Should You Wear a Night Guard on Your Top or Bottom Teeth?
You've decided to get a custom night guard. Then the order form asks a question you may not have thought about: upper or lower?
It's a reasonable thing to pause on. Both options exist for good reasons, and the right one depends on your mouth. Here's how to think it through.
Upper or Lower Night Guard?
There's no single correct arch for everyone. Upper night guards are a common starting point, partly because they may interfere less with tongue movement. Some people find a lower guard more comfortable, and dental work, bite alignment, anatomy, and personal comfort can all influence the decision.
Both types are designed to create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth during grinding. If your dentist recommends a particular arch, follow their advice.
Does a Night Guard Go on the Top or Bottom Teeth?
A night guard can go on either arch. It covers the biting surfaces of one set of teeth, allowing the opposing teeth to contact the guard rather than directly contacting each other. Upper night guards are a common choice, but they aren't automatically the best option for everyone. The appropriate arch depends on your bite, dental work, comfort, and your dentist's recommendation.
A lower guard may be a suitable alternative when comfort, anatomy, or existing restorations make it preferable.
Upper Night Guards: Advantages and Considerations
Why people choose upper guards:
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More tongue room. Because the tongue occupies space near the lower teeth, some people find an upper guard less intrusive when falling asleep.
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A common starting point. Upper guards are frequently considered, although the appropriate choice depends on individual dental needs.
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Potentially stable fit. The shape and alignment of the upper teeth may provide a suitable surface for a custom guard, depending on the individual.
Things to consider:
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Some people are sensitive to an appliance near the roof of their mouth and may notice an upper guard more at first.
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If you have significant dental work on your upper teeth, your dentist may recommend a different approach.
Lower Night Guards: Advantages and Considerations
Why people choose lower guards:
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Personal comfort. Some people find a lower guard easier to wear. Comfort matters because consistent use is important when a guard has been recommended.
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Less noticeable at the front. Lower teeth may be less visible during conversation, which some people prefer.
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Upper dental work. If you have crowns or implants on your upper teeth, your dentist may suggest a guard on the lower arch, depending on your bite and restorations.
Things to consider:
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A lower guard sits closer to the tongue, which may require an adjustment period.
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Crowding, missing teeth, or alignment on the lower arch can affect how a guard fits.
Upper vs. Lower Night Guard Comparison
| Consideration | Upper guard | Lower guard |
|---|---|---|
| How common | Common starting option | Common alternative |
| Tongue space | May feel less intrusive to the tongue | Sits closer to the tongue |
| Visibility when talking | May be more visible | May be less visible |
| Comfort | Depends on fit and preferences | Depends on fit and preferences |
| With upper dental work | Ask your dentist | May be considered by your dentist |
| With lower dental work | May be considered by your dentist | Ask your dentist |
| Protection | Creates a barrier between teeth | Creates a barrier between teeth |
The most important factor on either arch is fit. A custom guard shaped to your teeth may stay in place more comfortably than a generic option, whichever arch it covers.
Does Grinding Severity Determine Upper vs. Lower?
Not by itself. How heavily you grind can influence material and thickness. Someone with lighter grinding may consider a softer or thinner guard, while someone with heavier grinding may need to discuss a more durable appliance with their dentist.
Those material and thickness considerations can apply to either arch. It helps to think of this as two separate decisions: which arch suits your mouth, and which guard type suits your grinding.
Our night guard thickness guide covers the second decision in more detail.
What if You Have Crowns, Veneers, Bridges, or Implants?
Dental work can influence whether an upper or lower night guard is appropriate. If most of your restorations are on one arch, your dentist may recommend placing the guard on the opposite arch or choosing a particular material or appliance design.
However, there is no universal rule that a guard must be placed opposite your dental work. The appropriate choice depends on your restorations, bite, and individual dental needs. We cover how grinding may affect different restorations in Can Teeth Grinding Damage Crowns, Veneers, or Dental Implants?.
If you've recently had dental treatment, also see our guide to wearing a night guard after dental work.
Need a Custom Night Guard for Your Teeth?
Explore custom night guard options designed around your dental impression. If you have crowns, veneers, bridges, or implants, ask your dentist which appliance is appropriate before ordering.
What if You Wear a Retainer?
Night guards and retainers serve different purposes. A retainer helps maintain tooth position after orthodontic treatment. A night guard creates a barrier between the teeth during grinding or clenching. If you wear a retainer at night and also grind your teeth, ask your orthodontist or dentist how to manage both.
Avoid wearing a night guard over a retainer or replacing your prescribed retainer with a night guard unless your dental professional recommends doing so.
Can You Wear Night Guards on Both Upper and Lower Teeth?
Many people wear a guard on only one arch. A single appropriately designed guard can separate the upper and lower teeth during grinding.
Wearing guards on both arches simultaneously is less common and may be recommended only in specific circumstances. If you're considering wearing two guards, ask your dentist whether that approach is appropriate for your bite and dental needs.
Which Is More Comfortable: Upper or Lower?
Comfort varies from person to person. Some people prefer upper guards because they may provide more room for the tongue. Others find lower guards more comfortable.
If you're unsure, an upper guard may be a reasonable option to discuss, but the best choice depends on your anatomy, bite, dental work, and preferences. Adjustment time also varies. Some people adapt quickly, while others may need longer or require fit adjustments.
Our guide to getting used to a night guard offers tips for the initial adjustment period.
How to Choose the Right Custom Night Guard
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Pick your arch. Upper guards are a common option, but a lower guard may be preferable depending on your dentist's advice, dental work, bite, and comfort.
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Pick your guard type by grinding level. Soft, hard, and thicker guards offer different characteristics. The most suitable material and thickness depend on your needs.
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Take your impression at home. Clear Comfort's kit includes instructions and a prepaid return mailer.
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Get a guard made for your teeth. Your guard is handcrafted by dental technicians in Los Angeles County. Clear Comfort's Perfect Fit Promise provides eligible fit adjustments or remakes according to its terms.
Find the Right Custom Night Guard for Your Needs →
Frequently Asked Questions About Upper and Lower Night Guards
Is an Upper or Lower Night Guard Better for Grinding?
Neither is automatically better for everyone. Both are designed to create a barrier between the teeth during grinding. Upper guards are common, while lower guards may be preferable for some people based on their bite, dental work, and comfort.
Why Do Dentists Often Recommend Upper Night Guards?
Upper night guards are a common option because some patients find them comfortable and less intrusive to the tongue. However, dentists may recommend either arch depending on the individual's bite, anatomy, and dental needs.
Can I Switch From an Upper to a Lower Guard?
In many cases, switching arches is possible, but the new guard must be made to fit the appropriate teeth. If you're changing because of discomfort, ask your dentist to evaluate the existing guard and determine whether switching arches is appropriate.
Does the Arch Affect How Long My Guard Lasts?
A guard's lifespan depends on several factors, including material, thickness, fit, grinding intensity, and frequency of use. The arch alone does not determine durability.
Do I Need to Take Impressions of Both Arches?
The impressions required depend on the type of guard, how it is manufactured, and the company's impression process. Follow the instructions provided with your impression kit and confirm the requirements with Clear Comfort before ordering if you're unsure.
Upper or Lower Night Guard?
Both upper and lower night guards can be appropriate options for managing tooth contact during grinding. Upper guards are commonly chosen, but lower guards may be more comfortable or suitable for certain people. The best choice depends on your bite, dental work, comfort preferences, and your dentist's recommendation.
Clear Comfort offers custom night guards made from impressions of your teeth, with different materials and thicknesses available to suit a range of needs.
Find the Right Custom Night Guard for Your Needs →
Medical disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and does not replace professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your dentist before selecting a night guard if you have dental restorations, jaw pain, bite changes, or other dental concerns.
