Soft vs Hard Night Guards: Pros, Cons, and Comparison
Soft night guards are ideal for mild grinding, offering a gentler feel, while hard guards provide stronger, longer-lasting defense for intense clenching.
Ever wake up with a sore jaw, a pounding headache, or notice your teeth wearing down over time? If you fall under this category, you may have bruxism, a disorder in which you grind your teeth at night.
But the real question is: should your night guard be soft, hard, or maybe something in between?
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a protective dental appliance worn during sleep, available as a store-bought option or custom-made by a dentist to fit your bite precisely. It helps prevent your teeth from grinding or clenching together, which can damage your enamel and stress your jaw muscles.
Soft Night Guard
Soft night guards are composed of flexible plastic. Wearing it is easy and comfortable, especially for new users.
Pros:
- Cushiony and comfortable
- Best for mild teeth grinding
- Affordable option
- Easy to adjust to
Cons:
- Wears out faster
- Can sometimes encourage more grinding in some people
- Not ideal for severe bruxism
Hard Night Guard
A hard night guard is made from durable acrylic or polycarbonate. It offers firm protection and is often recommended by dentists for moderate to severe grinding.
Pros:
- Long-lasting and durable
- Ideal for serious grinders or clenchers
- Custom-made fit ensures proper jaw alignment
- Can help reduce TMJ-related symptoms
Cons:
- Takes time to get used to
- More expensive than soft guards
- Can feel bulkier
Hard/Soft Night Guard (Hybrid)
This is often called a hybrid night guard. It combines the comfort of a soft interior with the strength of a hard outer shell.
Who It’s Best For:
- People with moderate bruxism
- Those looking for comfort plus durability
- Anyone sensitive to fully hard materials
What Are Night Guards Made Of?
- Soft Night Guards: EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), which feels flexible and rubbery.
- Hard Night Guards: Rigid acrylic or polycarbonate.
- Hybrid Night Guards: Two layers, soft EVA inside, hard acrylic outside.
Comparison
| Feature | Soft Night Guard | Hard Night Guard | Hybrid Night Guard |
| Material | Flexible EVA plastic | Hard acrylic or polycarbonate | Soft inner layer + hard outer shell |
| Comfort Level | Very high | Moderate to low (may feel bulky at first) | High – soft inside, firm outside |
| Best For | Mild or occasional grinding | Severe grinding and clenching | Moderate grinding and sensitive users |
| Durability | 6 months to 2 years | 3 to 5 years | Around 2 to 4 years |
| Cost | Most affordable | More expensive | Mid-to-high priced |
| Fit | Softer, looser fit (OTC) or custom | Very precise (custom-made) | Custom-made with good balance |
| Teeth Protection | Light protection | Strong protection | Strong protection with added comfort |
| May Encourage Grinding? | Yes, in some users | No | No |
| Thickness Options | Usually thinner (1–2mm) | 1mm to 3mm | Medium (1.5–2.5mm usually) |
| Jaw Support / TMJ Relief | Limited | Excellent | Good |
Should a Night Guard Be Soft or Hard?
If you grind lightly or occasionally, soft is fine. For serious grinding or jaw clenching, go for a hard or hybrid night guard.
A study examined the impact of hard and soft night guards on nighttime teeth grinding. The findings indicated that hard night guards outperformed soft ones in lowering bruxism-related muscle activation.
This suggests that strong night guards offer superior defense against teeth grinding while you’re asleep.
Best Night Guard for Teeth Grinding
Let’s look at this and share a verdict once and for all:
Mild Grinding? A soft night guard will take care of it.
For those who grind their teeth a little, soft night guards are perfect. They are flexible and comfortable, offering a cushioned feel that prevents wear on your teeth while still providing basic protection.
Heavy Grinding or Clenching? Choose a hard mouth guard for teeth grinding.
If you suffer from more intense grinding or clenching, a hard night guard is your best bet. The rigid material offers stronger protection by absorbing the force and preventing tooth damage, making it ideal for long-term use.
Looking for Both Comfort and Strength? Try a hybrid night guard.
The smooth inner layer provides comfort while the hard outer layer ensures durability and protection, making it a good option for moderate grinding or people seeking a balance of both comfort and effectiveness.
Ready to Find the Right Night Guard?
Whether you need a soft, hard, or hybrid night guard, the key is a custom fit explicitly tailored to your teeth and bite. If you’re unsure what to choose, consult a dental expert who can guide you based on your grinding habits.
Want a professionally custom-made mouthguard? Contact Palm Valley Orthodontics to get started with the right solution for you. Your teeth will thank you.
People Also Ask
What type of night guard is best for teeth grinding?
For intense grinding, a hard or hybrid night guard works well. Gentle or infrequent grinders benefit greatly from soft guards.
Can I order a personalized night watch online?
Yes, but be sure the mold is custom-fit and comes from a reliable supplier. Dental office night guards usually fit better and last longer.
What’s the main difference between cheeky soft vs hard night guards?
Cheeky soft guards are comfortable and flexible, while cheeky hard guards are firm and ideal for more intense grinders.
What is the thickness of a hard night guard?
Hard night guards come in different thicknesses, typically ranging from 1 millimeter to 3 millimeters. The right thickness depends on how severely you grind your teeth.
What is the lifespan of a soft night guard?
Depending on how hard you grind, a soft night guard might last anywhere from six months to two years. On the other hand, with proper maintenance, a hard night guard can last three to five years.
Can I wear a night guard during the day?
Yes, especially if you grind or clench your teeth while working or are under stress. Just ensure regular cleaning and proper fit.
