Of course, the best advice is this: Neither a clencher nor a grinder be. But people who grit their teeth when they're fast asleep certainly wish the problem were that simple to solve. Bruxism is complicated, and the consequences of enamel loss from clenching or grinding can mean everything from cavities to root canals to capping and even dentures. In addition, tooth-on-tooth friction at night can turn into a splitting headache or jaw ache in the morning.
What to Look for
Comfort and price are the biggest considerations when buying a night guard. There's a very large range in both categories. Often, what you sacrifice in comfort, you'll gain in price, and vice versa. At the lowest end are sports-type guards that you fit yourself, usually by heating them in water and then putting them in your mouth while they're malleable. They're worn by athletes and are available at department stores for a few dollars at most. They won't last as long as guards you order from a dentist or other professional, but you'll likely want to replace them regularly--they tend to turn yellow and pick up mouth odors. If you're a serious grinder, you may bite and chew through the softer plastic of this type. Costing a bit more, about $25, are harder plastic guards that work much the same way. A night guard fit by your dentist can cost $100 or more, but as fitting involves a mold of your teeth and custom-sizing, the price difference may be understandable. Sometimes dental insurance will pay, sometimes not. At the higher end are guards that cost $300 to $600. Considering the biggest complaint users have is discomfort, it may be best to try the cheapest possible night guard before spending hundreds of dollars on something you can't tolerate.
Common Pitfalls
Quite a few people on web forums dedicated to dental issues questioned whether they really needed night guards or perhaps had been subject to an overzealous sales philosophy at the dentist. While nobody can make that decision for you, it's worthwhile to remember that at the cost of dental procedures you may need after wearing away tooth enamel, a night guard may be a small price to pay. If you do decide to purchase and wear one, be aware that if you wear it for a period of time and then quit, your teeth may shift slightly in your mouth, and you'll need a new guard or a new fitting to wear it again comfortably.
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