How Much Does a Night Guard Cost?

October 26, 2025 · Ashely Notarmaso

This article was updated on October 26, 2025, to reflect the most current information on night guard costs.

How Much Does a Night Guard Cost? A Helpful Guide to Pricing & Value

If you’re considering a night guard to protect your teeth from grinding or clenching (bruxism), one of the first questions that naturally comes to mind is: “How much does a night guard cost?” The short answer: it depends — and the range is wider than most people expect.

This guide breaks down the cost of night guards across all options — from inexpensive over-the-counter guards to professionally made custom guards through a dentist or an online dental lab — so you can make a confident, informed decision that fits both your needs and your budget.

Think of this as your straight-talk, no-pressure overview of what you’re really paying for and how to avoid overspending.

This article is part of our Comprehensive Night Guard Guide — a helpful resource designed to answer every question you may have before choosing the right night guard.

🧠 Why Night Guards Vary So Much in Price

Night guards aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” product. Prices vary based on:

• Where you get it (store, dentist, online dental lab)

• Materials used (soft, hard, dual-laminated, specialty)

• Customization + fit

• Durability + lifespan

• Professional involvement

• Any added technology or specialty design needs

In other words: you’re not just paying for plastic — you’re paying for the level of precision, comfort, durability, and personalization.

💸 Night Guard Cost Breakdown (By Type of Provider)

Let’s look at the typical price ranges you’ll find on the market.

1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Night Guards

Cost Range: Usually $20–$50

You’ve seen these at drugstores, Amazon, or big-box retailers. Options include “one size fits most” or boil-and-bite styles.

Pros:

• Most affordable

• Easy to buy and use the same day

• Works as a short-term solution or “starter guard”

Cons:

• Fit is generic, not custom

• Can feel bulky or uncomfortable

• Often chewed through quickly (weeks or months)

• Less effective for moderate–severe grinding

Best for:
Light, occasional grinders or as a temporary bridge while you wait for a custom guard.

2. Online Custom Night Guards

Cost Range: Typically $100–$200

This option has grown rapidly because it offers dentist-level customization without the dental office price tag. These guards are made by dental labs using an impression you take at home with a mailed kit.

Pros:

• Dentist-quality custom fit at a lower cost

• More comfortable and less bulky than OTC

• Multiple material options for different grinding levels

• Convenient, done from home

Cons:

• Requires taking your own impression

• Not ideal for complicated dental conditions requiring chairside adjustments

Best for:
Most mild-to-heavy grinders who want a high-quality guard without a big dental bill.

💬 Many people are surprised to learn that online dental labs often manufacture guards for dentists — meaning you may be getting the same quality guard, minus the clinic markup.

3. Dentist-Made Custom Night Guards

Cost Range: Typically $300–$800+
(Specialty or TMJ-focused appliances can exceed $1,000)

Dentist-made night guards are the most thorough option, crafted through an in-office impression and evaluated over follow-up visits.

Pros:

• Full professional oversight and bite evaluation

• Ideal for complicated bite issues or TMJ treatment

• In-person adjustments available

Cons:

• Highest cost option

• May involve multiple dentist visits

• Does not necessarily use higher-quality materials than an online lab

Best for:
People with complex dental issues, TMJ disorders requiring a specific type of splint, or those who prefer clinical care.

🏆 So… Which Option Offers the Best Value?

Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide:

For most people, online custom night guards hit the “sweet spot” — the same high-quality custom fit as the dentist but at a significantly lower cost.

But if you have TMJ symptoms, a misaligned bite, or you’ve tried multiple guards that didn’t work, an in-person evaluation may be worth the extra cost.

⚖️ What Impacts the Price of a Night Guard?

No matter where you buy it, the cost is influenced by:

1. Material Type

There isn’t just “one” kind of night guard. Options include:

• Soft: Gentle cushioning for light-moderate grinding

• Hard Acrylic: Rigid, durable option for heavy grinders

• Dual Laminated (Hybrid): Soft inside + hard outside for comfort and strength

• Daytime/Ultra-Thin “No-Show” Guards: Low-profile for clenching or daytime use

• Sports Mouth Guards: Designed for impact, not sleeping

The more specialized or durable the material, the higher the cost.

2. Level of Customization + Fit

From “basic moldable plastic” to precision-fit, lab-crafted appliances, the more tailored the guard is to your bite, the more effective it will be — and that influences price.

A truly custom guard should:

• Fit like a glove

• Stay on throughout the night

• Feel comfortable within minutes

• Not change your bite

3. Professional Expertise & Technology

Dentist and lab-made guards involve professional oversight and often advanced equipment. Skilled technicians, 3D scanners, or digital modeling increase both quality and cost.

4. Durability & Expected Lifespan

A $30 OTC guard that lasts 1–3 months often ends up costing more over time than a durable custom guard that lasts 1–5 years.

Example of typical lifespan:

• OTC: Weeks to a few months

• Custom soft: 6–24 months

• Hard or dual-laminate custom: 2–5 years

So the “cheapest” option rarely stays cheapest in the long run.

⭐ A Quick Note on Insurance Coverage

Dental insurance may cover a portion of a dentist-made night guard — but many plans do not. Some only cover guards for certain diagnoses (like TMJ), and some have replacement limits (e.g., one every 3–5 years).

If you’d rather not deal with insurance hurdles, online custom guards allow you to skip the approval process while still getting a high-quality appliance.

💚 Why Many People Choose Online Custom Night Guards

If you’re looking for the best balance of comfort, effectiveness, and cost, online custom night guards have become a popular choice for good reason.

People love that they’re:

• Affordable without sacrificing quality

• Custom-fit using at-home impressions

• Comfortable enough to actually wear nightly

• Made by accredited dental labs

Quick insider tip: Many dental offices send night guard cases to the same types of labs used by reputable online night guard companies — the difference is often the markup for in-office visits.

👇 When a Dentist-Made Guard Is Worth the Cost

Choose a dentist-made guard if you:

• Have TMJ disorder requiring specialized treatment

• Experience frequent jaw locking or severe pain

• Need a custom bite adjustment supervised by a clinician

• Have dental restorations that require professional oversight

For these cases, the specialist care matters more than the price.

🧵 Final Thoughts: What Should You Do?

A night guard is an investment — in your teeth, your comfort, and your long-term oral health.

You don’t necessarily need the most expensive option… you need the right one for your level of grinding and sensitivity.

Here’s the simplest guidance:

• Light or occasional grinder? Try an OTC or thin custom guard.

• Moderate to heavy grinder? A custom lab-made night guard (online or dentist) is your best value.

• Chronic jaw pain or TMJ? Consider dentist-supervised care.

If you’re unsure where to start, a custom online night guard often gives you the highest quality-to-price ratio and avoids the dental office markup.