If your dentist has ever recommended a night guard, you probably remember the sticker shock that followed: $500, $700, sometimes even $1,000 for a single appliance. It’s natural to wonder — is a custom night guard really worth that kind of investment, or will a cheaper over-the-counter guard do the trick?
The truth is, the answer depends on your situation. While OTC guards offer a quick, low-cost fix, custom guards deliver long-term comfort, protection, and durability that drugstore options can’t match. The challenge is understanding when it makes sense to invest in a custom-fit guard — and when you might get by with something cheaper.
In this article, we’ll break down the real costs vs. benefits of custom guards, compare them to OTC options, and help you decide what’s best for your smile (and your budget).
👉 For a full pricing breakdown by dentist, online lab, and OTC options, see our Custom Night Guard Cost in 2025.
Quick Answer: Yes, a custom night guard is worth the price if you grind or clench regularly. While OTC guards cost less upfront, they’re bulky, short-lived, and may cause jaw pain. Custom guards last longer, fit better, and actually protect your teeth — saving you money in the long run.
The Real Cost of a Custom Night Guard
Before deciding if a custom night guard is “worth it,” it helps to look at the numbers.
Dentist-Made Custom Guards
Most dental offices charge $300–$800 for a basic guard, with advanced TMJ appliances climbing over $1,000. That price includes your dentist’s overhead (staff, rent, lab fees) as well as professional oversight.
Online Custom Guards (like Sentinel)
Online labs cut out the middleman, offering the same dental-grade materials and lab process for $100–$200. You take your impression at home, mail it in, and receive your guard in days.
OTC Guards (Boil-and-Bite or Stock)
Drugstore guards run $20–$50. While cheap, they’re bulkier, less comfortable, and often wear out in months.
👉 For a detailed breakdown by region and provider, check out our full guide: Custom Night Guard Cost in 2025.
The takeaway: while dentist guards carry the highest price tag, online custom options make professional-quality protection far more affordable than most people realize.
When Is a Custom Guard Worth It (and When Is It Not)?
Custom night guards aren’t for everyone. The key is knowing when the investment makes sense — and when a short-term option may do the job.
✅ Worth It If…
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You grind or clench frequently → Daily or nightly bruxism means you’ll destroy an OTC guard in weeks. A custom guard pays for itself in durability.
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You’re already feeling pain or damage → Jaw soreness, headaches, tooth sensitivity, or visible wear are all red flags that you need something stronger and more precise.
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You want comfort and consistency → A guard only works if you wear it every night. Custom-fit means no bulk, no slipping, no excuses.
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You’ve had expensive dental work → Crowns, veneers, or implants are at risk from grinding. A custom guard protects that investment.
❌ Not Always Necessary If…
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You only grind occasionally → If stress-related clenching happens once in a while, an OTC boil-and-bite may be fine as a temporary fix.
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You’re testing whether you really need one → Not sure if bruxism is a problem? A short-term OTC guard can help you confirm before upgrading.
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Budget is the top concern → OTC guards are cheap training wheels. They’re not as safe or durable, but they can bridge the gap if money is tight right now.
👉 Related: [Custom Night Guard Cost in 2025]
Bottom line: If you grind regularly, a custom night guard is worth it — it saves you money (and teeth) in the long run. But if your clenching is rare or stress-related, you may not need to invest in one immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are custom night guards covered by insurance?
Sometimes — but not always. Many dental insurance plans won’t cover night guards unless they’re prescribed for TMJ or severe bruxism, and even then coverage may be partial. For a deeper look at how coverage works (and what to ask your provider), see our guide: Does Insurance Cover a Dental Night Guard?
How long does a custom night guard last compared to OTC?
A well-made custom guard lasts much longer. Soft guards usually last 6–12 months, dual-laminates 1–2 years, and hard guards can last 2–5+ years with proper care. OTC guards, by contrast, often wear out in 1–6 months. Learn more in our article: How Long Do Dental Night Guards Last?
Can I buy a custom night guard online safely?
Yes — if you choose a trusted provider. Sentinel Mouthguards uses the same approved EVA and copolyester materials that dentists rely on, crafted in our U.S. lab since 2012. Unlike generic OTC guards, your Sentinel guard is made from your exact impression for precision, comfort, and protection.
How to Decide & Next Steps
So, is a custom night guard worth the price? The answer depends on how often you clench or grind, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and what you want out of a guard.
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If you’re only grinding occasionally, a short-term OTC guard may be enough to test the waters.
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But if you grind nightly, already feel jaw pain, or have invested in dental work, a custom guard is the smartest long-term choice.
At Sentinel, we’ve crafted thousands of custom-fit guards since 2012 — using the exact same dental-grade EVA and copolyester your dentist relies on, but without the middleman markup. That means:
✅ FDA-registered, BPA/latex-free materials
✅ Precision fit from your at-home impression
✅ Crafted in our U.S. lab in just days
✅ A fraction of the dentist’s price — with a satisfaction guarantee
💚 Protecting your teeth doesn’t have to cost $500+.
👉 [Order your Sentinel custom night guard today] and get dentist-quality protection for less.