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 a strict set of criteria to ensure you get the best protection and value for your money.
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Dentist Recommendations: We only considered brands that are trusted and frequently approved by dental professionals.
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Material Quality: All our top choices are made from medical-grade, BPA-free plastics that are safe for long-term wear.
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Customer Reviews: We analyzed real-user feedback on comfort, effectiveness, and overall satisfaction.
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Value: We balanced the initial price with long-term performance to highlight the smartest investments.
Top 5 Night Guards of 2025
🥇 1. Best Overall: New Smile Life Custom Night Guard
Type: Hard acrylic (dual-layer option available)
Price: $139–$179
Why It Wins: The New Smile Life Custom Night Guard earns our top spot for its perfect balance of dentist-grade quality and at-home convenience. Made from a precise impression of your teeth, it provides a superior fit that won't slip or feel bulky. It’s durable enough for severe grinders and lasts for years, making it a great long-term investment in your dental health.
- Dentist-grade custom fit (made from dental impressions)
- 2–3mm thickness for heavy grinders
- Up to 5 years durability with proper care
- 30-day guarantee
Best For: Severe grinders, TMJ sufferers, long-term use
👉 Get Yours Here
🥈 2. Best for TMJ: ProTeethGuard Dual-Layer
Type: Soft inner layer + hard outer shell
Price: $179
Highlights: This guard is specifically designed to provide relief for TMJ and jaw pain. The unique dual-layer construction cushions against clenching pressure while the hard outer shell offers protection against grinding. Its slightly adjustable fit makes it a top choice for those with moderate to severe issues.
- Cushioned inner layer reduces jaw pressure
- Slightly adjustable fit
- Dentist-recommended for jaw pain
Best For: TMJ pain, moderate to severe grinding
🥉 3. Best Budget Custom: Remi Custom Night Guard
Type: Medium-density thermoplastic
Price: $99
Highlights: Remi provides an affordable entry into the world of custom-fit night guards. While it may not last as long as our top-ranked picks, it’s a significant upgrade from generic options. The thinner profile also makes it a great choice for those who are worried about a bulky feel.
- At-home impression kit (no dentist visit)
- Thinner profile for comfort
- Good entry-level custom solution
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers who still want a custom fit
4. Best Boil-and-Bite: Plackers Grind No More
Type: Thermoplastic (moldable)
Price: $25 (2-pack)
Highlights: For those who need a quick, temporary fix or want to test if a night guard helps, Plackers is a reliable choice. It's a "boil-and-bite" design, which offers a better fit than most drugstore guards, and is perfect for travel or short-term use.
Best For: Travel, testing, or temporary use
5. Best for Mild Grinders: SleepRight Soft Night Guard
Type: Soft silicone
Price: $35
Highlights: Designed for comfort, this soft silicone guard is an excellent choice for first-time users or those with mild clenching. It's pre-molded in multiple sizes, eliminating the need for boiling or molding. It's gentle on sensitive teeth and gums, making it a comfortable introduction to nightly protection.
Best For: Mild grinders or occasional clenchers
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
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Severe grinding? Go for a custom hard or dual-layer guard (like New Smile Life or ProTeethGuard).
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TMJ/jaw pain? Choose cushioned, dual-layer designs.
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Trying a guard for the first time? Test with a boil-and-bite before investing in custom.
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Travel often? Invest in a ventilated hard case to keep your guard safe.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
🚫 Picking by price alone: A $25 guard that lasts 3 months costs more long-term than a $150 guard lasting 5 years.
🚫 Using sports mouthguards: They are too bulky and not built for grinding.
🚫 Ignoring poor fit: It can make TMJ pain worse.
Final Verdict
For the best overall protection, the New Smile Life Custom Night Guard is our top pick for 2025. It’s durable, dentist-approved, and designed for serious grinders who want lasting comfort.
If you’re exploring broader dental solutions, you may also want to check out this review of NewSmile aligners—another trusted name in custom-fit smile care.
FAQ
Q: How often should I replace my night guard?
A: Custom guards last 2–5 years; boil-and-bite guards last 3–6 months.
Q: Can I clean my night guard in the dishwasher?
A: No! Always use cool water and mild soap to avoid damage.
Q: Will insurance cover a night guard?
A: Many plans cover 50–80% if deemed medically necessary.
Best Night Guards of 2025: Protect Your Smile While You Sleep
If you grind your teeth at night, a high-quality night guard is your best defense against cracked teeth, jaw pain, and costly dental work.
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 a strict set of criteria to ensure you get the best protection and value for your money.
Top 5 Night Guards of 2025
🥇 1. Best Overall: New Smile Life Custom Night Guard
Type: Hard acrylic (dual-layer option available)
Price: $139–$179
Why It Wins: The New Smile Life Custom Night Guard earns our top spot for its perfect balance of dentist-grade quality and at-home convenience. Made from a precise impression of your teeth, it provides a superior fit that won't slip or feel bulky. It’s durable enough for severe grinders and lasts for years, making it a great long-term investment in your dental health.
Best For: Severe grinders, TMJ sufferers, long-term use
👉 Get Yours Here
🥈 2. Best for TMJ: ProTeethGuard Dual-Layer
Type: Soft inner layer + hard outer shell
Price: $179
Highlights: This guard is specifically designed to provide relief for TMJ and jaw pain. The unique dual-layer construction cushions against clenching pressure while the hard outer shell offers protection against grinding. Its slightly adjustable fit makes it a top choice for those with moderate to severe issues.
Best For: TMJ pain, moderate to severe grinding
🥉 3. Best Budget Custom: Remi Custom Night Guard
Type: Medium-density thermoplastic
Price: $99
Highlights: Remi provides an affordable entry into the world of custom-fit night guards. While it may not last as long as our top-ranked picks, it’s a significant upgrade from generic options. The thinner profile also makes it a great choice for those who are worried about a bulky feel.
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers who still want a custom fit
4. Best Boil-and-Bite: Plackers Grind No More
Type: Thermoplastic (moldable)
Price: $25 (2-pack)
Highlights: For those who need a quick, temporary fix or want to test if a night guard helps, Plackers is a reliable choice. It's a "boil-and-bite" design, which offers a better fit than most drugstore guards, and is perfect for travel or short-term use.
Best For: Travel, testing, or temporary use
5. Best for Mild Grinders: SleepRight Soft Night Guard
Type: Soft silicone
Price: $35
Highlights: Designed for comfort, this soft silicone guard is an excellent choice for first-time users or those with mild clenching. It's pre-molded in multiple sizes, eliminating the need for boiling or molding. It's gentle on sensitive teeth and gums, making it a comfortable introduction to nightly protection.
Best For: Mild grinders or occasional clenchers
Comparison Table
Key Buying Tips
Avoid These Common Mistakes
🚫 Picking by price alone: A $25 guard that lasts 3 months costs more long-term than a $150 guard lasting 5 years.
🚫 Using sports mouthguards: They are too bulky and not built for grinding.
🚫 Ignoring poor fit: It can make TMJ pain worse.
Final Verdict
For the best overall protection, the New Smile Life Custom Night Guard is our top pick for 2025. It’s durable, dentist-approved, and designed for serious grinders who want lasting comfort.
If you’re exploring broader dental solutions, you may also want to check out this review of NewSmile aligners—another trusted name in custom-fit smile care.
FAQ
Q: How often should I replace my night guard?
A: Custom guards last 2–5 years; boil-and-bite guards last 3–6 months.
Q: Can I clean my night guard in the dishwasher?
A: No! Always use cool water and mild soap to avoid damage.
Q: Will insurance cover a night guard?
A: Many plans cover 50–80% if deemed medically necessary.
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