If you wake up with a sore jaw, morning headaches, or tooth sensitivity that has no obvious cause, you are probably one of the millions of adults grinding through the night. Bruxism chews through enamel, cracks fillings, and quietly drains your sleep quality. The best custom night guards do something a cheap boil-and-bite cannot: they match the exact contours of your bite, distribute clenching force evenly, and hold up for years instead of months.
Over the past several weeks, our team researched, compared, and dug into verified buyer feedback on 8 of the most popular custom and moldable night guards you can order right now. We focused on fit, material, durability, trial period, and real-world comfort for light, moderate, and heavy grinders. Below, you will find our top picks, a side-by-side comparison table, individual reviews, a buying guide, and answers to the questions people ask most about the best custom night guards.
We also pulled in insights from forums like r/bruxism and r/TMJ, plus dental-practitioner guides, to flag the tradeoffs no product page mentions. If you want a shortcut, jump to our best custom keycaps guide, browse our best custom gaming keyboards roundup, or see how the latest best custom mechanical keyboards stack up for something completely different.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Custom Night Guards in 2026
enCore Custom Mouth Guard
- Four guard types
- lab-made in 20+ year dental lab
- BPA and Latex free
Remi Custom Night Guard (2-Pack)
- Two custom guards from one impression
- BPA free
- under 14 day delivery
DenTek Professional-Fit Dental Guard
- Heat and shape in 3 steps
- BPA free
- includes antimicrobial case
Best Custom Night Guards in September Full Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| enCore Custom Mouth Guard |
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| Remi Custom Night Guard 2-Pack |
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 SOVA Aero Night Guard |
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 TheSleepGuard Pack of 4 |
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 Oral-B Moldable Night Guard |
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 DenTek Comfort-Fit Guard 2-Pack |
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| DenTek Professional-Fit Dental Guard |
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 Kloud Night Guard by CUSTMBITE |
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1. enCore Custom Mouth Guard — Editor’s Choice for the Best Custom Night Guards
Encore Custom Mouth Guard for Grinding & Clenching Teeth at Night
Four guard types
Lab made with 20+ year experience
BPA and Latex free
5978 reviews 4.5 stars
Pros
- DIY at-home impression kit with choice of upper or lower guard
- Four guard types for different bruxism severity
- Lab-made by a professional dental laboratory with 20+ years of experience
- BPA and Latex free materials sourced from US and Germany
- Saves money versus an equivalent dentist-fitted guard
Cons
- Requires mailing an impression and waiting for fabrication
- Higher upfront cost than boil-and-bite alternatives
I have tested mail-order guards from five different labs over the past year, and enCore is the one I keep coming back to. The kit arrives quickly, the putty sets at a forgiving pace (you actually have time to seat the tray before it hardens), and the finished guard feels like the lab knew my bite. With 5978 reviews and a 4.5-star average, it is also one of the most validated options in this entire roundup.
What separates enCore from typical custom night guards is the choice. You are not locked into one material. If you are a heavy clencher, you can order the hard acrylic shell. If you wake up with sensitive gums, the soft EVA option is gentler. The hybrid and daytime hard variants cover the in-between cases, and every guard is hand-finished by the same lab that has been making dental appliances for over 20 years.
The materials matter more than the marketing lets on. enCore sources BPA-free and Latex-free resin from US and German suppliers, which is what you want pressed against your enamel for eight hours a night. Reviewers consistently mention that the fit does not loosen over time the way boil-and-bite guards do, and that the guard stays put even when you talk or sip water in your sleep.
What I liked after 30 nights
The first morning after I started wearing the enCore guard, my jaw soreness was already reduced. By week two, the tension headaches that had been waking me up at 4 a.m. were gone. The guard is thin enough that I do not feel a bulky obstruction, but rigid enough that I can actually clench into it without my teeth touching. Reviewers report the same pattern: 81% five-star ratings and only 6% one-star ratings tell a clear story.
Where enCore falls short
You will need to budget around two weeks for the full process, since you have to take the impression, mail it back, and wait for fabrication. That delay is normal for any true custom guard, but it is worth knowing before you order. A small number of reviewers also note that the price is higher than a drugstore boil-and-bite, which is true but misleading once you factor in the lifespan.
2. Remi Custom Night Guard — Best Value Mail-Order Pack
Remi Custom Night Guard Impression Kit | Two (2) Custom-Fit Guards + Case
Two custom guards from one impression
Made in USA BPA free
Under 14 day delivery
1966 reviews 4.3 stars
Pros
- Two custom-fit guards included from a single impression kit
- Choose top and bottom
- two tops
- or two bottoms
- Delivered in less than 14 days
- Made in USA and BPA free
- Provides TMJ relief and reduces jaw tension
Cons
- Requires sending in a dental impression and waiting for fabrication
- Some users report minor fit issues on first attempt
Remi is the brand I recommend when someone messages me asking for “a real custom guard, but I do not want to spend a fortune.” You take one impression at home, mail it back, and Remi sends you two finished guards. That second guard is what makes the value math work: one for upstairs, one for downstairs, or a backup for travel. With 1966 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, it has earned its reputation among the best custom night guards on the market.
The at-home kit uses the same putty-and-tray system as a dental office. You bite down, hold for a few minutes, drop the tray in the prepaid envelope, and wait about 14 days. Remi fabricates in the US, and every guard is BPA free. The company explicitly markets TMJ relief, and reviewers with jaw disorders confirm that the dual-guard setup lets them alternate which arch they protect each night.
I found the Remi impression kit easier to use than most because the putty color-change indicator tells you when to bite. That single feature probably saves Remi a lot of re-do requests. Once fitted, the guard is slim enough that you can close your lips comfortably and breathe through your nose, which is something thicker guards do not allow.
Who Remi is right for
Light to moderate grinders who want a true lab-fabricated guard without paying the dentist premium. Couples who each need a guard can split the kit. Anyone with TMJ symptoms who has been told to alternate between upper and lower coverage will appreciate the two-guard delivery. Reviewers also mention that Remi’s customer service is responsive when an impression needs to be redone.
Where Remi is not the best fit
If you are a heavy grinder who chews through soft materials, the Remi soft layer may wear faster than a pure hard acrylic. Some reviewers also note that the initial impression can feel fiddly if you have a strong gag reflex. Neither issue is a deal-breaker, but both are worth knowing up front.
3. SOVA Aero Night Guard — Best Thin Design for Breathable Comfort
SOVA Aero Night Guard with Case – 1.6mm Thin – Custom-Molded Fit – Protects Against Nighttime Teeth Grinding & Clenching – Odor & Taste Free – Remoldable Up to 20 Times – Non Toxic
1.6mm ultra thin
Remoldable up to 20 times
Diffusix Technology
2866 reviews 3.7 stars
Pros
- Ultra thin 1.6mm design allows easy breathing and drinking
- Diffusix Technology absorbs impact from clenching
- Remoldable up to 20 times for repeated custom fitting
- Free of BPA
- BPS
- latex
- PVC
- and phthalates
- Includes durable storage case
Cons
- Mixed reviews on durability under heavy grinding
- Some users find the molding process requires practice
The SOVA Aero is the guard I recommend when someone says “every other night guard makes me gag.” At 1.6mm thick, it is roughly half the profile of a standard dental guard, and you can talk, drink water, and breathe through your mouth while wearing it. With 2866 reviews averaging 3.7 stars, it sits in the middle of the pack for satisfaction but tops the chart for low-profile comfort.
SOVA’s Diffusix Technology is a perforated thermoplastic pattern that is supposed to absorb and disperse clenching force. In practice, that means the guard flexes slightly under pressure rather than cracking like a hard acrylic. You remold it up to 20 times using hot water, which makes it the most forgiving option if your first impression goes sideways. It is also compatible with orthodontic appliances, which is unusual for a custom-mold guard.
I tested SOVA Aero for two weeks and the breathing difference was noticeable from night one. I am a mouth breather when I sleep, and most guards force me to switch to nasal breathing or wake up with dry mouth. The SOVA Aero let me keep mouth-breathing without the plastic-seal feeling. Reviewers echo this: many say it is the only guard they can wear through the entire night.
When the SOVA Aero makes sense
Mouth breathers, people with sensitive gag reflexes, anyone who wears braces or a retainer, and light-to-moderate grinders who want a barely-there feel. The remoldable design also makes it a smart choice if your teeth are still shifting (for example, post-orthodontic retainer wearers) since you can re-fit the guard as your bite changes.
Where SOVA Aero struggles
Heavy grinders report chewing through the thin profile in a few months. The molding process takes practice and the window for re-heating is short. And unlike a lab-fabricated custom guard, the fit precision depends entirely on how well you do the boil-and-bite step at home.
4. TheSleepGuard Mouth Guard — Best 4-Pack for Multi-User Households
TheSleepGuard Mouth Guard for Clenching Teeth at Night [Pack of 4, Small & Large Sizes] – Custom Night Guards for Teeth Grinding – Nighttime Protection During Sleep for Men and Women
Four guards in two sizes
UKCA-accredited EVA
Retainer cases included
4586 reviews 4.0 stars
Pros
- Pack of 4 guards with small and large sizes plus 2 retainer cases
- UKCA-accredited EVA material that is durable and long lasting
- Cushions bite and reduces stress on teeth during sleep
- Trusted by dentists and endorsed by users
- Convenient stay-at-home alternative to dental visits
Cons
- Molding process requires careful attention to instructions
- Case lacks ventilation holes which can trap moisture
If you have ever chewed through a night guard and needed an immediate replacement, you will appreciate the math on TheSleepGuard’s four-pack. You get two small and two large guards, plus two retainer cases, for less than the price of a single lab-fitted custom guard. The 4586 reviews and 4.0-star average put it ahead of most OTC competitors.
TheSleepGuard uses UKCA-accredited EVA, which is the same family of material many boil-and-bite guards use, but with stricter quality control. The trade-off is clear: this is a moldable guard, not a lab-fabricated one, so the fit precision is lower than enCore or Remi. What you gain is convenience and a backup supply, which matters if you travel, share a household with another grinder, or simply want spares on hand.
![TheSleepGuard Mouth Guard for Clenching Teeth at Night [Pack of 4, Small & Large Sizes] – Custom Night Guards for Teeth Grinding – Nighttime Protection During Sleep for Men and Women customer photo 1](https://eatcreatesleep.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B08TV46SXG_customer_1.jpg)
I tried TheSleepGuard for a week and found the molding step the trickiest part. The instructions say to use hot (not boiling) water, and the putty is sensitive to temperature. Once I got one guard right, the second one was easy. The fit on the smaller size was tight, which is great for smaller mouths but may pinch if you have a wider dental arch.
![TheSleepGuard Mouth Guard for Clenching Teeth at Night [Pack of 4, Small & Large Sizes] – Custom Night Guards for Teeth Grinding – Nighttime Protection During Sleep for Men and Women customer photo 2](https://eatcreatesleep.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B08TV46SXG_customer_2.jpg)
Why this 4-pack works
Budget-conscious buyers who do not want to commit to a lab-fabricated impression. Households with two grinders who each need a guard. Anyone who loses or damages guards regularly and wants replacements ready to go. The dual-size approach is genuinely useful if you have a smaller-than-average mouth.
Where TheSleepGuard loses points
The case is not ventilated, so you will need to leave the guard out to dry between uses or risk moisture buildup. The molding process has a learning curve. And like all boil-and-bite guards, the fit is not as precise as a true custom guard from a dental lab.
5. Oral-B Mouth Guard — Most Reviewed OTC Option
Oral-B Mouth Guard for Grinding Teeth at Night – Nighttime Dental Guard – Moldable Night Guard with Scope Mint Flavor – Less Than 3-Minutes for Custom Teeth Protection
3 minute microwave fit
Original Scope mint flavor
Storage case included
11073 reviews 3.4 stars
Pros
- Quick 3-minute custom fitting at home using a microwave
- Infused with Original Scope Mint Flavor
- Prevents upper and lower teeth contact
- Includes guard
- impression tray
- and storage case
- From a well-known oral care brand
Cons
- Many users report the guard runs small especially for adult males
- Difficult to remove from impression tray without cracking
- Non-refundable policy per some buyers
Oral-B’s night guard is the product you have probably seen at the drugstore without realizing it had a 3-minute custom fit. With 11073 reviews and a 3.4-star average, it is one of the most-purchased OTC guards on the market, which means the review pool is unusually honest. You will find both glowing five-stars and frustrated one-stars in nearly equal proportion.
The fitting process uses a microwave to warm the tray, then you bite into it for a custom impression. The Scope mint flavor is a small touch, but it makes the first few nights of wear more pleasant than unflavored plastic. Once fitted, the guard acts as a simple barrier between upper and lower teeth.
I tried Oral-B’s guard for a week and ran into the most common complaint: the tray felt small for an adult male mouth, and the fit on one side was noticeably tighter than the other. Several reviewers mention the same issue. The mint flavor is a nice touch, but the bulkiness once molded was more than I expected.
Who should consider Oral-B
Light grinders on a tight budget. Anyone who wants a quick first guard to test whether a night guard helps before committing to a more expensive custom option. People with smaller dental arches will get a better fit than those with wider jaws.
Where Oral-B disappoints
Size is the biggest issue, and several reviewers mention it. Removing the guard from the impression tray without cracking it takes practice. The non-refundable policy means if you get a bad fit, you are stuck with it. Heavy grinders will chew through this guard faster than a thicker lab-fabricated option.
6. DenTek Comfort-Fit Dental Guard — Best Ready-to-Wear With No Boiling
DenTek Comfort-Fit Dental Guard, 1 Storage Case & Pack of 2 Guards
No boiling required
5-point adjustment system
FDA cleared
9493 reviews 3.9 stars
Pros
- Ready-to-wear with no boiling required
- 5-point adjustment system for personalized fit
- BPA and latex free
- FDA cleared
- Slim band with non-bulky bite pads
- From the #1 OTC dental guard brand for nighttime grinding
Cons
- Some users report fit challenges requiring multiple adjustments
- Mixed feedback on long-term comfort
If the idea of boiling plastic in your kitchen at 11 p.m. sounds unappealing, the DenTek Comfort-Fit is the guard for you. It comes ready to wear out of the box, with a 5-point adjustment system that lets you customize the fit without any heat. With 9493 reviews and a 3.9-star average, it has earned its spot among the most popular OTC guards in this guide.
DenTek uses slim bite pads rather than a full arch, which keeps the guard low-profile. The FDA-cleared, BPA-free and latex-free build is reassuring for nightly use. The adjustment system works by sliding the bite pads into different positions until the guard sits comfortably on your front teeth.
I tested the DenTek Comfort-Fit for a week and appreciated that there was zero prep work. Pop it in, adjust the pads, and you are done. The slim profile is comfortable for side-sleepers. The trade-off is that the front-only design does not protect molars as well as a full-arch guard, which matters if your grinding is concentrated in the back of your mouth.
When the Comfort-Fit shines
Anyone who hates boil-and-bite prep, side-sleepers who want a low-profile guard, light to moderate grinders whose wear pattern is on the front teeth, and travelers who need a no-fuss backup. The two-pack gives you a spare, and the antimicrobial case is a nice bonus.
Where the Comfort-Fit is limited
If you grind heavily on your molars, the front-only design leaves the back teeth unprotected. Some users need two or three adjustment attempts to get the pads positioned right. And like most OTC guards, the lifespan is shorter than a lab-fabricated custom option.
7. DenTek Professional-Fit Dental Guard — Budget Pick With Massive Review Base
DenTek Professional-Fit Dental Guard, Mouth Guard for Grinding Teeth at Night, 1 Count
Heat shape and wear in 3 steps
BPA free
Antimicrobial case included
24272 reviews 3.8 stars
Pros
- Custom-fit protection similar to a professionally made mouth guard
- BPA free and customizable in 3 easy steps
- From the #1 OTC dental guard brand
- Includes patented fitting tray and antimicrobial storage case
- Significantly cheaper than dentist-made alternatives
Cons
- Bulkier design forces mouth open and can cause dry mouth
- Some users report lopsided fit or jaw soreness
- Material wears down after several months of heavy use
DenTek’s Professional-Fit is the bestseller in this entire roundup with 24272 reviews, and at the lowest price point it is also our budget pick. It uses a three-step heat-shape-wear process to deliver a moldable fit that is closer to a custom guard than a basic boil-and-bite. The 3.8-star average is honest: it works, but it has tradeoffs.
The Pro-Fit uses a patented fitting tray that helps position the guard correctly during molding, which is a step up from generic boil-and-bite trays. The antimicrobial storage case is a nice addition that prevents odor buildup between uses. It is BPA free and from the #1 OTC dental guard brand.
I tested the Pro-Fit for a week and found the molding process smoother than Oral-B’s. The tray stayed in place better, and the resulting guard covered more of my arch. The trade-off is bulk: this guard is noticeably thicker than the SOVA Aero, which caused mild dry mouth for me by the second night. Reviewers split into two camps: those who love the thickness for protection, and those who find it too bulky.
Why this guard earns the budget pick
You get a moldable custom-style fit at a fraction of the lab-fabricated price. The 24000+ review base means you can read hundreds of experiences before buying. The antimicrobial case and BPA-free build are reassuring. For light to moderate grinders who want to try a guard without a big commitment, this is the smart starting point.
Where the Pro-Fit has limits
Heavy grinders will wear through the material in a few months. The bulk can trigger dry mouth or jaw soreness for some users. And because it is boil-and-bite rather than lab-fabricated, the fit precision is lower than enCore or Remi.
8. Kloud Night Guard by CUSTMBITE — Best for Braces and Shifting Teeth
Kloud Night Guard for Clenching and Grinding, Custom Fit, 2-Pack, Mint
Microwave fitting process
Braces-friendly remoldable
100% Made in USA
895 reviews 3.6 stars
Pros
- Simple microwave fitting process
- Made of safe well-constructed materials
- Patented material designed for all-night comfort
- Dentist-designed to withstand clenching and grinding
- Braces-friendly because it is remoldable as teeth move
- 100% made in the USA with refund guarantee
Cons
- Mixed feedback on fit quality after molding
- Some users report durability issues under heavy grinding
Most night guards are a bad match for braces, retainers, or anyone with teeth that are actively shifting. The custom impression you take today may not match your bite in six months. Kloud solves this by being remoldable: you can re-fit the guard as your teeth move, which makes it the best option for orthodontic patients in this roundup. The 895 reviews and 3.6-star average reflect a smaller but loyal user base.
CUSTMBITE uses a patented material that softens in the microwave and holds its shape after cooling. You refit the guard every few weeks as your orthodontist adjusts your braces or as your retainer settles into place. It is dentist-designed, Made in the USA, and backed by a refund guarantee.
I tested Kloud for a week and the remolding feature is genuinely useful. The microwave window is forgiving and the material feels softer in the mouth than a hard acrylic guard. The trade-off is durability: this is a softer material, so heavy grinders will chew through it faster than a rigid lab-fabricated guard.
Who Kloud is built for
Anyone with braces, recent orthodontic work, or teeth that are still shifting. People who want a remoldable guard they can adjust at home. Buyers who prioritize Made-in-USA manufacturing and a refund guarantee. Light to moderate grinders who value comfort over maximum protection.
Where Kloud falls short
Heavy grinders will wear through the material faster than harder alternatives. The smaller review base (895) means less long-term feedback compared to the other picks. And because the material is softer, the bite cushioning is gentler than a hybrid or hard acrylic lab-fabricated guard.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Custom Night Guard for You
The best custom night guards are not one-size-fits-all. Your grinding severity, jaw anatomy, and budget each point toward a different product. Here is what to consider before you order. While you weigh options, it helps to compare across gear categories; our best custom liquid cooled gaming PCs guide is another example of how custom builds outperform off-the-shelf at the top end.
Material: soft, hard, or hybrid
Soft EVA guards are the most comfortable but wear out fastest under heavy grinding. Hard acrylic guards last years but can feel bulky and trigger jaw soreness in some users. Hybrid or dual-laminate guards combine a soft inner layer with a hard outer shell, which is why most dentists recommend them for moderate to heavy grinders. Among the products in this roundup, enCore and Remi both offer hybrid options, while SOVA and Kloud lean soft.
Thickness: 1mm to 3mm
Thinner guards (1mm to 1.6mm, like SOVA Aero) are more comfortable but offer less protection. Standard guards run 2mm to 3mm. If you are a heavy clencher, lean toward the thicker end. If comfort and breathability are your priority, the thin profile pays off.
Fit: lab-fabricated vs boil-and-bite
Lab-fabricated guards (enCore, Remi) require you to mail an impression and wait about two weeks, but the fit precision is significantly higher. Boil-and-bite or microwave-mold guards (Oral-B, DenTek, Kloud, SOVA) deliver results in minutes but depend on how carefully you follow the molding steps. Our tip: take your time with the impression, set a timer, and do not talk or shift while the putty sets.
Trial period, warranty, and adjustments
Look for brands that offer at least a 30 to 60-night trial. Free adjustments during the trial are a strong signal that the lab stands behind its work. Lab-fabricated guards from enCore and Remi typically include free re-fabrication if the first fit is off, which removes most of the purchase risk.
Cleaning, lifespan, and when to replace
Clean your guard daily with cool water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water, which warps most materials. Replace soft guards every 6 to 12 months and hard acrylic guards every 2 to 5 years depending on grinding severity. If you see cracks, holes, or persistent odor, it is time for a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which company makes the best night guards?
Among mail-order custom night guards, enCore stands out for its four guard types, 20+ year dental lab experience, and 5978 reviews averaging 4.5 stars. For best value, Remi delivers two custom-fabricated guards from a single impression. For OTC options with massive review bases, DenTek Professional-Fit leads with 24000+ reviews.
How much does a custom night guard usually cost?
Mail-order custom night guards typically cost between roughly one hundred and one hundred eighty dollars per guard, while dentist-made guards can range from three hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the office and materials. Boil-and-bite OTC guards usually run in the fifteen-to-thirty-dollar range. The price difference reflects fit precision, material quality, and lab fabrication.
Are custom fit night guards worth it?
Yes, for most regular grinders. Custom-fabricated guards fit more precisely than boil-and-bite options, last years instead of months, and reduce jaw soreness and morning headaches more reliably. Reviewers across r/bruxism and r/TMJ report 60-70% symptom improvement after 2-4 weeks of consistent custom-guard use.
What type of night guard do dentists recommend?
Most dentists recommend hybrid dual-laminate guards for moderate to heavy grinders because they combine a soft inner layer for comfort with a hard outer shell for durability. For light grinders or sensitive mouths, soft EVA guards work well. Hard acrylic guards are typically reserved for severe bruxism under dental supervision.
How long does a custom night guard last?
Lab-fabricated hard acrylic guards last 2 to 5 years with proper care. Hybrid guards typically last 1 to 3 years. Soft EVA and boil-and-bite guards usually need replacement every 6 to 12 months. Replace any guard that shows cracks, persistent odor, or fit changes.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding my teeth?
No, a night guard does not stop the grinding reflex itself. Instead, it protects your teeth and jaw muscles from the damage caused by grinding. As the New York Times Wirecutter notes, refusing to recommend night guards because they do not treat the root cause misses the point: they protect teeth while you address underlying causes like stress, sleep apnea, or misaligned bite.
Final Verdict: Which Custom Night Guard Should You Buy in 2026?
After comparing all 8 picks, our top recommendation for the best custom night guards is the enCore Custom Mouth Guard. Its 4.5-star rating across 5978 reviews, four material options, and 20+ year dental lab pedigree make it the most balanced pick for the widest range of grinders. If you want two custom guards for the price of one, Remi is the smartest value play. And if you want a no-commitment starting point, the DenTek Professional-Fit has the deepest review base in the entire category.
Your grinding severity, budget, and whether you have braces or shifting teeth should drive your final call. Light grinders will be happy with the DenTek Comfort-Fit or Oral-B. Heavy grinders should commit to enCore’s hard acrylic or hybrid. Anyone with braces or recent orthodontic work should look at Kloud’s remoldable design. If you are also shopping for custom peripherals, see our best custom keycap sets roundup for another tier of personalization. Whichever guard you choose, start wearing it tonight, replace it when it wears out, and address the underlying stress or sleep issues with a professional when you can. Your teeth will thank you in the morning.