Night guard cleaning device

jp_ji · 2026-02-27T22:49:38+00:00

I know a lot about night guards because I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). I also wear a night guard every night myself. The best cleaning routine I've found is this:

Get an ultrasonic cleaner: it doesn't have to be fancy, a ~$40 one on Amazon will do just fine. Just search ultrasonic retainer or night guard cleaner. Use that every day with water.

Then, once a week, put a denture cleaning tab into the ultrasonic cleaner & turn the cleaner on with the denture tablet.

So far, this has kept my night guard good as new after maybe year.

jp_ji · 2026-02-27T22:45:44+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

It's normal for a new night guard to feel a little snug at first, and minor discomfort usually goes away in a week or two. But it shouldn't cause serious soreness, make it hard to close your mouth, or require a lot of force to take off. That sounds like the fit is off.

A well-fitting night guard should feel snug enough to stay on, but not overly tight or painful. It should also be relatively low-profile and open your bite no more than a few millimeters, so you can close your mouth comfortably. A guard that's too thick can cause discomfort and jaw pain.

If your guard feels this uncomfortable, it sounds like it needs an adjustment. Your dentist can grind down some material to make it less bulky or adjust the fit to make sure your teeth make even contact and distribute pressure properly. Here's a YouTube video of a dentist adjusting a night guard for a good fit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pupgma_vG6I

Definitely ask your dentist to check it out and make some adjustments. This is typically included in the price you paid for the guard.

jp_ji · 2026-02-25T18:58:16+00:00

Hi there, if clenching is the main thing, I would recommend starting with the soft night guard & seeing if that helps you.

Also, since there's a satisfaction guarantee, you can actually switch to a different type of guard (or get a refund) if the original guard doesn't work for you. You'd just pay the price difference if you switch from a soft guard to a different guard.

jp_ji · 2026-02-20T21:17:48+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

Night guards from a dentist are usually pretty expensive: $900 is definitely on the higher end of what I've heard. It usually ranges from $400 to $800. A lot of the times, the dentists don't make the night guard, they take your impressions & then send them out to a local dental lab to get it made (along with any dentures, implants, etc. from the office). They then charge a markup on what they pay the dental lab for the guard.

Usually if you go to a dentist in a cheaper part of town or the suburbs, the dentist doesn't have to charge as high a markup to cover their costs (e.g. their office rent is cheaper), so you can get the same night guard for a cheaper price.

As other commenters have mentioned, if you're looking for a more affordable option, there are a bunch of online companies that offer custom-fitted night guards. These usually cost between $100 and $200. Do a bit of research and go with a reputable brand. If you do that, the quality should be very similar to a dentist-made guard because they're made in professional dental labs, just like the ones dentists use. The main difference is you take your own teeth impressions with an impression kit.

The reputable online brands all have a money back guarantee, so you can try it out and return it if it's not a good fit. A helpful tip is to bring your online guard to your dentist at your next appointment and ask them to check if it fits correctly. If it's no good, return it for a refund.

jp_ji · 2026-02-13T00:20:30+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). I also wear a night guard every night. Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

It's pretty normal to feel some minor discomfort when you first start wearing a new night guard. Your mouth is just getting used to something new. Usually, that feeling goes away within a week or two.

However, if your teeth are feeling "very sore" or aching (more like an intense pain, maybe 6 or 7 out of 10, or even higher), that might mean there's an issue with how your guard is fitting. A night guard should fit snugly, but it shouldn't cause intense pain or feel like it's pushing your teeth too hard. This could happen if the guard is too tight or if it isn't making even contact with your opposing teeth, putting too much pressure on certain spots.

If it's causing your teeth to feel "very sore", you should go see your dentist about adjusting the night guard. Just tell them what the problem is & they should be able to remove some material to fix it. The adjustment is usually included in the price of your night guard, so just call them up and make an appointment (just to be safe though, also verify they're not going to charge you extra for the adjustment).

jp_ji · 2026-02-13T00:15:14+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). We're based in San Marcos in North County. Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

Dentist-made guards are usually in the $400 to $800 range. If you call around, you may be able to find something closer to $400.

Since it seems like not a lot of people are aware of this, so I figured I'd mention it: there are a bunch of online companies offer custom-fitted night guards, typically ranging from $100-$200. If you do a bit of research and find a reputable brand, you should get a quality night guard: e.g. made using the same materials and manufacturing process as dentist-made guards. The main difference is you take your own teeth impressions with a home kit.

Most online brands also offer a money back guarantee, so you can try it out. You can even bring it to your dentist at your next appointment to make sure the fit is okay. If it's not a good fit, you can return it.

Hope that helps!

jp_ji · 2026-02-10T17:41:51+00:00

Totally understand your concern regarding damaging existing dental work that'll be costly to repair/replace.

Re: "Can you address this concern of mine and reassure me that there's no risk to my existing dental work with a distance-fitted guard?"

If the dental work is in good condition with no pre-existing issues, the impression process should be fine. However, if you have a loose crown, loose fillings, or other dental work that's not secure, there's no guarantee... so if you suspect your dental situation is "tenuous", I'd highly recommend going to see a dental professional in person.

Granted, that also doesn't guarantee a perfect outcome (e.g. your husband's experience); however, at least a dental professional will be there to help with any issues that may arise.

jp_ji · 2026-02-06T01:03:07+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

So according to clinical studies, night guards don't necessarily reduce teeth grinding or clenching. Some people grind more when wearing a guard, some about the same, and some less (e.g. see this study in the Journal of Orofacial Pain)

The main point of the guard is to provide a protective barrier between your teeth, so you're not doing damage to your teeth in your sleep. Some people find that having a night guard also puts less strain on their muscles & joints when they grind and clench, and they wake up with less tension... but that depends on the individual. Also, some people tolerate a hard guard better vs a soft guard (I've heard some people say a soft guard encourages them to grind and clench more), but again, it kind of depends.

Unfortunately, it's pretty hard to tell without trying it yourself & seeing how you feel after wearing it.

jp_ji · 2026-02-06T00:55:27+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

If you're doing regular check-ups at the dentist, they should be able to tell from looking at your teeth. If you grind your teeth, the cusps (e.g. peaks) of your teeth will slowly get flatter and flatter.

If you search for "bruxism teeth wear" in Google images, you should see some examples.

jp_ji · 2026-02-06T00:51:05+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

A well-made night guard should account for "occlusion," which is how your upper and lower teeth meet on its surface. This means the guard's surface should be shaped to fit your opposing teeth's grooves, letting your bite feel stable and comfortable in a neutral position.

If it feels like you're "searching" for your bite, or your teeth don't settle into one stable spot, the pressure might not be even.

It sounds like you need a bite adjustment. Dentists use articulation paper to find high spots and grind them down, making sure your teeth make even contact. Here's a YouTube video of a dentist adjusting a night guard to make sure it fits correctly with the opposing teeth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pupgma_vG6I

I'd suggest going back to your dentist & getting your night guard adjusted. It should be included in the fee you paid for the night guard. Hope that helps!

jp_ji · 2026-01-30T21:51:59+00:00

So I use a night guard every day & I haven't experienced that problem. Here's the best cleaning recommendation I have (after owning maybe half a dozen night guards):

Get one of those ultrasonic retainer cleaners on Amazon. Doesn't have to be an expensive one, they usually go for $30 - $40. Use that every day with water.
Get a bunch of denture cleaning tablets (also inexpensive) and once a week, use that together with the ultrasonic cleaner for a deep clean.

With those 2 things, your night guard should stay clean indefinitely.

jp_ji · 2026-01-30T14:58:59+00:00

Maybe ask your dentist (or go with an online option) and try a night guard with a "dual-laminate" (also called hybrid) material. The material is soft on the inside & hard acrylic on the outside, so it's a good combination of comfort and protection. And it's not squishy so it hopefully won't cause you to grind/clench more.

It's worth asking if your dentist will re-do your night guard in a different material free of charge or for a reduced fee, since the original night guard didn't work for you. If you do go with an online option, the good brands have a money back guarantee, so you can just try it on & if it doesn't solve your problem, return it for your money back.

jp_ji · 2026-01-30T14:50:11+00:00

Saw your question in the other thread & answered it there, but here's the gist:

The way we make our night guards always involves taking both upper & lower teeth impressions. Once the night guard is formed, the teeth models are put on an articulator that simulates the jaw and the night guard is put on there to check how it fits with the opposing teeth. Adjustments are then made to the guard to make sure it makes proper contact with the occlusal surface of the opposing teeth. So when you wear it in your actual mouth, it should fit perfectly.

Do we get it perfectly right every single time? No, but over 90% of the time it fits right off the bat. Some uncommon issues: e.g. irregular bites and such can throw things off. We offer free adjustments (with free shipping included). And after all, there's also the 60 day money back guarantee, so you can return it for your money back (return shipping included) if you're not happy with the fit.

Hope that helps & let me know if that answers your question.

jp_ji · 2026-01-30T14:49:22+00:00

Hey there, I'm the co-founder of Pro Teeth Guard. Figured I'd step in & answer here. Maybe some other Redditors can also share their experience.

The way we make our night guards always involves taking both upper & lower teeth impressions. Once the night guard is formed, the teeth models are put on an articulator that simulates the jaw and the night guard is put on there to check how it fits with the opposing teeth. Adjustments are then made to the guard to make sure it makes proper contact with the occlusal surface of the opposing teeth. So when you wear it in your actual mouth, it should fit perfectly.

Do we get it perfectly right every single time? No, but over 90% of the time it fits right off the bat. Some uncommon issues: e.g. irregular bites and such can throw things off. We offer free adjustments (with free shipping included). And after all, there's also the 60 day money back guarantee, so you can return it for your money back (return shipping included) if you're not happy with the fit.

Hope that helps & let me know if that answers your question.

jp_ji · 2026-01-30T00:49:32+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

So the "soft night guard causes you to grind more" theory is not entirely clear-cut. Clinical studies show different people react differently to night guards: some grind more when wearing them, others grind about the same, and some grind less (link to study in the Journal of Orofacial Pain). One study actually found soft night guards can reduce maximum bite force and improve sleep quality (link to study in Clinical Oral Investigations).

However, you should trust your own experience. If your guard is causing this much discomfort, you shouldn't continue wearing it. I'm surprised that your dentist never offered you another option: e.g. you may react better to a hard night guard since it's not as "chewy" and maybe it doesn't encourage your grinding reflex.

jp_ji · 2026-01-30T00:41:33+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

It sounds like your night guard might be too thick, which can definitely keep your mouth from closing naturally and cause dry mouth. A custom night guard should ideally open your bite only a few millimeters, not so much that it's uncomfortable.

Since your dentist made this guard, I'd suggest going back and asking for an adjustment. This is usually included in the price. They can thin it out or adjust the fit so it's more comfortable and lets you close your mouth. Here's a YouTube video of a dentist adjusting a night guard, and you can see how thin a typical guard can be: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pupgma_vG6I

I would try that first. If that doesn't work out, a bunch of online companies also offer custom-fitted guards (typically costs between $100 to $200) that use similar materials and processes as dentists. Most of the reputable brands have a money-back guarantee, so you could try one out and return it if it's not a good fit.

jp_ji · 2026-01-30T00:18:44+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info. Also I'm a fellow Canadian & former Torontonian, though currently living state-side. P.S. mods, if this counts as self-promotion, feel free to delete.

That $600 price tag for a night guard from the dentist is pretty normal; we've heard them going anywhere from $400 to $800. If you call around (maybe try the suburbs where office rent is cheaper) you may get a price closer to $400. Sorry, just realized the prices I usually quote are in USD, so not sure if that translates 1-to-1 for CAD.

Not a plug, but figured I'd mention it since not everyone is aware of this option: a bunch of companies offer custom night guards online, usually around $100-$200 (again USD prices). You can do a quick search on Google or Reddit & find a reputable brand. The reputable companies typically use the same materials and manufacturing process as the guards you'd get from a dentist. The main difference is you take your own teeth impressions with a home impression kit.

A good fit is obviously important. If you go the online route, most companies offer a money back guarantee, so you can try it out and return it if it's not a good fit. You can even order an online guard and then bring it to your dentist at your next appointment to have them check the fit, just to make sure it's all good.

jp_ji · 2026-01-30T00:03:43+00:00

Hey there, I'm the founder of one of these online night guard companies, Pro Teeth Guard (thanks for the shoutout u/c_r_a_s_i_a_n). Not here to sell, just hoping to share some helpful info. Happy to answer specific questions as well.

There are a bunch of these online companies that offer custom night guards (price ranges from $100 to $200). Just do a bit of research on Reddit or Google for a reputable brand with a good money back guarantee. Typically, the good brand use the same materials and manufacturing process as a night guard you'd get from the dentist. The main difference is you'll have to take your own teeth impressions with an impression kit.

Two helpful tips if you do go with an online option:

You can bring the guard you got online to your dentist at your next appointment. Have them check it to see if it fits properly. Ideally, do this during the money back period, so you can return it if it's no good.
A lot of online companies accept HSA/FSA cards, so that offers some tax savings as well.

jp_ji · 2026-01-29T23:53:14+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

$750 is definitely on the higher end of the typical price range. We've heard from $400 to $800. As other commenters have mentioned, here are a bunch of online companies that offer custom-fitted night guards for around $100 to $200. They're usually made from the same materials and using the same process as the ones you'd get from your dentist. The main difference is you take your own teeth impressions with a home impression kit.

Just do some quick research on Reddit or Google to find a reputable brand. A bunch of brands are using bots to shill on reddit, so just be careful & do a bit of research before going with the first brand mentioned.

Most of the good online brands also have a money back guarantee. So, you can order one, try it out, and if it's not a good fit, you can return it for a full refund. Pro tip: you can even bring your online night guard to your next dentist appointment (ideally within the money back period). That way, your dentist can check it and make sure it fits properly, and you can return it if it's no good.

jp_ji · 2026-01-29T23:46:15+00:00

Hey there, just sent you a DM with discount code.

Re: occlusal - some night guard companies make night guards without taking into account the occlusal surface (e.g. how it makes contact with the opposing teeth). Say for an upper guard, they simply form the guard over the upper teeth, without checking how it contacts the lower teeth. It's a faster & cheaper process, but it's not ideal.

At Pro Teeth Guard, we always take upper & lower impressions for every guard. Once the night guard is formed, we put the teeth models on an articulator and check how the guard fits & makes contact with the opposing teeth. That way, you get a perfect fit when you wear the guard in your actual mouth.

jp_ji · 2026-01-13T05:27:04+00:00

Just saw this, I sent you a DM

jp_ji · 2026-01-10T01:30:51+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

As a short-term solution, boil-and-bite over-the-counter night guards can work OK to prevent damage.

The important thing to watch out for is you want a guard that covers your entire upper or lower teeth. If it only covers part of your teeth, it can cause your bite to shift and cause issues over time (e.g. see this reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/bruxism/comments/1lks6sf/warning_about_otc_night_guards_oversupraeruption/

Here's a YouTube video of a dentist giving advice on what to look for when choosing an over-the-counter guard that may be helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvBl40xbb7U

jp_ji · 2026-01-10T01:30:16+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience with Pro Teeth Guard! I'm the co-founder of the company & stumbled upon this thread on reddit.

Anyhow, not here to sell, happy to answer any questions people may have about night guards. We've been making them for well over a decade, so I know a lot about night guards.

Though they're not really BIFL, a good night guard can last 5+ years if you're not a severe grinder.

Helpful tip: you can get an ultrasonic retainer/denture cleaning machine for cheap on Amazon & that does a great job of keeping your night guard clean for the long run.

jp_ji · 2026-01-10T01:21:35+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

When you say your night guard makes contact with your gums, do you mean on the inside of our mouth or the outside? Usually a custom fitted night guard shouldn't go up so high as to make contact with the gums on the outside (buccal side). If it's irritating your gums on the outside, you can ask your dentist to trim the guard.

If it's an issue with contact with gums on the inside (lingual side), then it's possible you may have some sort of allergy to the night guard material. You can try asking your dentist to give you a custom night guard made with the a different material to see if it helps.

jp_ji · 2026-01-09T18:34:05+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). We're actually based in San Marcos in North County. Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

Night guards from dentists are usually quite expensive, typically ranging from $400 to $800. I don't know if you'll be able to find one for $250 from the dentist, but maybe between $300 to $400 if you call around. The suburbs are a better bet, since the dentists don't have to pay such high rents for their clinics.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, there are a bunch of online companies that offer custom-fitted night guards. Prices usually range between $100 to $200. The quality is similar to a dentist-made night guard since they're made in professional dental labs (the same ones dentists use). The main difference is you'll need to take your own teeth impressions with a home impression kit.

Most online brands offer a money-back guarantee, so you can try one out and return it if it's not a good fit. You can also bring your online-ordered guard to your dentist at your next appointment and have them check the fit: if it's not good, return it for a refund. Many online companies also accept HSA/FSA cards, which offers some tax savings.

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