Soft vs Hard Night Guard
Material Differences
Soft night guards are typically made of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and are comfortable but can actually encourage more chewing in some heavy grinders. Hard acrylic guards are rigid and highly durable, making them the standard recommendation for severe bruxism to protect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and teeth from extreme pressure [1].
References
- Lobbezoo F et al. (2018). International consensus on the assessment of bruxism. PubMed / DOI ↗ (n=1)
⚕️ Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If your jaw pain persists, please consult a licensed dentist or healthcare provider.
From Our Tests
If you're looking for a product that survives heavy grinding, see our caliper-measured data: Best Custom Night Guards.