DIY Night Guard
26th Feb 2025
If your dentist recommended a night guard to protect your teeth from grinding or clenching (also known as bruxism), you might be experiencing sticker shock from the cost. Many patients look into DIY night guards as a more affordable alternative, but are they effective?
In this blog, we'll explore the pros and cons of DIY night guards and how they compare to professionally made custom night guards to help you make an informed decision.
How to DIY and Customize an Over-the-Counter Mouthguard
While a DIY mouth guard is never the ideal solution for bruxism, it can serve as a temporary fix while waiting for a custom-made night guard from your dentist or an online retailer. DIY night guards are typically bulky, uncomfortable, and less durable because they are not designed to be worn for 8 hours every night. They are mainly intended to absorb shock from sports-related injuries, not for teeth grinding or clenching.
We do not recommend using stock night guards or sports mouth guards as a long-term solution for bruxism, but they can be a temporary option to protect your teeth while your custom-fitted night guard is being crafted, which could take a few days or weeks.
Related Articles:
- How Long Does Teeth Grinding Pain Last?
- Best Night Guard for Teeth Grinding
- Sport Mouth Guard vs Dental Night Guard
For less than $1, you can make a DIY night guard at home to temporarily protect your teeth. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to customize an over-the-counter night guard:
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make a DIY Night Guard
To create your own DIY night guard, you'll need a simple dental tray that can be molded to fit the shape of your teeth, ensuring a comfortable and effective fit for reducing teeth grinding at night.
Step 1: Purchase an Over-the-Counter Night Guard
Buy a stock night guard or mouthguard from a drugstore, sports store, or an online retailer like Amazon. An example of a popular brand manufacturer is Dentek. Some brands sell their mouthpiece for as little as $1.
Step 2: Prepare the Night Guard
Boil water and place the mouth guard in the hot water for about 30 seconds. This will soften and stress the material so it can be molded to fit your teeth.
Step 3: Mold the Night Guard to Your Teeth
Let the night guard cool slightly for a few seconds, then press it firmly against your teeth. You can choose to fit the guard to either your upper or lower teeth. The molding process should take about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Customize the Fit
Trim any extra material from the night guard to reduce bulk. Use scissors to cut away the excess, and if needed, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
Step 5: Clean the Night Guard
Rinse the night guard thoroughly to remove any debris or rough material from trimming.
Related Articles:
- Boil and Bite Mouth Guard
- Dentist Night Guard vs. Over-The-Counter
- Guide to Choosing the Right Night Guard
Effectiveness of DIY Night Guards
Following these steps will give you a better fit than a standard, store-bought mouthguard with no customization. However, it’s important to remember that this DIY solution will not be as comfortable or as protective as a professionally made custom night guard.
A Temporary Solution, Not a Long-Term Fix
Only use a DIY night guard if you are waiting for your custom night guard to be made. DIY night guards may serve as a temporary solution, but they lack the long-term protection and durability of custom night guards crafted specifically for bruxism treatment.
The Pros and Cons of DIY Night Guards
Pros of DIY Night Guards:
- Lower Cost: DIY night guards typically cost between $15 to $30, making them a budget-friendly option.
- Convenience: Easily found in drugstores, sports stores, or online.
- Immediate Availability: No waiting time—buy and use on the same day.
Cons of DIY Night Guards:
- Fit Issues: DIY guards don’t offer the same level of precision as custom guards, leading to discomfort.
- Durability Concerns: These guards have a shorter lifespan and may wear out quickly.
- Potential for Harm: A poor fit can cause misalignment or insufficient protection, potentially worsening dental issues.
"Homemade" Dental Night Guard from an Online Retailer
If you’re looking to save money on a night guard, you don’t have to settle for a DIY stock guard. Many online night guard retailers offer custom-fit guards that give you the same protection and quality as a dentist’s night guard—but at a much lower cost.
Here’s how it works: When you order a night guard online, you take impressions of your teeth at home. Then, your impressions are sent to a professional dental lab, where a custom night guard is made just for you. These nightguards are made from durable materials like hard acrylic or thermoplastics, giving you the best protection available.
Not only do online night guards cost less than those from the dentist, but they also provide the same level of protection. A custom night guard can help relieve pain caused by bruxism—including jaw pain, tooth damage, headaches, and even earaches. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to more serious conditions like TMJ, which may require more expensive treatments.
Related Articles:
- Are Night Guards Worth It?
- How Do I Know If My Night Guard Fits Properly?
- How Long Does it Take for a Night Guard to Work?
How to Order a Custom Night Guard Online
- Choose Your Night Guard Type: Pick from options like a hard night guard, hybrid guard, soft night guard, or ultra-thin daytime guard—depending on how severe your grinding is.
- Take Your Impressions at Home: Once you place your order, you’ll receive an impression kit in the mail. Follow the simple steps to take impressions of your teeth at home.
- Send Back Your Impressions: Mail your impressions back to the dental lab. Your custom night guard will be made by professionals in the same lab that dentists use.
- Receive Your Custom Night Guard: You’ll get your finished night guard in the mail, ready to start protecting your teeth—without needing to visit the dentist!
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
DIY vs. Custom Night Guards: A Detailed Comparison
When choosing between a DIY and a custom night guard, it’s important to compare a few key factors:
Cost
- DIY Night Guards: Typically range from $15 to $30.
- Custom Night Guards: Dentist-made guards can cost $300 to $700+, but a Dental Night Guard from an Online Retailer offers custom guards at a more affordable price.
Fit
- DIY: DIY guards don’t offer a precise fit, which can lead to discomfort.
- Custom: Custom night guards are made from a dental mold of your teeth, offering a perfect fit for maximum comfort.
Durability
- DIY: Often made from lower-quality materials, DIY bite guards wear out faster.
- Custom: Made from high-quality materials, custom guards last much longer, making them more cost-effective over time.
Comfort
- DIY: DIY guards tend to be bulkier, which can cause discomfort during sleep.
- Custom: Custom guards are thinner and more comfortable, allowing for better sleep.
Risk of Harm
- DIY: Poorly fitting DIY guards can lead to misalignment, jaw pain, or further dental issues.
- Custom: Custom guards provide optimal protection and reduce the risk of harm to your teeth and jaw.
Which Night Guard Is Right for You?
Choosing the right night guard depends on what you need. Here's a simple guide to help you decide:
When to Choose a DIY Night Guard
- Budget-Friendly: If you need an inexpensive option, a DIY night guard can work for the short term.
- Temporary Use: Ideal if you need a night guard quickly while waiting for your custom one to arrive.
When to Choose a Custom Night Guard
- Long-Term Protection: Best for people with serious teeth grinding or clenching who need strong, long-lasting protection.
- Comfort & Durability: Custom night guards fit better and last longer, making them more comfortable for regular use.
Conclusion
DIY night guards are a budget-friendly option, but they come with drawbacks like a poor fit and limited durability. While custom night guards may cost more, they offer superior oral protection, relief, and long-term value. For those with serious teeth grinding or clenching, a custom night guard from an online retailer is the best choice for protecting your dental hygiene and ensuring comfort throughout the night.
You can get a custom-fit mouthguard at an affordable price from Pro Teeth Guard. We make our night guards in a professional dental lab, and every night guard is guaranteed to fit comfortably with our 110% money-back guarantee.
References:
- Chetrit, S. (2021). My Favorite Cheap, Custom Mouth Guard for TMJ. Lust Till Dawn. https://www.fromlusttilldawn.com/mouth-guard-for-tmj/
- YouTube. (2020). $1 Fast DIY Grinding Teeth Night Guard - Custom Bruxism Night Guard for Clenching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJz-qQlXTJ4
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
