How We Test
Our Core Principle
We only recommend what we have physically tested. Every night guard reviewed on BruxProof was purchased with our own money. No brands sent us free products in exchange for reviews.
Test Duration
Each night guard is worn for a minimum of 30 consecutive nights by an active bruxer. This provides enough data to observe real-world durability, thickness loss, and fit retention.
Standardized Conditions
To keep results comparable between products, every guard is tested under the same controlled conditions:
- Same tester — one diagnosed sleep bruxer wears every guard, so grinding force is held constant across the sample.
- Same measurement rig — a single calibrated digital caliper (0.01 mm resolution), 3-point average taken at the same anterior contact points before night 1 and after night 30.
- Same environment — guards stored dry at room temperature (18–22 °C), rinsed in cold water only, never exposed to heat that could distort the plastic.
- No overlap — only one guard is worn per 30-night block; guards are never alternated within a test period.
What We Measure
| Metric | Tool / Method | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness (mm) | Digital calipers (3-point average) | Tells us how bulky the guard will feel in the mouth |
| Thickness Loss (%) | Digital calipers before and after 30 days | Objective measure of material durability and lifespan |
| Fit Retention | Daily wear notes | Cheap materials stretch out and fall out during sleep |
| Bite-Through | Visual inspection | Failure state for a night guard |
| Moldability | Subjective ease-of-use scoring (1-5) | Crucial for OTC boil-and-bite guards |
What "Tested on Spec Only" Means
When we evaluate a product based on the manufacturer's stated specifications and independent user data rather than our own wear data, we state this clearly on the product card. No "spec-only" product will ever be called "our top pick".
Medical Disclaimer
We are not medical professionals. Our testing is that of consumer-level evaluation, not clinical assessment. The information on this site is not a substitute for professional dental advice. If you suffer from severe bruxism or TMJ, consult a licensed dentist.