If you’re suffering from a TMJ disorder, you’re likely looking for a product that will reduce the pain and help you sleep better. Luckily, we are here to assist you with finding a high-quality TMJ mouth guard that will make your life so much easier!
TMJ is short for the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to the skull. However, over time, people started using the term TMJ for various disorders related to that part of your body. A night guard helps TMJ disorders by keeping your teeth and jaw in place. That can be very beneficial for those suffering from various issues related to the TMJ. Everyday use of a splint can reduce the pain and prevent your symptoms from progressing.
How long does it take for a mouth guard to work for TMJ?
The answer depends on the TMJ symptoms you are experiencing and the severity of your condition. In most cases, your discomfort and pain should be reduced after four to six weeks.
However, you shouldn’t expect complete relief in the first few weeks of using a night guard. In fact, most people need at least six months of regular use for their condition to improve.
The 5 Best & Highest in Quality TMJ Mouth Guards
Plackers Grind No More Dental Night Guard
Price from $24.05
Pros
- Affordable
- Ready to use
- Reusable
Cons
- May not fit your jaw
The Plackers Grind No More Dental Night Guard is an affordable and easy-to-use solution for symptoms of TMJ disorders. Plackers is a reputable and trustworthy company in the dental industry and has been around for 40 years.
Their product comes in a pack that contains 10 guards that you can use up to three times each. It can be placed on both the upper and lower teeth. The Plackers mouth guard for TMJ does not require any molding. You will be able to use it as it comes, which means you can put it on immediately after purchasing. However, that also means there’s a chance it won’t fit your jaw. In that case, you’ll probably have to find another manufacturer, as Plackers doesn’t offer that many size options.
The Plackers Grind No More TMJ night guard is hygienic and BPA-free. Therefore, it’s safe for everyday use. Moreover, as it’s not recommended to use one night guard more than three times, it is much more sanitary than most other splints.
Our advice is to carefully follow the instructions the product came with and not to use it more than the recommended number of times. That’s because this nighttime mouth guard for TMJ is made with less durable materials. So, there’s a possibility that the surface won’t be as smooth as it was the first time you used it. As a result, the edges could rub against your gums and tongue and cause irritation.
ConfiDental Mouth Guard
Price from $12.97
Pros
- Affordable
- Includes regular and heavy-duty dental guards
- Comes with a travel case
Cons
- Some might find it uncomfortable due to its thickness
The ConfiDental Mouth Guard is a high-quality and durable splint. The packaging includes two types of dental guards: three regular ones (3 mm thick) and two heavy-duty ones (6 mm thickness). In addition, buyers of this bite guard for TMJ will receive a travel hygiene case that’s made out of high-quality and durable materials. The kit that the guards come in also has a pamphlet with thorough step-by-step instructions on how and when to use the products.
The company has also released detailed videos on their social media platforms on how to mold the mouth guard. So, there’s no risk of it not fitting your mouth and teeth.
What makes the ConfiDental mouth guard stand out is that it’s not only designed for teeth grinders. Athletes can also use this product as protective mouthpieces. Besides being one of the best mouth guards for TMJ, this product can also be used for a whitening tray in teeth whitening treatments.
What’s more, the manufacturer claims the mouth guard is safe for children. So, you can protect your whole family’s teeth with just one kit! We do recommend you consult with a dentist before allowing your kids to use the splint.
The ConfiDental mouth guard doesn’t contain BPA or phthalates. You can use it for both the top and the bottom teeth. The slimmer guard is great for children and adults who just want some extra protection during the night. On the other hand, the thicker one can be a great mouthpiece for athletes and as a TMJ mouth guard for long-term grinders.
Pro Teeth Dental Guard
Price from $179.99
Pros
- Custom fitted guards made by professionals
- Efficient and outstanding customer service
- 110% money-back guarantee
Cons
- May take time to receive the actual mouth guard
The Pro Teeth Dental Guard is a premium product that will help you keep your TMJ disorder under control. This is a reputable company with highly efficient customer service, which really comes in handy with the long process of receiving your mouth guard.
Firstly, a customer gets in touch with the company and orders the dental guard. There are two options to choose from: a female and a male mold. Then, the company sends you a mold for your custom TMJ mouth guard, along with some clear instructions. After a customer makes an impression of their teeth, they send it back to the company. Pro Teeth Guard’s dentist lab then makes the custom night guard and sends it to the customer in 7 to 11 business days. You won’t have to go through the trouble of making your own guard; professionals do it for you.
Another great feature of this product is the 110% money-back guarantee. As the company is confident they came up with the best custom night guard, they’re giving you 60 days to test it out. If you have any issues with the product, you can return it and get your money back and 10% more for your troubles. The company will also pay for the return shipping. In addition, any kind of adjustment is free for the first two months of use.
Oral B Nighttime Dental Guard
Price from $18.98
Pros
- BPA-free and latex-free
- Less than 3 minutes molding process
- Made in an FDA-audited US facility
Cons
- Smaller than most other night guards
Oral B Nighttime Dental Guard is another great product on our best TMJ mouth guard list. Made by a well-known brand in the dental industry, it’s one of the most popular products on the market. Despite being way cheaper than most other splints, this Oral B product has raving reviews and is recommended by many dentists. Oral B declares that this dental guard is manufactured in an FDA-audited US facility.
The Oral B mouth guard is recommended by best night guard for teeth grinding reviews precisely because it is very easy to use. It’s completely customizable to your liking in just a few simple steps. Moreover, you don’t need to put it in a pot with boiled water, as a minute and 15 seconds in a microwave will do.
In addition, the material allows you to trim any excess easily. This mouth guard also covers all of the teeth, which is a much safer option for those dealing with TMJ problems. However, those looking for a night guard for TMJ should keep in mind that users with wider mouths might find the splint too small.
This splint is free from BPA and latex. Furthermore, it is infused with a mint flavor, making it more pleasant to wear throughout the night. Aside from the guard, you will get an impression tray and a storage case to help protect your splint from dust and bacteria.
Chomper Labs – Custom Dental Lab Night Guard for Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Price from $135.00
Pros
- Custom guards made by professionals
- Five different guards to choose from
- 100-day refund available
Cons
- Expensive
A lot of night guard users named the Chomper Labs splint the best night guard for teeth clenching, which is why we had to put it on our list. Chomper Labs offers five different types of night guards with varying thicknesses.
There is a soft and flexible split and a hard one that’s rigid and perfect for severe grinding. Moreover, you can choose an ultra-thin splint for daytime use. For those looking for a teeth retention product, there is a retainer splint. Lastly, the hybrid option has a soft interior and a more rigid exterior. So, if you’re looking for the best night guard for TMJ problems, you will find at least one of these options well-suited for you.
You can get your Chomper Labs dental guard by ordering an impression kit. After carefully following the instructions, you should send the impression back to Chomper Labs with a prepaid return label. A few days later, you will receive a mouth guard that fits perfectly, created by professionals at Chomper Labs.
The company states that its night guards are latex-free and BPA-free. In addition to the night guard for TMJ and clenching, you’ll also receive a durable storage case.
Last but not least, Chomper Labs has an excellent warranty policy. It provides free unlimited replacements and adjustments until you find the perfect fit. If you don’t like the product for any reason, you can have it refunded within 100 days. They also provide free replacements and repairs for six months.
What to Look for in a Mouth Guard for TMJ
Before you start looking into specific night guards, it’s best that you first decide what you need from a product in general. As TMJ is a severe condition, we advise you to ask your dentist which type of splint you need and whether there are any specific features you need.
However, let’s look at the few basic things everyone should look for before looking for the perfect TMJ mouth guard on Amazon.
Type
There are two basic types of splints: stabilization and repositioning. Both of these can help relieve some of the symptoms of TMJ. However, not everyone will benefit from both types, which is why you should consult your dentist on which type will best suit your condition.
Customization
We believe that how you mold the mouth guard to fit your mouth doesn’t matter as much as long as it’s comfortable to wear. However, you need to have the ability to remold the product as often as you need. This is because mouth guards can often change their shape over time when they interact with your teeth. So, you should look for a soft mouth guard for teeth grinding and TMJ that will relieve your symptoms instead of making them worse.
Material
BPA and latex are materials most users avoid when looking for the perfect night guard. What’s more, it’s best that you find a product that’s nonporous and resistant to bacteria. Many splints come with some kind of case that will help you maintain its hygiene.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, we have made your search for the best mouth guard for TMJ a little easier. As it is a serious condition with symptoms that can affect your sleep and overall well-being, it’s crucial that you do thorough research before making your purchase.
Luckily, we did most of the work for you with this list of best products you can check out. We also included important features to keep in mind when searching for the perfect product for your needs. Good luck!
People Also Ask
Although mouth guards can’t make your TMJ disorders completely go away, they can certainly help relieve the pain. As the high-quality ones keep your teeth in place, they can help alleviate some TMJ symptoms. Furthermore, many people that suffer from TMJ problems also have problems with teeth clenching. So, even though they won’t solve all of your TMJ problems, mouth guards can still be pretty helpful.
In most cases, wearing a night guard can help with your TMJ symptoms and help protect your teeth, so it’s recommended by most dental professionals. However, this isn’t always the best option for everybody. However, if you notice your situation has worsened after using a night guard, you should stop using it.
For some people, night guards can cause issues as they do not interact with everyone’s teeth the same way. Your back teeth will be protected, while the front teeth are likely to have no contact with the guard, which can cause additional pain.
It’s also important to get a night guard that suits your needs and fits snugly. A bad night guard fit can cause irritation, aching teeth, jaw soreness, and shifting teeth.
People with TMJ experience different symptoms and, therefore, need different things for their mouth guards. It’s important to know what you need and then look for the product that best suits your needs.
The two main types of guards are stabilization splints and repositioning guards. The first type is flat and reduces the pain for those who overuse their jaw muscles. The second one helps correct any misalignment, and they are usually for both daytime and nighttime use. Both of these can be helpful to TMJ patients depending on their specific issues.
Yes, you can. In fact, most doctors would recommend wearing a night guard in order to keep some TMJ symptoms under control. A mouth guard will help relieve some of the tension off of your joints. As a result, you will get hours of uninterrupted sleep. However, it’s essential to make sure the night guard you use fits you perfectly. That’s because a poorly fitted TMJ mouth guard can make your pain and symptoms even worse.
