If you’ve been told you grind or clench your teeth at night, one of the first questions you probably have is: how much does a dental night guard cost? Prices can vary widely depending on whether you buy one from the dentist, order a custom lab guard online, or pick up an over-the-counter option at the drugstore.
In this guide, we’ll break down the average cost of night guards in 2025, what factors influence pricing, and how to compare dentist, online, and OTC options. You’ll learn where the money goes — and how to protect your smile without overspending.
👉 This article is part of our [Complete Guide to Custom Night Guards].
💡 Quick Cost Summary
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Custom night guard from dentist: $300 – $800 (sometimes over $1,000 depending on materials and lab fees)
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Over-the-counter (OTC) night guards: $20 – $50
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Online custom night guards (at-home kits): $100 – $200
What Is a Custom Night Guard?
A custom night guard (also called an occlusal guard or dental splint) is made from impressions of your teeth, ensuring a precise fit. Unlike OTC guards, which are generic and bulky, a custom guard fits snugly, stays in place, and evenly distributes bite force.
Custom guards:
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Protect enamel from chips, fractures, and wear.
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Reduce jaw strain and TMJ symptoms.
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Last longer than OTC guards thanks to stronger materials.
Factors That Affect Night Guard Cost
Several variables influence pricing:
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Material type: Soft EVA is cheaper but wears faster; dual laminate and hard copolyester last longer.
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Dentist or lab fees: In-office exams, impressions, and adjustments add to cost.
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Case complexity: TMJ or bite misalignment may require specialty designs.
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Extra features: Added thickness, bite ramps, or special designs = higher price.
Average Dentist Night Guard Cost
Most dental offices charge $300–$800 for a basic guard, with premium TMJ appliances reaching $1,500–$2,500 depending on complexity.
Regional U.S. averages:
| Region | Basic Custom Guard | Premium TMJ Guard |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast (NY, Boston, DC) | $500–$800 | $1,000–$2,000+ |
| West Coast (LA, SF, Seattle) | $600–$900 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Midwest (Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis) | $500–$800 | $1,000–$2,000 |
| South (Houston, Atlanta, Miami) | $400–$800 | $1,000–$2,000 |
💡 While dentist-made guards offer personalized care, much of the cost comes from office overhead and lab outsourcing.
👉 Related: [TMJ Night Guards: Do They Really Work?]
Online Custom Night Guards vs. Dentist
Online providers like Sentinel Mouthguards cut costs by shipping you an at-home impression kit, then fabricating your guard directly in a professional U.S. dental lab.
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Same FDA-approved, dental-grade EVA and copolyester used by dentists.
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No office visits = lower price.
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Fast turnaround: 3–4 business days once your impression is received.
Average online cost: $129–$215 (Sentinel) — compared to $400–$800+ at the dentist.
👉 Related: [How Long Do Dental Night Guards Last?]
OTC Night Guards: Cheap but Limited
Boil-and-bite guards ($20–$50) can be molded at home but wear out quickly and often feel bulky.
Stock guards (one-size-fits-all) are the cheapest but provide the poorest fit and least protection.
Risks of OTC guards:
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Short lifespan (often under 6 months).
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Uneven pressure → jaw soreness.
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Made with lower-grade plastics (sometimes PVC).
OTC is best for short-term use only, not long-term protection.
Custom vs. OTC Night Guards: Cost & Value
| Feature | Custom (Sentinel/Dentist) | Over-the-Counter (OTC) |
|---|---|---|
| Fit & Comfort | Precision fit from impressions | Generic fit, bulky, less comfortable |
| Materials | Medical-grade EVA or copolyester (BPA/latex-free) | Low-grade EVA, PVC, or unknown plastics |
| Durability | 1–5+ years depending on type | 3–12 months |
| Effectiveness | Even bite force distribution | Uneven bite, less effective |
| Cost | $129–$300 (Sentinel) vs $400–$800 (dentist) | $20–$50 |
Insurance Coverage for Night Guards
Some dental insurance plans may partially cover custom night guards if deemed medically necessary for bruxism or TMJ. Coverage varies, so check your plan details:
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Often requires documentation from your dentist.
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May still include deductibles or annual max limits.
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Many OTC or online guards won’t qualify for coverage.
FAQs
Are night guards covered by insurance?
Sometimes. Many plans cover a portion of the cost if prescribed for bruxism or TMJ, but policies vary.
Why are dentist night guards so expensive?
You’re paying for the chair time, office overhead, and lab fees — not just the device itself.
Is it worth paying more for a custom guard?
Yes. Custom guards last longer, fit better, and protect more effectively than OTC guards. Long-term, they’re more cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to night guards, you get what you pay for. OTC options may help in a pinch but don’t last long or fit well. Dentist-made guards are effective but often overpriced.
💚 At Sentinel, we give you the best of both worlds: dentist-quality custom night guards, crafted in our FDA-registered U.S. lab, at a fraction of the dentist’s cost.
👉 [Order your custom Sentinel night guard today] — and protect your teeth without breaking the bank.