durable as boil-and-bite types.

Promising review: “These were a life changer for me when I discovered them. I used to only wear them after I had a bad night, but I'm so used to them now I put one in when I'm reading or watching tv because I clench as well. I could never keep in big custom night guards, but these are perfect and comfortable for me up or down. I reuse them until they get flat and distorted, so the 16 pack lasts me a year or so for a great value.” —Mr6topher

Our pick:  This dentist-designed mouthguard works hard overnight so you don’t have to. Featuring a BPA-free moldable design, the guard offers a flexible and comfortable fit in a shock-absorbing two-layer material to keep your smile safe as you sleep.  

Promising review: “These are easy to mold and if you goof up on that, the company will send you a coupon for a free replacement. They last me about two years and I'm a heavy grinder. My dental office wants $350 to make a custom night guard, it’s not permanent, and it's not covered by insurance. Amazon has the best price and I can buy LOTS of these for $350!” —C.D.

Our pick: If you're looking to coat your teeth in as little material as possible, try this minimalist  BPA-free mouthguard that sits over your top front teeth to prevent your back teeth from making contact. It molds to the unique arch of your two front teeth for a level of comfort that won’t interfere with your sleep, and it’s said to reduce grinding for up to three years. The set comes with two mouthguards and a storage case for easy transport.

Promising review: “I have ground my teeth at night for at least 40 years, probably longer. Over time I tried all types and found that full mouthguards still did not prevent clenching and grinding that lead to morning discomfort and pain. So I tried this item, and after almost a month have been happily surprised at the results. Yes, it is slightly thicker than many guards on the market, but it has to be in order to provide the space necessary so the back teeth do not touch overnight, and I do not find this design uncomfortable. Nor did I have any trouble fitting the guard using the provided instructions. All in all, if you still wake with sore teeth and jaw after sleeping with a full mouthguard, give this product a try.” —Robert H.

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity. 

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