Totally get what you mean about the “chunky” feel—my own first night guard felt like I was trying to sleep with a mouthful of tupperware. I tried trimming it down at home, and honestly, it helped a bit, but I still woke up a few times with a sore jaw. Not as bad as before, though. Sometimes it’s just about finding that balance between comfort and cost... even if it’s not perfect.
my own first night guard felt like I was trying to sleep with a mouthful of tupperware
That’s exactly how I described mine to my daughter—like chewing on a plastic food container all night. I actually tried the boil-and-bite kind once, and it almost gagged me. The dentist-made one fit better, but it’s still bulky. I wonder if it’s just something we get used to over time, or if our jaws never really adapt? Cost definitely kept me from getting the thinner custom ones. Maybe I’m too picky, but I just can’t sleep right with it in.
I swear, I tried to tough it out for months thinking I’d just “get used to it,” but I never stopped noticing it was there. The dentist did say some people adapt after a while, but honestly, I still end up taking mine out in the middle of the night half the time. Does anyone else have issues with their jaw feeling sore or tight in the morning after using one? Sometimes I wonder if the benefits outweigh the sleep disruption.
My kid’s been using a night guard for a while, and honestly, it’s kind of the same deal here. First few weeks were just constant complaining about how “weird” it felt. We did try a couple of different types—one was way bulkier than the other, and that made a big difference with jaw soreness. Still, there are nights it ends up on the pillow by morning. I get why they’re recommended, but I do wonder too if it’s worth all the fuss when sleep gets interrupted. It’s a trade-off, for sure.
Still, there are nights it ends up on the pillow by morning.
That made me laugh—mine’s gone AWOL more than once. I totally get the “mouthful of plastic” feeling. The thinner ones are way easier to tolerate, but even then, there’s an awkward phase. I found it helped to wear mine for short periods during the day at first, just to get used to it. Still not exactly fun, but my jaw pain did improve over time. It’s a hassle, but I guess it beats cracked teeth...
