The Right Night Guard Thickness for Bruxism
26th Jun 2025
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, wearing a night guard can protect your teeth from damage and ease jaw pain. But did you know that the thickness of your night guard plays a big role in its effectiveness and comfort?
A thin night guard may feel comfortable but wear out quickly. A thicker one lasts longer but can feel bulky. Finding the right balance depends on how much you grind your teeth.
How Thick Should a Dental Night Guard Be?
Night guards come in different thicknesses to match different levels of teeth grinding. Light grinders need a thinner, more flexible guard, while heavy grinders require a thicker, more durable one.
Most night guards range between 1mm and 3mm to provide the right balance of comfort and protection.
Can a Mouth Guard be too Thick?
Night guards thicker than 3mm can feel bulky and uncomfortable. They take up too much space, making it harder to close your lips and may cause jaw strain.
When a night guard is too thick, it forces the upper and lower teeth apart unnaturally. This can put stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and lead to discomfort.
A 2008 study found that while thicker guards absorb more impact, increasing the thickness beyond 3mm to 6mm does not significantly improve protection.
Tip: A 1mm to 3mm thickness provides the right balance of comfort and protection for most bruxism cases.
Selecting the Right Thickness: Comfort vs. Protection
Choosing the right night guard is about balancing comfort and protection. A thinner guard feels more natural but may wear out faster, while a thicker guard offers more durability but can feel bulkier.
When to Choose a Thinner Night Guard (1mm - 1.5mm)
- Best for light grinding or clenching.
- Feels less bulky and more comfortable.
- Easier to talk, breathe, and sleep with.
- May wear down faster if grinding is moderate to severe.
When to Choose a Thicker Night Guard (2mm - 3mm)
- Recommended for moderate to heavy bruxism.
- Provides stronger protection against tooth wear.
- More durable and long-lasting.
- Can feel bulkier in the mouth, requiring an adjustment period.
Night Guard Material vs. Thickness
The material of a night guard often goes hand-in-hand with its thickness, and both should match your level of grinding:
Soft Night Guard (1.5mm): Made from soft rubber, ideal for light to moderate grinding. Comfortable but wears down faster with heavy use.
Hard Night Guard (1.5mm): Made from tough acrylic, suited for heavy grinding. Offers strong protection but feels firmer in the mouth.
Hybrid Night Guard (2mm): Combines a hard outer layer with a soft inner layer. Great for moderate grinding, offering both comfort and durability.
Ultra-Thin Daytime Guard (1mm): Best for light, daytime clenching. Thin and easy to speak with, but not strong enough for night use.
Note: An article suggests that bilaminar night guards (Hybrid Night Guards) are a good option for people who don’t have TMJ problems but have worn-down teeth from grinding. They offer better protection than soft night guards and help protect both natural teeth and dental work.
Related Articles:
- How Should a Night Guard Fit?
- Guide to Choosing the Right Night Guard
- Wearing a Night Guard: Pros and Cons
- 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
Over-the-counter Night Guards vs. Custom-fit Night Guards
The right night guard thickness is important, but how well it fits matters just as much. A well-fitted guard stays in place, feels comfortable, and provides the best protection.
Over-the-Counter (Store-Bought) Night Guards
Over-the-counter night guards come in standard thickness options but lack a precise fit. They may feel too bulky or too loose, leading to discomfort.
Some require a boil-and-bite process for a better fit, but it is still not perfect. Additionally, they tend to wear out faster than custom-made guards.
Custom Night Guards (Made to Fit Your Teeth)
Custom-made night guards offer personalized thickness based on your grinding severity, ensuring optimal protection. They provide a snug, comfortable fit, reducing discomfort and enhancing durability compared to store-bought options.
A 2025 study published in Dental Traumatology introduces a custom-made mouthguard designed to prevent oral injuries associated with awake bruxism (AB) during sports activities.
Additionally, their precise fit helps minimize the risk of jaw pain or irritation caused by poorly fitting alternatives.
Note: A custom night guard offers the best balance of comfort, durability, and protection. It’s designed for your specific needs, ensuring a better experience than one-size-fits-all options.
Tips for Adjusting to a Night Guard
1. Take Your Time Choosing the Right Fit
Research different thickness options to determine whether an upper or lower night guard suits you best. Choose a custom-fit night guard with the thinnest thickness that still provides the protection you need for comfort and durability.
2. Expect an Adjustment Period
It typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to adjust to wearing a night guard. It may feel unusual at first, but consistent use makes the transition easier.
3. Wear It Consistently
Wear your night guard every night for at least 4 to 6 weeks to establish a habit. Over time, many users notice a reduction in jaw pain and tooth sensitivity.
4. If It Feels Uncomfortable, Try These Tricks:
To minimize discomfort, insert your night guard just before bed and remove it as soon as you wake up if needed. Wearing it for short periods during the day can also help you get used to the feel before sleeping with it.
Note: With patience and consistency, your night guard will start feeling natural, and you’ll experience the benefits of better teeth protection and reduced jaw pain.
Related Articles:
- How to Get Used to Wearing a Night Guard
- How Long Does it Take for a Night Guard to Work?
- Is Your Night Guard Uncomfortable?
FAQs: Night Guard Thickness for Bruxism
1. What is the best night guard thickness for bruxism?
It depends on how much you grind. For light grinding, 1mm to 1.5mm is usually enough. For heavier grinding, go with 2mm to 3mm for better protection.
2. Is a thicker night guard always better?
Not really. Thicker guards protect more but can feel bulky. Anything over 3mm often isn’t needed and might cause jaw discomfort.
3. How do I know if I need a thick or thin night guard?
If you only clench lightly, a thinner guard should be fine. But if you wake up with jaw pain or worn teeth, a thicker one may be better.
Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Night Guard Thickness
Choosing the right night guard thickness helps protect your teeth and keep you comfortable while you sleep. If you grind lightly, a thinner guard may be enough. If you grind heavily, a thicker one offers better protection.
Most people do well with a thickness between 1mm and 3mm, depending on their needs. A custom-fit night guard is the best option for comfort, fit, and long-lasting protection.
Not sure what to choose? Pro Teeth Guard offers custom night guards made to match your level of grinding—so you get the right thickness, the right fit, and a better night’s sleep.
References:
- Maeda, M., Takeda, T., Nakajima, K., Shibusawa, M., Kurokawa, K., Shimada, A., Takayama, K., & Ishigami, K. (2008). In search of necessary mouthguard thickness. Part 1: From the viewpoint of shock absorption ability. The Journal of the Japan Prosthodontic Society, 52(2), 211–219. https://doi.org/10.2186/jjps.52.211
- Longridge, N. N., & Milosevic, A. (2017). The bilaminar (dual-laminate) protective night guard. Dental Update, 44(7), 648–654. https://doi.org/10.12968/denu.2017.44.7.648
- Fiamengui, L. M. S. P., & Milani, C. A. (2023). Custom-made mouthguard: Personalized solution for injury prevention secondary to bruxism during sports practice. Dental Traumatology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/edt.13052
- 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
