How Much Do Dentist Night Guards Really Cost? Your Complete Price Guide

Worried about jaw pain, teeth grinding, or clenching? Maybe your dentist said you need a night guard—and now you’re wondering: How much are night guards from the dentist? If you’ve got questions about night guard prices, dental insurance, and why some guards are better than others, you’re in the right spot. In this easy guide, I’ll break it all down so you can make a smart choice for your teeth and your money.

Table of Contents

Why Are Night Guards Needed?

Let me explain. One night, I woke up with a sore jaw and a dull headache. My dentist told me I was grinding my teeth when I slept, which is called bruxism. Maybe you’ve had the same problems: jaw pain, sensitive teeth, or headaches. If so, you’re not alone. About 10-15% of grown-ups grind their teeth. If you do nothing about it, it can lead to bigger tooth problems like cracked teeth, worn down teeth, or jaw pain that’s expensive to fix.

Kids and teens can grind their teeth too. The good news? There’s a simple thing that can protect your teeth and jaw: a custom night guard made by your dentist.

What Is a Dentist Night Guard?

A dentist night guard is a special mouthpiece you wear, usually when you sleep. Think of it like a sturdy, comfy cover that sits over your teeth. It stops damage from grinding and clenching. Unlike the kind you find at the store, these guards are made just for you using models of your teeth. That means they fit well—no slipping or weird feeling.

Different night guards help with bruxism, TMJ, jaw clenching, and even problems like headaches and sore teeth. Some guards are soft; some are hard. Acrylic, dual laminate, and thermoplastic are common materials dentists use.

Dentist night guards are custom-made at a dental lab, like a night guard dental lab, to match the shape of your teeth. That’s why they fit so well.

How Much Does a Custom Night Guard Cost?

Let’s get right to it. For most people, a custom night guard from the dentist costs between $300 and $800—sometimes up to $1,200 if you need a special kind for TMJ.

Here’s a simple table for a quick look:

Why such a wide range? It depends on the type of material, your mouth needs, and where your dentist is located. Big city offices usually cost more.

Why Are Dentist Night Guards So Expensive?

To be honest, a custom night guard feels expensive. But here’s why it costs what it does.

First, a dentist checks your teeth and may take X-rays, look at your jaw, check for enamel wear or cracked teeth, and talk to you about your symptoms. Then, they take a mold or digital scan of your teeth.

Next, that model goes to a dental lab, sometimes a digital dental lab, where someone with training makes your night guard using good material.

You get a guard made just for you—not something off the shelf. And if you grind through it (yes, that happens!), most labs can fix or replace it for a fair price.

So what are you paying for? Professional work, quality materials, a great fit, and the safety of knowing your teeth are protected. In the long run, it could save you the cost of fillings, crowns, or other big repairs.

What Factors Affect Night Guard Cost?

Let’s look a little closer. Not all custom guards cost the same. Here’s what makes the price go up or down:

1. Type and Material

• Custom fit guards last longer and work better than simple store-bought types.
• Hard acrylic and dual laminate guards cost more, but hold up better than soft ones.

2. Dental Office and Where It Is

• Dentists in city offices usually charge more.
• How much experience your dentist has can change the price, too.

3. What’s Included

• Some dentists include checkups, molds, small changes, and follow-up visits in the price. Ask what’s included!
• Extra tests (X-rays, bite checks, or TMJ tests) might cost more.

4. The Lab Used

• Guards made at a top lab (like one that does crown and bridge work) might cost more, but can be better.

5. What You Need

• If you grind really badly or have TMJ, your guard might need special features.

6. Insurance and Payment Plans

• Some offices take dental insurance or offer ways to make payments over time.

Will Dental Insurance Help Pay?

Here’s some good news: Some dental insurance plans pay for part of the cost if your dentist says it’s needed for a problem like bruxism or TMJ. Regular coverage for a custom night guard is 30% to 80%—so you’ll pay less, but check your policy’s limits.

What you should do:

• Ask for pre-approval from your insurance before starting.
• Have your dentist use the right code (like D9940).
• Use your HSA or FSA if you have one—most night guards are covered.

If you can’t use insurance, ask your dentist about payment plans or ways to finance it, like through CareCredit.

Custom Dentist Guards vs. Store-Bought: Which Is Better?

You might have seen those “boil and bite” guards at the store for under $50. So why pay hundreds at the dentist? Here’s the difference:

Store or Drugstore Guards

• Cheap and easy to get.
• Not a perfect fit—can slip, feel weird, or rub your mouth.
• Don’t last long—maybe just a few months.
• Might make your bite feel off.

Custom Dentist Guards

• Made just for your mouth, so they’re comfy and stay put.
• Last for years if you look after them.
• Really protect your teeth, stopping chips, wear, and jaw pain.
• Better in the long run for comfort and saving money.

Think about it: Fixing one broken tooth can cost $1,000 or more. A custom guard protects all your teeth for much less.

How Can You Make Night Guards More Affordable?

If you need a night guard but money is tight, try these smart ideas:

Payment Options

• Ask about monthly payments at your dental office.
• Some dentists have company partners you can apply to for help.

Discount Dental Plans

• Joining a plan could lower the cost for mouthguards and other care.

Dental Schools

• Students, watched by real dentists, often make guards for a lot less.

Shop Around

• Call a few dentists in your area. Sometimes a higher price includes more services, so the cheapest deal isn’t always the best.
• Ask for local labs, like a china dental lab, that can work with your dentist for affordable and good guards.

What Happens After Getting a Night Guard?

After your dentist fits your night guard, they’ll show you how to use and clean it. You’ll wear it while you sleep (or as told). Expect a checkup visit to make sure it feels right.

Good guards last one to five years—on average, two or three—with care. Rinse it every day with cold water, brush it gently, and keep it in its case. Don’t use hot water, which can change the shape.

As time goes on, your dentist might say you need a new one, especially if you grind hard, get new teeth work, or if your guard wears out.

Is Investing in a Night Guard Worth It?

The big question: Should I really spend hundreds on a dentist night guard? From what I’ve seen, the answer is yes.

A real night guard stops pain, protects your teeth, and saves you money on repairs. You’ll sleep better and not worry about waking up sore. For people with bruxism or TMJ, a dentist-made night guard is one of the best ways to take care of your teeth.

If you need chipped teeth fixed, a lab like dental ceramics lab can work with your dentist to help with other dental needs.

FAQ

Q: Can kids or teens get dentist night guards?

A: Yes! Some kids grind even more than adults. Ask your dentist if a kid version works for your child.

Q: Do night guards really stop jaw pain?

A: For lots of people, yes. The guard spreads out the pressure so your jaw hurts less, and can even stop headaches.

Q: How often should I change my night guard?

A: Most dentist guards last 2-3 years, but hard grinders might need a new one every year. If it cracks, thins, or doesn’t fit, it’s time for a new one.

Q: Will a night guard fix TMJ or just protect my teeth?

A: Guards mainly protect your teeth but also help TMJ pain. Your dentist might suggest a special guard for TMJ.

Q: Can I use my night guard for sports?

A: No. Sports guards are made for hits—not for grinding. Use the right guard for the right job!

Key Takeaways

• Custom night guards from the dentist usually cost $300-$800, sometimes more—but they really work and fit right.
• Prices change because of the material, dentist’s office, where you live, and what you need fixed.
• Dentist night guards fit better, last longer, and protect your teeth more than drugstore kinds.
• Many dental insurance plans or HSA/FSA accounts pay some or all of the cost—always ask before you buy.
• If money is tough, ask your dentist about payment plans, dental school discounts, or look for discount dental plans.
• Always use your night guard the way your dentist says to make it last.
• Saving your teeth now means not spending thousands on repairs later—don’t wait for pain or serious damage!

If you want to sleep easier and keep your smile looking good, ask your dentist about a custom night guard today!