Night Guard Material Selection for Bruxism Patients

Night guards protect teeth and reduce TMJ damage for bruxism patients. Hard‑type night guards are made from rigid acrylic, offering long‑term durability for heavy grinders. Soft thermoplastic guards are more comfortable for new users but wear out faster. Material thickness matters: 2‑3 mm is the common standard. Too thin leads to quick breakage, while overly thick ones disturb jaw position. Clinicians should select materials according to grinding intensity and patient adaptation status.