13 Best Mouthguards for Grinding of 2026

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A night guard should stop grinding damage, not create new problems—yet many over-the-counter guards slip out mid-sleep, cause morning jaw pain, or pose a choking risk. For anyone who’s woken up with a dislodged guard or throbbing temples, the search can seem endless.

The real difference comes down to fit method and material, not price. Moldable guards that hold a precise imprint and custom lab-made guards that mirror your dental arch solve the retention puzzle, while disposable one-size models rarely do. The picks ahead map to your grind severity and comfort tolerance so you can find one that actually stays in place, protects your enamel, and lets you sleep without the midnight retrieval mission.

Our Top Picks
Encore Custom Night Guard
Best Overall Custom FitEncore Custom Night Guard

At-home impression kit creates a dentist-quality custom guard with hard, soft, or hybrid material.

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Reazeal Moldable Guard
Best Budget ValueReazeal Moldable Guard

Soft BPA-free boil-and-bite guard that molds to a custom fit and includes cleaning tablets.

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GOYO Slim FIT 4-Pack
Best Breathable Slim DesignGOYO Slim FIT 4-Pack

Slim night guard with 18 ventilation holes and a thermo checker for precise boil-and-bite molding.

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UNIEDI Moldable 4-Pack
Best Starter KitUNIEDI Moldable 4-Pack

Complete starter kit with four guards, two sizes, cleaning tablets, and a storage case.

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ProDental 6-Pack USA
Best with Dentist SupportProDental 6-Pack USA

USA-made six-pack with access to a staff dentist for personalized fitting guidance.

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Encore Soft Custom Guard
Best Soft Custom for Mild GrindersEncore Soft Custom Guard

Soft custom lab guard from an at-home impression kit, tailored for mild grinders and sensitive mouths.

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Rest in Peace 2-Pack
Best Microwave Molding ConvenienceRest in Peace 2-Pack

Microwave-moldable guard that skips boiling water and can be remolded after dental changes.

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Best for Heavy Grinders

Encore Custom Night Guard

Encore Custom Night Guard

Key Features

  • Fit Method: Custom impression lab-made
  • Material Safety: BPA & latex free
  • Retention: Custom dental arch match
  • Comfort & Thickness: Hard/Soft/Hybrid options
  • Durability & Pack Count: 1 guard, durable
  • Price: Premium

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The Encore Custom Night Guard starts with a simple at-home impression kit. The resulting lab-fabricated guard fits precisely to your teeth, stays put through heavy grinding, and reduces morning jaw pain. Four material options — hard, soft, hybrid, or daytime hard — let you tailor the guard’s rigidity to your specific bruxism severity and comfort preference.

This guard is designed for heavy grinders who have had poor results with boil-and-bite guards and want the durability and fit of a dentist-made guard without the dental office markup. The tradeoff: you must mail your impressions and wait for lab fabrication, so this isn’t an instant purchase — expect a wait of one to two weeks.

Pros

  • Personalized fit that stays in place throughout the night.
  • Comfortable enough to be unnoticeable during sleep.
  • High durability for long-term use.

Cons

  • Requires mailing impressions and waiting for lab fabrication — not an instant purchase.

For heavy grinders who want dentist-quality fit without the dentist’s fee, the Encore delivers precise protection and a choice of hardness — plan for a week’s wait, and it’s well worth it.

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Best for Cost-Conscious Grinders

Reazeal Moldable Guard

Reazeal Moldable Guard

Key Features

  • Fit Method: Boil-and-bite moldable
  • Material Safety: BPA-free, soft EVA
  • Retention: Mold-to-fit retention
  • Comfort & Thickness: Soft, moderate thickness
  • Durability & Pack Count: Multiple guards + tablets
  • Price: Budget

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Unlike the top-pick custom lab guard, this Reazeal model skips the impression kit and waiting period — mold it in minutes with hot water and start wearing it the same night. The soft BPA-free material provides a comfortable, stay-put fit that cushions grinding effectively, and the included cleaning tablets make daily care simple. It’s a smart option for cost-conscious grinders who want a proven daily solution without dental bills. The guard can feel slightly thicker than some ultra-slim alternatives, which may take a night or two to get used to.

💡 Tip: Heat water to exactly the recommended temperature and work quickly — a second attempt often fixes a loose fit.

Pros

  • Remarkably comfortable, leaving jaws pain-free in the morning
  • Effective protection that cushions grinding without wearing through quickly
  • Excellent value — a fraction of the cost of a dental guard, with cleaning tablets included

Cons

  • The molded fit won’t match the exactness of a custom lab guard

For anyone who wants solid grinding protection without paying for a custom lab, this is the go-to boil-and-bite — just set aside a few minutes to mold it carefully.

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Best for Hot Sleepers

GOYO Slim FIT 4-Pack

GOYO Slim FIT 4-Pack

Key Features

  • Fit Method: Boil-and-bite with thermo checker
  • Material Safety: BPA-free, lightweight
  • Retention: Mold-to-fit, vented
  • Comfort & Thickness: Slim, 18 ventilation holes
  • Durability & Pack Count: 4 guards + case
  • Price: Mid-Range

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The GOYO Slim FIT stands out among boil-and-bite guards with its 18 ventilation holes and slim profile, reducing the stuffy feeling that thicker guards can cause. Unlike microwave-moldable alternatives, it uses traditional hot water but adds a thermo checker to help hit the right temperature. The four-pack with travel case provides spares and convenience. The BPA-free material is lightweight, and once the fit is dialed in, the guard effectively shields teeth from grinding damage. It’s a good match for sleepers comfortable with boil-and-bite who prioritize breathability.

💡 Tip: Use the thermo checker to time water temperature precisely; if the fit feels off, re-boil and re-mold once for a tighter seal.

Pros

  • Slim design with ventilation holes prevents overheating and stuffiness.
  • Durable material shields teeth from grinding damage effectively.
  • Customizable boil-and-bite fit contours well to individual mouths.

Cons

  • Molding may take more than one attempt to get a tight, even fit.

A slim, breathable guard for those willing to invest patience in molding to get a cool, comfortable night’s grind protection.

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Best for First-Time Users

UNIEDI Moldable 4-Pack

UNIEDI Moldable 4-Pack

Key Features

  • Fit Method: Boil-and-bite, 2 sizes
  • Material Safety: BPA-free
  • Retention: Moldable for grip
  • Comfort & Thickness: Standard thickness
  • Durability & Pack Count: 4 guards + cleaning tablets
  • Price: Budget

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The UNIEDI kit stands out as a low-commitment starter package for bruxism newcomers, offering four boil-and-bite guards in two sizes along with a dozen cleaning tablets — all at an entry-level price. Unlike custom lab guards that require impressions and a wait, these mold at home in minutes. It’s best suited for light-to-moderate grinders who want to test whether a night guard helps before investing more. Aggressive clenchers may find the soft material wears down sooner than expected.

Pros

  • Effectively prevents grinding and reduces jaw pain
  • Comfortable, secure fit with solid build quality
  • Easy boil-and-bite molding with clear instructions

Cons

  • Soft material may wear faster for heavy clenchers — less of an issue for light users

For light-to-moderate grinders on a budget, this kit delivers custom-molded protection and everyday comfort without overspending — just don’t expect it to outlast a lab-made guard under heavy clenching.

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Best for Dentist Support

ProDental 6-Pack USA

ProDental 6-Pack USA

Key Features

  • Fit Method: Trim & boil-and-bite
  • Material Safety: Polyvinyl, BPA-free
  • Retention: Mold-to-fit, dentist support
  • Comfort & Thickness: Thicker profile
  • Durability & Pack Count: 6 guards, high durability
  • Price: Budget

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Unlike the custom-lab top pick, this ProDental 6-pack puts a staff dentist at your disposal for molding support, delivering a durable, US-made boil-and-bite guard that often withstands over a year of nightly clenching. It’s best for grinders who value direct professional guidance and don’t mind a thicker oral profile; the guard’s substantial build provides solid protection, but its bulk may feel intrusive for those accustomed to barely-there designs. Precise trimming and careful molding are needed to avoid excess material, yet once dialed in, the fit and longevity make it a budget-friendly workhorse for dedicated bruxers.

💡 Tip: Trim incrementally and follow the included molding instructions precisely; a rushed fit often results in unnecessary bulk.

Pros

  • Long-lasting durability, often surviving over a year of nightly use
  • Solid grinding protection at a budget-friendly price
  • Customizable fit with direct staff dentist guidance for precise molding

Cons

  • Guard thickness may feel bulky and intrusive after molding for some sleepers

If you’re a dedicated bruxer who wants durability and hands-on dental support without paying custom-lab prices, this 6-pack is a strong value — just be ready for a thicker feel.

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Best for Mild Grinders

Encore Soft Custom Guard

Encore Soft Custom Guard

Key Features

  • Fit Method: Custom impression lab-made
  • Material Safety: BPA & latex free soft polymer
  • Retention: Custom dental arch match
  • Comfort & Thickness: Soft, thin
  • Durability & Pack Count: 1 guard, soft polymer
  • Price: Premium

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Unlike the multi-hardness top pick, this Encore guard uses only soft, flexible polymer for plush comfort that suits mild grinders and those with tooth sensitivity. The at-home impression kit creates a precise fit that stays put, and the thin material minimizes bulk. The soft polymer can tear or split under aggressive clenching over time, so heavy bruxers will get longer life from a harder custom guard.

Pros

  • Precise custom fit that stays securely in place all night
  • Plush comfort suitable for sensitive users, with many waking without headaches
  • Lab-grade quality at a fraction of dentist pricing

Cons

  • Soft material can tear or split after months of heavy use

If a hard guard has caused discomfort, this soft custom option delivers a dentist-grade fit and plush feel for mild nighttime grinding—just not the lifespan heavy bruxers need.

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Best for Microwave Convenience

Rest in Peace 2-Pack

Rest in Peace 2-Pack

Key Features

  • Fit Method: Microwave-moldable
  • Material Safety: BPA & phthalate free
  • Retention: Microwave-moldable custom fit
  • Comfort & Thickness: Thin material
  • Durability & Pack Count: 2 guards + case
  • Price: Mid-Range

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Unlike boil-and-bite guards that need a pot of hot water, the Rest in Peace guard uses microwave heating for a no-stove molding process. The patented BPA-free material can be refitted if dental work changes your bite — a rare flexibility in over-the-counter mouth guards.

It suits light grinders best. The thin profile wears faster under heavy clenching, and those with very small mouths may not achieve a truly snug fit. If your grinding is mild and you want fast, adjustable protection, the microwave convenience and remoldability deliver meaningful value.

💡 Tip: Refit after dental work to maintain bite alignment, though very small mouths may still find the grip less secure than custom alternatives.

Pros

  • Microwave molding skips the boiling water step, ready in minutes
  • Soft, comfortable fit that avoids morning jaw soreness
  • Guards teeth effectively for light to moderate grinding

Cons

  • Thin material can wear through faster for aggressive grinders
  • Fit may not become snug enough for very small mouths

A sensible choice when mild grinding meets a desire for quick, adjustable fitting — but heavier grinders or those with petite jaws should lean toward a thicker or custom-fitted guard.

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Best for Moderate Grinders

OHALEEP Anti Grinding Guard

OHALEEP Anti Grinding Guard

Key Features

  • Fit Method: Boil-and-bite, 2 sizes
  • Material Safety: BPA-free food-grade EVA
  • Retention: Moldable for retention
  • Comfort & Thickness: Standard thickness
  • Durability & Pack Count: 4 guards, 4-month lifespan each
  • Price: Mid-Range

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The OHALEEP pack supplies four food-grade EVA guards and a compact storage box, all at a mid-range price. Boil-and-bite fitting is straightforward—two size choices (large and small) cover most adult arches, and the soft material feels unobtrusive during sleep for light to moderate clenching. The manufacturer recommends replacing each guard after about four months, so the four-pack functions as a roughly one-year supply for nightly use. Aggressive grinders may wear through the soft material faster and will likely prefer a harder custom guard with a longer service life.

Pros

  • Great quality and value for the price — a complete 4-guard kit with storage box.
  • Easy boil-and-bite fit with two size options for a comfortable, secure feel.

Cons

  • Soft EVA material may wear within months for aggressive clenchers — the 4-month recommended per-guard lifespan makes this a recurring purchase.

If you’re a moderate grinder seeking a compact, cost-effective multi-pack and don’t mind replacing guards every few months, this set fits the bill.

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Best for Multi-Purpose Use

LORIOUS 6-Pack Multi-Use

LORIOUS 6-Pack Multi-Use

Key Features

  • Fit Method: Boil-and-bite, trimmable
  • Material Safety: Medical-grade EVA, BPA-free
  • Retention: Mold-to-fit
  • Comfort & Thickness: Thicker profile
  • Durability & Pack Count: 6 guards + case
  • Price: Mid-Range

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This set offers six boil-and-bite guards that mold easily and can be trimmed for fit, making it a practical solution for households needing multiple guards or one guard for different activities. The thicker profile, however, can feel bulky during sleep — light sleepers or those sensitive to mouthpiece volume may find it disruptive, which is why slimmer options better suit dedicated night grinding use.

Pros

  • Six guards with a storage case at a budget-friendly price
  • Molds and trims without trouble, even on the first attempt

Cons

  • In a quiet bedroom, the guard’s thickness may feel intrusive for some sleepers

A solid pick if you need a multi-purpose guard for sports or whitening alongside light grinding, but dedicated night guards with a slimmer fit are worth the extra cost for consistent sleep comfort.

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Best for Occasional Grinders

GBN Comfort 4-Pack

GBN Comfort 4-Pack

Key Features

  • Fit Method: Boil-and-bite, 2 sizes, trimmable
  • Material Safety: Food-grade EVA
  • Retention: Moldable with size options
  • Comfort & Thickness: Soft, standard thickness
  • Durability & Pack Count: 4 guards + cleaning tablets
  • Price: Budget

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The GBN Comfort 4-Pack provides an accessible introduction to boil-and-bite guards, with soft EVA material that cushions mild grinding. Two moldable sizes and included cleaning tablets add practical value. Sizing can be hit-or-miss; some find neither guard forms a secure fit, limiting dependability for heavy clenching or non-average mouth shapes.

Pros

  • Soft material cushions against mild grinding and clenching.
  • Comfortable, soft feel reduces overnight bulkiness.

Cons

  • One or both sizes can feel too large or too small, leading to a loose or uncomfortable fit.

This set makes sense for an occasional grinder willing to test sizing to keep costs low. If neither size molds securely, the included cleaning tablets won’t solve retention.

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Best for Small Mouths

HONEYBULL Mixed 6-Pack

HONEYBULL Mixed 6-Pack

Key Features

  • Fit Method: Boil-and-bite, 2 thicknesses
  • Material Safety: BPA-free
  • Retention: Moldable, thickness choice
  • Comfort & Thickness: Thin & thick options
  • Durability & Pack Count: 6 guards (mix) + case
  • Price: Budget

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This mixed set supplies both thin and thick boil-and-bite guards, making it easy to test which thickness matches your grinding intensity without buying multiple packs. The small size may suit smaller mouths, but fit can be unpredictable: the large guard can feel bulky, and the small guard may leave teeth uncovered. For average or larger adult mouths, a guard with more consistent sizing is likely a more secure choice.

Pros

  • Protects teeth from grinding effectively, with thin and thick options for different clenching levels.
  • Affordable way to experiment with guard thickness without committing to a single style.

Cons

  • Fit can be inconsistent: the small guard may not cover all teeth, and the large can feel overly bulky.

A low-cost option to try two thicknesses if your mouth runs on the smaller side, but average or larger mouths risk a poor fit that compromises protection.

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Best for Large Mouths

TheSleepGuard 4-Pack

TheSleepGuard 4-Pack

Key Features

  • Fit Method: Boil-and-bite, 2 sizes
  • Material Safety: EVA, BPA-free
  • Retention: Moldable, avg-large mouth fit
  • Comfort & Thickness: Bulkier profile
  • Durability & Pack Count: 4 guards + cases
  • Price: Budget

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The boil-and-bite guards mold easily and can provide meaningful relief for jaw clenching. The thicker profile that creates that protective buffer, however, can feel intrusive for smaller mouths. For average to larger mouths, this pack is a cost-effective way to test boil-and-bite protection.

Pros

  • Eases grinding pressure and reduces morning jaw soreness
  • Straightforward boil-and-bite molding with clear instructions

Cons

  • For smaller mouths, the guard can feel overly bulky and affect comfort.

If you have an average or larger mouth and want a budget-friendly way to trial boil-and-bite protection, this pack delivers solid jaw relief—just expect a fuller feel.

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Best for Aesthetic Pink

Litlcutie Pink 4-Pack

Litlcutie Pink 4-Pack

Key Features

  • Fit Method: Boil-and-bite, 2 sizes
  • Material Safety: Thermoplastic EVA
  • Retention: Moldable, small sizes
  • Comfort & Thickness: Standard thickness
  • Durability & Pack Count: 4 guards + mirror cases
  • Price: Budget

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The pink translucent guards and two mirror storage cases add a stylish touch. Molding is simple and the comfortable fit suits light grinding for those with smaller mouths. However, the guard may not cover molars fully for average builds, and protection can falter under moderate clenching — better as a spare than a nightly guard.

Pros

  • Simple to mold and comfortable to sleep in
  • Pink translucent look with two mirror cases for discreet storage

Cons

  • Fit may be too small for average mouths, leaving molars exposed, and protection can be inconsistent

This 4-pack works as a stylish spare or for light clenchers with smaller mouths who get a good fit, but it’s not consistent enough to replace a primary guard.

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How to Choose

The guard’s fit method determines everything—whether it stays put, feels comfortable, and protects your teeth without becoming a hazard.

Fit Method: Ready-to-Wear, Boil-and-Bite, or Custom Lab-Made

Ready-to-wear disposable guards skip any fitting step, but they rarely match your dental arch and frequently dislodge during sleep. Boil-and-bite guards soften in hot water so you can bite down and create a temporary mold; getting the water temperature exactly right is critical—too cool and the material won’t conform, too hot and it may warp or lose shape.

Custom lab-made guards use an at-home impression kit to capture every tooth contour, and the resulting guard locks into place with the precision of a dentist’s version. If you’ve struggled with guards slipping out, stepping up to a custom fit is the most reliable fix.

Material Safety: BPA-Free, Latex-Free, and Medical-Grade

Night guards sit against oral tissue for hours, so materials matter. BPA-free and latex-free certifications avoid common irritants and potential endocrine disruptors. Medical-grade EVA or silicone is more durable than generic plastics and less likely to develop rough edges or odors over time.

Cheap, unidentified polymers can degrade faster and may leach unwanted chemicals. Always look for explicit material labeling—BPA-free alone isn’t enough; the full polymer spec should be identified.

Retention: Why Your Guard Stays in Place—or Doesn’t

A guard that moves during sleep loses its protective function and, in the worst case, becomes a choking risk. Retention starts with how precisely the guard matches your dental arch. Custom lab guards grip by enveloping each tooth, while a well-executed boil-and-bite creates suction against the palate or lower teeth.

One-size designs rely on friction alone, which is easily broken by jaw movement. If you’ve had a guard fall out repeatedly, it’s almost always a fit mismatch, not normal behavior. Switching to a guard that uses a dental impression—custom or properly molded—eliminates the problem.

Comfort and Thickness: Slim vs. Bulky

Thicker guards can trigger a gag reflex, make breathing feel stuffy, and increase morning jaw tension because your mouth muscles work harder to keep them in place. Slim, ventilated designs with breathable channels reduce that stuffiness and often feel more natural during sleep.

However, ultra-thin guards may not absorb the full force of heavy clenching, so there’s a trade-off. Moderate grinders often do well with a slim, ventilated guard, while severe bruxers may need a slightly thicker, high-durability material that still fits precisely.

Durability and Pack Count: How Long Your Guard Lasts

Soft, flexible materials cushion teeth but can compress or tear sooner under heavy grinding—sometimes in just a few months. Harder custom guards typically last a year or more. Multi-packs spread the cost and let you rotate guards, while a single premium guard may offer better long-term value if it outlasts several cheaper units.

Cleaning tablets and ventilated cases extend lifespan by preventing bacteria buildup and material breakdown. Plan to replace any guard that shows deep bite-through marks, cracks, or a loss of retention.

Common Mistake: Assuming a boil-and-bite guard will automatically fit as well as a custom one—fit quality depends on following water temperature and timing precisely, and even then, it may not match the precision of a lab-made impression.

FAQ

Why does my night guard keep falling out while I sleep?

Guards fall out when they don’t match your dental arch closely. One-size disposable guards and poorly molded boil-and-bite models lack the snug, customized hold needed during jaw movement. Switching to a custom lab-made guard or carefully re-molding a boil-and-bite piece with exact temperature can solve the problem; if the guard still slips, it’s often a sizing issue, not a technique flaw.

How hot should the water be to mold a boil-and-bite mouth guard correctly?

Most boil-and-bite guards require water just off the boil—around 180–200°F. Too hot and the material can warp or become uncomfortably hard; too cool and it won’t soften enough to take an impression. Use the heat-checking tool if included, and follow the exact timing: usually 30–60 seconds for softening and then a firm, even bite while it cools.

Can a hard night guard make teeth clenching worse?

For some people, a hard guard can increase clenching intensity because the jaw muscles try to find a resting position against a rigid surface. If you wake up with more jaw soreness after using a hard guard, try a softer or hybrid material that provides cushioning. A custom soft guard from a lab impression often reduces that reflexive clenching without sacrificing protection for mild to moderate grinders.

Are disposable ready-to-wear night guards safe for heavy grinding?

Not generally. Disposable guards lack retention and can dislodge during deep sleep, posing a choking risk. For heavy grinders, a guard that shifts also fails to protect teeth from the grinding forces it’s meant to absorb. Custom-fit or well-molded reusable guards are far safer and more effective.

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