Any night grinder would tell you that bruxism is neither romantic nor pretty. Yet, about 16% of the US adult population grinds their teeth. While there is no known cure for bruxism, it is important to protect your teeth from a night of grinding.

There are a few different mouthguard options, and it is important to educate yourself on the available choices. Before you spend hundreds of dollars on a custom-made mouthguard, take the time to learn about the different options.

There are four types of mouthguards:

1. Stock mouthguards – These may be purchased at drug stores and online. Prices for the out of the box, pre-formed guards typically around ten-fifteen dollars. These guards have minimal special features, are typically uncomfortable, bulky and difficult to keep in your mouth while sleeping.
   
2. Custom fit “boil and bite” mouthguards – The “boil and bite” mouthguard also can be bought at many drugstores. They may offer a better fit than stock grind protectors. The "boil and bite" mouth guard is made from thermoplastic material. It is placed in boiling water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure. They are often bulky and uncomfortable and can potentially encourage grinding and throw off your alignment. They cost between 14 and 30 dollars.
   
3. Custom Fit-No Boil Mouthguard - The technology of store bought and over-the-counter mouthguards have not been updated for 70 years, that is until recently. There is a new classification of mouthguard designed by a team of scientists bringing revolutionary technology to the world of dental protection. These night guards are made from a non-compressible, perforated material that better protects your teeth at night. Whereas many night guards are both uncomfortable to wear and easy to chew through, the no boil nightguards can be molded into a true comfortable custom-fit in a matter of minutes, providing maximum comfort and durability without the use of dental impressions. Additionally, these custom fit, ultra thin mouthguards allow for better customer compliance, breathability, communication and hydration.
   
4. Dental mouthguards – Your dental professional can fit you for a mouthguard that will be moulded in a dental laboratory facility. This is the best custom fit option, which offers outstanding dental protection, but the guards may still be bulky and they do run on the expensive side - upwards of $400. Please speak with your dental professional about a custom mouthguard that is right for you.

With numerous options available on the market, particularly in the home sector custom fit guards, the choice ultimately boils down to three main factors: protection, comfort and cost. The  ADA recommends choosing mouthguards which are:

• Durable and resistant to tears
• Fit properly and comfortably stay in your mouth
• Are easy to clean

SOVA nightguards meet and exceed these requirements with our 1.6 mm, ultra thin, super durable nightguards which stay comfortably in the mouth. SOVA Guards are engineered with unique Diffusix™ technology and scientifically designed perforations that provide maximum night grinding protection and ultimate comfort - allowing you to talk, drink, breathe and, most importantly - sleep through the night.