That’s actually really interesting about the dual-layer guard. I’ve been pretty anxious about this whole night guard thing for my kid—he’s only 11 and already grinding his teeth like crazy. We tried one of those super-thin guards from the drugstore because I figured less bulk would help him actually keep it in, but it just didn’t stay put. He kept waking up with it halfway out of his mouth, and then he’d complain about his jaw feeling sore in the morning. I kept worrying that maybe the fit was off, or maybe he just clenches more than I realized.
The dentist said a custom one would be better, but honestly, the price is no joke. And insurance barely covers anything for kids unless there’s actual tooth damage already (which seems a little backwards to me). I’ve looked at those dual-layer ones online and wondered if they’d be less intrusive, but I keep picturing him gagging on it or just refusing to wear it after a week.
I get what you mean about biting through them too quickly. My son is pretty hard on everything—he’s chewed through two pencil erasers this month alone—so I’m not convinced any thin guard would last long for us either. The chunky ones look like mouthfuls of plastic, but at least they might hold up? Still, if he can’t sleep with it in, what’s the point?
Has anyone else had luck with guards that are both durable and not so bulky they make you feel like you’re sleeping with a retainer from the ‘90s? I’m just tired of fighting with him every night about wearing it… and I really don’t want to end up paying for two or three a year if insurance won’t help out.
The chunky ones look like mouthfuls of plastic, but at least they might hold up? Still, if he can’t sleep with it in, what’s the point?
I feel you on this—my daughter went through a phase where she acted like her night guard was some kind of medieval torture device. The “chunky” ones really do have that ‘90s retainer vibe… I swear, just looking at them made my jaw ache in sympathy. We tried the cheap drugstore guards too and yeah, those things just float around like a lost sock in the dryer.
Honestly, I think you’re right to be picky. What’s the use of a super-durable guard if it ends up under the pillow by midnight? We finally caved for a custom one (after much wallet pain) and it’s been way less drama since. She still grumbles, but at least it stays put. Not saying it’s magic or anything, but the fit really does seem to make a difference for comfort.
Hang in there—finding something that works is such a slog. If your kid’s chewing through pencil erasers, I’d probably skip the ultra-thin ones too. Maybe one day someone will invent a guard that feels like wearing nothing at all… until then, solidarity.
Ugh, it’s wild how something that’s supposed to help just feels so bulky and awkward. I’ve been through a couple myself and honestly, the “custom” ones are pricey but at least I could actually sleep with it in. Still feels like a compromise, though. Totally get the frustration.
I've seen this a lot, and honestly, even the “custom” night guards can feel like overkill at first. I remember fitting one for a friend who was a super light sleeper—took her weeks to get used to it, and she still called it her “chewing gum brick.” I do wonder sometimes if labs could make them thinner without losing the protection. Ever tried the lower-profile ones? Some folks swear by those, but I guess it’s always a trade-off between comfort and durability.
I do wonder sometimes if labs could make them thinner without losing the protection. Ever tried the lower-profile ones? Some folks swear by those, but I guess it’s always a trade-off between comfort and durability.
Yeah, I totally get what you mean about them feeling like a “chewing gum brick.” My dentist gave me a custom upper guard last year and honestly, it took me forever to stop feeling like I was gagging on plastic every night. It did help with my jaw pain, but man, some nights I’d just yank it out halfway through my sleep because it felt so bulky.
I actually asked about those thinner guards at my last appointment. My dentist said they’re good if you’re more of a light grinder or just clench your teeth, but if you’re a heavy grinder (which apparently I am—didn’t even realize until my molars started looking like little stumps), the thin ones might not hold up. Still, I’m tempted to try one just for the sake of being able to talk while wearing it without sounding like I have a mouthful of marshmallows.
Has anyone here tried one that fits only on the bottom teeth? I’ve heard some people say they’re less noticeable and easier to get used to. I’m curious if switching from top to bottom made any difference in comfort or if it’s just trading one awkward feeling for another. Also—does anyone else wake up with their night guard somewhere across the room? Or is that just me?
It’s wild how something that’s supposed to help can feel so unnatural at first. But yeah, maybe there’s a sweet spot between “chewing gum brick” and “paper-thin useless.” If anyone’s found that middle ground, would love to hear what worked.
