If you’ve ever asked, “Can I wear my night guard for sport?” you’re not alone. But the answer is a clear no.
While both devices sit in the mouth and cover the teeth, sports mouthguards and night guards (occlusal splints) are designed for completely different purposes, made from different materials, and function in very different ways.
Here’s why using the right device matters—and why Neomorph Mouthguards are built for impact protection, not night-time grinding.
Purpose: Impact Protection vs Wear Protection
Sports Mouthguard (Neomorph)
Purpose: Protects teeth from traumatic impact during contact sport
Function: Absorbs and disperses high-energy blows to reduce chipped, fractured, or avulsed (knocked-out) teeth
When to wear: During sport, training, or any activity with collision risk
For a broader explanation of how fit, materials, and design of a mouthguard influence protection, see our complete mouthguard guide to choosing the right mouthguard.
Night Guard (Occlusal Splint)
Purpose: Prevents damage from clenching and grinding (bruxism)
Function: Creates a barrier between upper and lower teeth to reduce enamel wear and jaw strain
When to wear: At night (and occasionally during the day for severe grinders)
Material Differences: Flexible vs Rigid
One of the most important differences is material choice.
Sports mouthguards (like Neomorph)
- Made from soft, energy-absorbing thermoplastics such as EVA and NCore®, a temperature-sensitive layer that moulds closely to the teeth
- Designed to absorb and disperse external impact forces (elbows, balls, sticks)
- Include a bite imprint for secure positioning, stability, and cushioning
- Must be flexible enough to mould, yet strong enough to protect—achieved through Neomorph’s triple-layer design
Night guards
- Made from rigid acrylic or dual-laminate materials with a hard outside biting surface
- Resist compression so teeth don’t sink in or leave deep bite marks
- Protect teeth from each other, not from external force
- Designed to reduce muscle hyperactivity and joint strain, not blunt trauma
Fit & Function: One Is Built for Movement
Neomorph Mouthguards are designed to:
- Stay securely in place during movement and impact
- Allow speech and airflow during activity
- Be re-mouldable, making them suitable for growing mouths or changing orthodontics
Night guards, by contrast:
- Prioritise even occlusal (bite) contact and muscle relaxation
- Must avoid deep bite imprints
- Are not designed to remain stable under physical impact
Regulatory Classification: Different Roles, Different Standards
In Australia:
- A night guard is a Class I Medical Device, prescribed for therapeutic use by a dental professional
- A sports mouthguard is classified as personal protective equipment (PPE) and is not listed on the ARTG, as it is intended for recreational impact protection, not medical treatment
Different categories. Different purposes. Different regulations.
Can One Replace the Other? No.
Wearing a night guard for sport is like wearing slippers on the field.
Wearing a sports mouthguard overnight is like sleeping in football boots.
A night guard offers little to no impact protection.
A sports mouthguard won’t stop tooth grinding—and the soft material may even encourage clenching.
Why Neomorph Is Designed for Sport
Neomorph was developed to overcome the limitations of traditional boil-and-bite guards. It features:
- Triple-layer protection, including the unique NCore® insert that moulds closely to the teeth and sets into a semi-rigid structure for impact dispersion
- A secure, custom-fit feel without a dentist visit
- Compatibility with braces
- Comfort and breathability to improve wear compliance
All materials are tested for shock absorption, biocompatibility, and retention, so Neomorph performs when it matters most.
Conclusion: Right Guard, Right Job
Whether you’re protecting your smile on the field or managing jaw tension at night, choosing the correct device matters.
For tooth grinding: See your dentist for a professionally made night guard
For sport: Choose a securely fitting, impact-tested mouthguard like Neomorph
Your teeth deserve both kinds of protection … just not at the same time!
Want to learn more or find your perfect fit?
Visit neomorphmouthguards.com
Want to learn more about teeth grinding/bruxism read this Australian Dental Association article on preventing and treating bruxism
Neomorph Mouthguards
Custom Fit. Maximum Comfort. Game-Ready Protection.