How Long Does A Night Guard Last?
17th Jun 2025
Noticing cracks or wear on your night guard? You’re not alone. Many people start to worry when their guard doesn’t seem to last as long as expected—especially after taking good care of it.
Night guards are a great way to protect your teeth, but they don’t last forever. Their lifespan depends on how often you use them, how hard you grind your teeth, and the type of night guard you have.
In this guide, we’ll explain how long night guards usually last, signs it’s time for a new one, and tips to help yours last longer.
How Long Does a Night Guard Last?
The lifespan of a night guard depends on its material, quality, and how severely you grind your teeth. In general, a night guard for bruxism can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years. Some durable types can last even longer, while others may wear out much sooner with heavy use.
Here’s a general breakdown:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Night Guards
Over-the-counter night guards are sold at most drug stores. They are generic one-size guards, so they do not fit to the unique features of an individual’s mouth.
While they are the cheapest option, these guards are not recommended by dentists to treat bruxism or TMJ for fear that they may cause an abnormal bite. They do not have the durability, quality, or customization that custom-fit mouth guards offer. As a result, they do not last as long either.
- Boil-and-Bite Night Guards – A few months to 1 year
- One-Size-Fits-All Night Guards – Weeks to months
OTC night guards are cheaper, but they wear out faster, especially if you grind your teeth heavily. Many people find they need frequent replacements, making them more expensive in the long run.
Custom-Fitted Night Guards
Custom night guards are the dentist recommended treatment option for bruxism. These guards are customizable to the individual and provide a barrier between the teeth to prevent grinding and clenching. These guards generally come in four types: soft, hard, hybrid, and daytime guards.
Hard Night Guards
Hard night guards are made from strong acrylic and are best for people who grind their teeth heavily. They’re tougher than soft or hybrid guards, which means they can handle more pressure.
On average, a hard night guard lasts between 1.5 to 3 years. With proper care and if your grinding isn’t too severe, it may even last up to 5 years.
Hybrid (Dual-Laminate) Night Guards
The hybrid guard (or dual laminate night guard) is for moderate to heavy grinders. It is composed of a hard outer material and a soft inside, providing both durability and comfort. These guards may last between 1 and 3 years.
Soft Night Guards
These night guards are suited for light to moderate grinders. The soft night guard is also a good option for those who clench their jaws because its soft material absorbs clenching forces. It is made of a rubbery, flexible material. Soft night guards generally last between 6 months and 2 years based on the severity of grinding.
Daytime Guards
The daytime guard is ultra thin as it allows for people who grind during the day to speak effectively. This ultra thin guard can last between 6 months and 2 years.
Did you know: There are different mouth guards for different needs. Some help with sleep apnea, while others protect your teeth from grinding and ease jaw pain.
NTI-tss devices are made to help prevent migraines and reduce clenching. This can also help with some TMJ discomfort. How long these guards last depends on the type and how often you use them.
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
When Do You Need to Replace a Night Guard?
Even with good care, night guards don’t last forever. Here’s how to know when it’s time for a new one:
It Looks Worn Out
Cracks, holes, or thinning spots mean your night guard is wearing down. If it has rough edges or looks damaged, it’s time to replace it.
It Feels Uncomfortable
If your night guard feels too tight, too loose, or just doesn’t sit right anymore, it may have warped. A poor fit can cause more harm than good.
Your Symptoms Are Coming Back
Waking up with jaw pain, headaches, or sore teeth? Your night guard might not be working like it used to.
It Smells Bad or Looks Dirty
A bad odor or deep staining, even after cleaning, means bacteria has built up. This can affect both your health and the guard’s performance.
You’ve Had It for a While
Soft guards usually last 6–12 months. Hard guards can last 2–5 years. If it’s been a long time, check for signs of wear—even if it looks fine.
Tip: Replacing your night guard when needed helps protect your teeth and keeps your jaw comfortable
Related Articles:
5 Factors That Affect How Long a Night Guard Lasts
A night guard can last anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on how you use and care for it. Here’s what affects its lifespan:
1. How Much You Grind Your Teeth
Light grinders can use the same guard for longer. But if you clench or grind a lot, expect it to wear out quicker.
2. The Type of Night Guard
Soft guards wear out fast—best for light grinders.
Hard acrylic guards are durable and can last for years.
Hybrid (dual-laminate) guards offer a balance of comfort and strength.
Note: The research article “Fabrication Processes of Mouth Guards” from the Balkan Dental Journal: shows that custom-fit guards provide the best fit & protection because they’re made to match your mouth exactly.
3. How You Clean It
Rinse your night guard after use and clean it with mild soap (not toothpaste—it’s too rough!). Soak it once a week in denture cleaner, hydrogen peroxide, or a vinegar-water mix for a deeper clean.
4. How You Store It
Keep it in a ventilated case away from heat. Don’t leave it out—pets, especially dogs, love to chew on them!
5. If You Chew on It
Biting or chewing on your night guard can cause cracks. If this happens often, consider switching to a tougher material.
Related Articles:
Night Guard Maintenance
Keeping your night guard clean is one of the best ways to help it last longer. It should be part of your daily routine—just like brushing your teeth.
Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap to gently clean your night guard each day. Skip the toothpaste, as it can be too rough and may scratch the surface, which can trap bacteria.
Avoid using hot water to clean the guard as this can soften the plastic and change the shape. In addition, complete a deep clean of the device every other week.
Some effective methods of deep cleaning your mouth guard include:
- Baking soda
- Soap and water (ensure the soap is alcohol-free)
- Denture cleaning solution
- Hydrogen peroxide
In addition to cleaning the device regularly, you should store your mouth guard in a dry plastic case. Be sure to completely dry your night guard off before placing it in the case. This will help to avoid bacterial growth.
Tip: Read our article “ How To Clean A Mouthguard” for more information in this regard.
Night Guard Lifespan & Replacement Options
A custom-fitted night guard for bruxism typically lasts 6 months to 3 years. While OTC options are cheaper, they lack durability. Investing in a high-quality custom-fit night guard can save money in the long run by preventing dental damage.
If it’s time to replace your night guard, check out our custom-fitted dental night guards at Pro Teeth Guard. We offer high-quality, durable night guards backed by a 1-year warranty and a 110% money-back guarantee for your peace of mind.
References:
- Nunez, K. (2020). How to Clean Mouthguards: At home, with chemicals, and more. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-clean-mouthguard#cleaning-at-hom
- Tsaousoglou, F., & Topouzelis, N. (2008). Fabrication processes of mouth guards. Balkan Journal of Stomatology, 12, 4–12. https://doi.org/10.1590/BJSTD123456 (Original work published 2008)
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
