Many people assume mouthguards and night guards are the same, but in reality, they serve very different purposes. Choosing the right one is essential for protecting your oral health — whether during sports, while sleeping, or when you grind your teeth.

At Dental Design Studio, we often see patients confused about which guard to use. This blog explains the differences between mouthguards and night guards, when each should be worn, and how they protect your teeth and jaw.

What is a Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a dental appliance designed to protect your teeth and gums during high-impact activities, especially contact sports. It acts as a cushion, absorbing shock and minimizing the risk of broken teeth, jaw injuries, and soft-tissue damage.

The main purpose of a mouthguard is to safeguard your teeth from accidental blows to the face. Mouthguards also prevent lacerations to your lips, cheeks, and tongue. They can even reduce the risk of jaw fractures or concussions during high-impact activities.

Types of Mouthguards

• Stock Mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are affordable but may not fit well.
• Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards soften when boiled and can be moulded to your teeth for a better fit.
• Custom-made mouthguards are tailored by a dentist to fit your mouth perfectly. These offer the highest level of comfort, durability, and protection, and are especially beneficial for professional athletes.

At Dental Design Studio, we provide custom-made mouthguards for the best fit and protection.

What is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a dental appliance designed to protect your teeth from grinding (bruxism) or clenching while you sleep. Bruxism is often unconscious and can cause tooth wear, cracks, jaw pain, headaches, and even damage to dental restorations like crowns or veneers.

The main purpose of a night guard is to act as a protective barrier that absorbs pressure and reduces friction between teeth during sleep.

Types of Night Guards

• Soft Night Guards are flexible and best for mild grinding.
• Hard Night Guards are more durable and used for severe grinding and clenching.
• Dual-Laminate Night Guards combine a soft inner layer with a hard outer surface for both comfort and strength.

At Dental Design Studio, we custom-fit night guards to ensure maximum protection and comfort for every patient.

The Key Differences Between Mouthguards and Night Guards

Although mouthguards and night guards may appear similar, they differ in purpose, design, and usage.

• Purpose: Mouthguards protect against sports-related injuries, while night guards protect against damage from teeth grinding and clenching.
• Usage: Mouthguards are worn during sports activities; night guards are worn while sleeping.
• Material: Mouthguards use thicker, flexible materials for impact absorption. Night guards use softer or harder materials designed for grinding protection.
• Fit: Mouthguards can be stock, boil-and-bite, or custom-made. Night guards are almost always custom-made for an exact fit.
• Design: Mouthguards cover teeth and gums, while night guards cover only the teeth.
• Durability: Mouthguards may need more frequent replacement due to sports impact, whereas night guards, with proper care, can last longer.

When to Use a Mouthguard

A mouthguard is essential for anyone involved in sports or activities with a risk of impact to the face or mouth. This includes football, hockey, boxing, basketball, skateboarding, and martial arts.

If you wear braces or have other dental restorations, a custom mouthguard provides extra protection against damage. Wearing a mouthguard can greatly reduce the risk of chipped teeth, jaw injuries, and soft tissue damage during physical activity.

When to Use a Night Guard

Night guards are ideal for people who:

• Grind or clench teeth during sleep (bruxism).
• Wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or sore teeth.
• Have worn or damaged teeth.
• Have dental restorations they want to protect.
• Experience tooth sensitivity caused by enamel erosion from grinding.

Wearing a night guard protects teeth from wear and damage, reduces pain, and preserves dental health.

Caring for Mouthguards and Night Guards

Proper care for these dental appliances is essential for their effectiveness and durability.

For Mouthguards and Night Guards:

• Rinse with cool water after each use.
• Gently brush with a soft toothbrush (avoid toothpaste on guards to prevent scratching).
• Soak occasionally in denture cleaner for a deep clean.
• Store in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial buildup.
• Replace worn guards as needed.

Regular dental check-ups at Dental Design Studio ensure your guard fits well and continues to protect your teeth effectively.

Why Custom Fitting Matters

Custom-fitting your mouthguard or night guard with your dentist provides:

• Maximum comfort.
• Better fit for optimal protection.
• Long-lasting durability.
• Reduced irritation or damage to teeth and gums.

At Dental Design Studio, we design dental guards explicitly tailored to your mouth for the best results.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Guard for You

Mouthguards and night guards both protect your teeth but serve different purposes. Mouthguards are essential for preventing sports injuries, while night guards are crucial for preventing damage caused by teeth grinding.

Understanding the differences helps you choose the right guard for your needs. Whether you need a mouthguard for sports or a night guard to prevent grinding damage, Dental Design Studio offers professional solutions to keep your smile safe and healthy.

Protect your teeth with the right dental guard. At Dental Design Studio, we provide custom-fitted mouthguards and night guards designed for comfort, durability, and optimal dental protection. Schedule your consultation today and safeguard your smile.