Best Night Guards of 2025: Dentist-Recommended Picks

Table of Contents

Storing dental night guard in case

If you grind your teeth at night, a high-quality night guard is your best defense against cracked teeth, jaw pain, and costly dental repairs.

With so many options—custom, boil-and-bite, and over-the-counter—how do you choose the best night guard of 2025? We tested and researched the top brands, evaluating fit, comfort, durability, and dentist feedback to bring you this definitive ranking.


How We Selected the Best Night Guards

Our top picks were chosen based on strict standards to ensure lasting protection and great value:

  • Dentist Recommendations: Only trusted brands approved by dental professionals made the list.

  • Material Quality: All guards are crafted from medical-grade, BPA-free plastics safe for long-term use.

  • Customer Reviews: We analyzed real feedback for comfort, effectiveness, and satisfaction.

  • Value: Balancing price with durability to spotlight the smartest investments.


🥇 1. Best Overall: New Smile Life Custom Night Guard

Type: Hard acrylic (dual-layer available)
Price: $139–$179

Why It Wins:
The New Smile Life Custom Night Guard takes the top spot for combining dentist-grade precision with at-home convenience. Created from a custom dental impression, it ensures a secure fit that won’t slip or feel bulky. It’s durable enough for heavy grinders and can last up to 5 years—making it one of the best long-term dental investments you can make.

  • Dentist-grade, fully customized fit

  • 2–3mm thickness for heavy grinders

  • 30-day satisfaction guarantee

  • Long lifespan with proper care

Best For: Severe grinders, TMJ sufferers, and long-term users

👉 Get Yours Here


🥈 2. Best for TMJ: ProTeethGuard Dual-Layer

Type: Soft inner layer + hard outer shell
Price: $179

Highlights:
Ideal for those struggling with TMJ or jaw pain, this dual-layer night guard absorbs pressure while maintaining strong protection. The cushioned inner layer reduces clenching force, while the rigid exterior defends against grinding damage.

  • Dentist-recommended for TMJ relief

  • Cushioned fit for comfort

  • Strong outer protection

Best For: Moderate to severe grinders and TMJ management


🥉 3. Best Budget Custom: Remi Custom Night Guard

Type: Medium-density thermoplastic
Price: $99

Highlights:
For those on a budget, Remi offers a great introduction to custom-fit night guards. It’s thinner than most, ensuring comfort without bulk. While it doesn’t last as long as premium guards, it’s a big step up from store-bought models.

  • Custom mold kit included

  • Thin and comfortable design

  • Affordable entry-level option

Best For: Budget-conscious users seeking a better fit


4. Best Boil-and-Bite: Plackers Grind No More

Type: Moldable thermoplastic
Price: $25 (2-pack)

Perfect for temporary use or travel, Plackers Grind No More provides a snug boil-and-bite fit without the high price tag. It’s ideal if you’re testing whether a night guard will help before committing to a custom version.

Best For: Travel, short-term use, or first-time users


5. Best for Mild Grinders: SleepRight Soft Night Guard

Type: Soft silicone
Price: $35

Designed for comfort, SleepRight’s soft guard is gentle on sensitive gums and teeth. It’s pre-molded in various sizes—no boiling required—and perfect for mild grinders or first-time wearers.

Best For: Light clenching and gentle nighttime protection


Comparison Table

Brand Type Price Durability Best For
New Smile Life Custom Hard $139–$179 5+ years Severe grinders
ProTeethGuard Dual-Layer $179 3–5 years TMJ relief
Remi Custom Thermo $99 2–3 years Budget custom
Plackers Boil-and-Bite $25 6 months Temporary use
SleepRight Soft Silicone $35 3–6 months Mild clenching

Key Buying Tips

Severe grinding? Choose a custom or dual-layer guard like New Smile Life or ProTeethGuard.
TMJ or jaw pain? Go for cushioned, dual-layer designs.
Trying for the first time? Test a boil-and-bite guard before investing in a custom model.
Frequent traveler? Keep your guard in a ventilated hard case.


Avoid These Common Mistakes

🚫 Picking by price alone: A $25 guard replaced every few months costs more long-term than a $150 custom guard.
🚫 Using sports mouthguards: Too bulky and not designed for grinding.
🚫 Ignoring poor fit: It can worsen jaw tension or TMJ symptoms.


Final Verdict

For the best protection and value, the New Smile Life Custom Night Guard stands out as the top choice of 2025. It’s dentist-approved, durable, and designed for serious grinders who prioritize comfort and longevity.

If you’re exploring other ways to protect and perfect your smile, you can also check out this detailed review of NewSmile aligners — a trusted name in clear aligner and dental care innovation.


FAQ

Q: How often should I replace my night guard?
A: Custom guards last 2–5 years, while boil-and-bite models last 3–6 months.

Q: Can I clean my night guard in the dishwasher?
A: No. Always clean it with cool water and mild soap to prevent warping.

Q: Will insurance cover a night guard?
A: Many dental insurance plans cover 50–80% if prescribed by your dentist.

If you grind your teeth at night, a high-quality night guard is your best defense against cracked teeth, jaw pain, and costly dental repairs.

With so many options—custom, boil-and-bite, and over-the-counter—how do you choose the best night guard of 2025? We tested and researched the top brands, evaluating fit, comfort, durability, and dentist feedback to bring you this definitive ranking.


How We Selected the Best Night Guards

Our top picks were chosen based on strict standards to ensure lasting protection and great value:

  • Dentist Recommendations: Only trusted brands approved by dental professionals made the list.

  • Material Quality: All guards are crafted from medical-grade, BPA-free plastics safe for long-term use.

  • Customer Reviews: We analyzed real feedback for comfort, effectiveness, and satisfaction.

  • Value: Balancing price with durability to spotlight the smartest investments.


🥇 1. Best Overall: New Smile Life Custom Night Guard

Type: Hard acrylic (dual-layer available)
Price: $139–$179

Why It Wins:
The New Smile Life Custom Night Guard takes the top spot for combining dentist-grade precision with at-home convenience. Created from a custom dental impression, it ensures a secure fit that won’t slip or feel bulky. It’s durable enough for heavy grinders and can last up to 5 years—making it one of the best long-term dental investments you can make.

  • Dentist-grade, fully customized fit

  • 2–3mm thickness for heavy grinders

  • 30-day satisfaction guarantee

  • Long lifespan with proper care

Best For: Severe grinders, TMJ sufferers, and long-term users

👉 Get Yours Here


🥈 2. Best for TMJ: ProTeethGuard Dual-Layer

Type: Soft inner layer + hard outer shell
Price: $179

Highlights:
Ideal for those struggling with TMJ or jaw pain, this dual-layer night guard absorbs pressure while maintaining strong protection. The cushioned inner layer reduces clenching force, while the rigid exterior defends against grinding damage.

  • Dentist-recommended for TMJ relief

  • Cushioned fit for comfort

  • Strong outer protection

Best For: Moderate to severe grinders and TMJ management


🥉 3. Best Budget Custom: Remi Custom Night Guard

Type: Medium-density thermoplastic
Price: $99

Highlights:
For those on a budget, Remi offers a great introduction to custom-fit night guards. It’s thinner than most, ensuring comfort without bulk. While it doesn’t last as long as premium guards, it’s a big step up from store-bought models.

  • Custom mold kit included

  • Thin and comfortable design

  • Affordable entry-level option

Best For: Budget-conscious users seeking a better fit


4. Best Boil-and-Bite: Plackers Grind No More

Type: Moldable thermoplastic
Price: $25 (2-pack)

Perfect for temporary use or travel, Plackers Grind No More provides a snug boil-and-bite fit without the high price tag. It’s ideal if you’re testing whether a night guard will help before committing to a custom version.

Best For: Travel, short-term use, or first-time users


5. Best for Mild Grinders: SleepRight Soft Night Guard

Type: Soft silicone
Price: $35

Designed for comfort, SleepRight’s soft guard is gentle on sensitive gums and teeth. It’s pre-molded in various sizes—no boiling required—and perfect for mild grinders or first-time wearers.

Best For: Light clenching and gentle nighttime protection


Comparison Table

Brand Type Price Durability Best For
New Smile Life Custom Hard $139–$179 5+ years Severe grinders
ProTeethGuard Dual-Layer $179 3–5 years TMJ relief
Remi Custom Thermo $99 2–3 years Budget custom
Plackers Boil-and-Bite $25 6 months Temporary use
SleepRight Soft Silicone $35 3–6 months Mild clenching

Key Buying Tips

Severe grinding? Choose a custom or dual-layer guard like New Smile Life or ProTeethGuard.
TMJ or jaw pain? Go for cushioned, dual-layer designs.
Trying for the first time? Test a boil-and-bite guard before investing in a custom model.
Frequent traveler? Keep your guard in a ventilated hard case.


Avoid These Common Mistakes

🚫 Picking by price alone: A $25 guard replaced every few months costs more long-term than a $150 custom guard.
🚫 Using sports mouthguards: Too bulky and not designed for grinding.
🚫 Ignoring poor fit: It can worsen jaw tension or TMJ symptoms.


Final Verdict

For the best protection and value, the New Smile Life Custom Night Guard stands out as the top choice of 2025. It’s dentist-approved, durable, and designed for serious grinders who prioritize comfort and longevity.

If you’re exploring other ways to protect and perfect your smile, you can also check out this detailed review of NewSmile aligners — a trusted name in clear aligner and dental care innovation.


FAQ

Q: How often should I replace my night guard?
A: Custom guards last 2–5 years, while boil-and-bite models last 3–6 months.

Q: Can I clean my night guard in the dishwasher?
A: No. Always clean it with cool water and mild soap to prevent warping.

Q: Will insurance cover a night guard?
A: Many dental insurance plans cover 50–80% if prescribed by your dentist.

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