Night Guard Online vs Dentist
24th Feb 2025
Your dentist said you grind your teeth and suggested a night guard for your bruxism, but the cost feels a bit steep. Now you're thinking about buying one online and wondering if it's a good choice. Will it work just as well, or could it cause issues?
You might be asking, what's the difference between a dentist-made night guard and one you buy online?
When choosing between a custom night guard from your dentist's office and an online alternative, it's crucial to weigh the benefits of personalized care against the convenience of at-home options.
Night Guard Online vs Dentist: What Makes It Different?
Do you often wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or other symptoms associated with teeth grinding? Investing in a night guard—whether professionally fitted by a dentist or purchased online—can provide significant relief and safeguard your dental health.
But the cost of a mouth guard from a dentist can be quite high, typically ranging from $400 to $800. This leads many patients to look for cheaper alternatives.
Online night guards have gained popularity as a budget-friendly option. But this brings up an important question: how do the two options stack up? and which one is right for you?
Ways to Get a Custom Night Guard: Dentist vs. Online
- Dentist-Prescribed Night Guard: You start with a visit to the dentist's office, where they take an impression of your teeth. The night guard is then fabricated based on your teeth impressions. Once the night guard is made, you'll return to the dentist office where they'll put it on and check the fit.
- Online Night Guard: An online night guard usually comes with a kit that lets you take your own dental impressions at home. Afterward, the impressions are sent back to the lab, where they use them to make a custom mouthpiece just for you. Once the night guard is made, they'll ship the completed night guard to you.
Price Comparison: Night Guard Online vs. Dentist
One of the main reasons people search for online alternatives is the cost. Here's a breakdown of the typical prices:
- Dentist-Prescribed Night Guard: These can range from $300 to $1,000, depending on where you live and the materials used.
- Online Night Guards: Online night guards typically cost around $100 to $200, making them a much more affordable option.
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Effectiveness: Night Guard Online vs. Dentist
Both online and dentist-prescribed night guards are designed to protect your teeth from grinding, but the main difference lies in how they are made:
Dentist-Prescribed Night Guards: The process of obtaining a night guard through a dentist typically involves detailed fitting and customization, which can enhance comfort and efficacy compared to over-the-counter or generic online options.
Pros and Cons of Dentist-Prescribed Night Guards
Pros:
- Custom Fit: The dentist takes accurate impressions, ensuring a proper fit and maximum comfort.
- Ongoing Support: You have the advantage of follow-up appointments if adjustments are needed.
Cons:
- High Cost: Significantly more expensive than online options.
- Inconvenience: Requires in-person visits to the dentist, which can be time-consuming.
Online Night Guards: You take your own impressions at home using a kit. While most companies give clear instructions, the accuracy of your impressions can vary, which might affect the fit and effectiveness of the night guard.
Pros and Cons of Online Night Guards
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Much cheaper than getting one from a dentist.
- Convenient: You can take impressions at home, avoiding extra trips to the dentist.
Cons:
- Fit May Vary: The fit and quality can vary depending on the online brand you choose. Some brands offer higher quality and a better product than others.
- No In-Person Adjustments: If the guard doesn’t fit well, simply send it back for adjustment.
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- 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
Will an Online Night Guard Cause Harm?
One common concern is whether a night guard purchased online might cause harm. In most cases, a poorly fitting night guard can lead to discomfort, gum irritation, and, in rare cases, changes in your bite. This is why fit is critical.
While online night guards can be effective, it's essential to follow the instructions carefully when taking impressions. If your online night guard doesn’t fit well or causes discomfort, it’s worth contacting the retailer for adjustments.
How to Choose the Best Online Night Guard
With so many types of online nightguard options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to choose. Here’s how to evaluate your options:
- Reputation of the Company: Look for reviews from verified customers to ensure the company has a good track record for product quality and customer service.
- Material durability: Opt for a type of night guard made from high-quality, durable materials like dental-grade plastic. The material should be BPA-free and latex-free.
- Fit Guarantee: Choose a company that offers a fit guarantee, so you can send the night guard back for adjustments if needed.
- Return Policy: Review whether the company has a fair return policy in case the night guard doesn’t work for you.
- Customer Support: Look for companies that offer strong customer support, so you can ask questions or get help using the impression kit.
FAQs:
Are online night guards as effective as dentist-prescribed ones?
Online night guards can work well if they are made from quality materials and the impressions are done correctly. Many online brands offer a money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the night guard and return it if it doesn’t work properly.
How long does an online night guard last compared to a dentist-prescribed one?
The lifespan of a night guard depends on the material and how often you grind your teeth. A well-made night guard, whether bought online or from your dentist, can last for several years.
High-quality online night guards can be just as durable as those from a dentist.
In fact, some brands that offer top-notch night guards have their own dental labs, which also produce night guards for dentists.
Is the material used for online night guards the same as dentist-prescribed ones?
Online night guards often use similar high-quality, dental-grade materials, like BPA-free and latex-free plastic. However, the quality can vary between providers, so it's essential to choose a reputable company for the best results.
How do I know if an online night guard is of good quality?
When selecting an online mouthguard, opt for brands that have their own dental labs, use dental-grade materials, have positive reviews, and provide a fit guarantee. Customer testimonials and the brand's reputation can also give you a good idea of the quality.
How can I make sure the night guard I bought online fits well?
You can bring the night guard you purchase online to your next dentist consultation (preferably while still under warranty or money-back guarantee) so your dentist can check the fit and make sure it’s right for you. They can also make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit and comfort.
Why is it important to wear a well-fitted night guard?
A well-fitted night guard is crucial because it helps protect your teeth from grinding, clenching, or bruxism while you sleep. It also prevents jaw pain and other related issues. A poorly fitted night guard can cause discomfort and even worsen the problem by putting excess pressure on certain areas of your mouth.
What if I am not satisfied with my online night guard?
If you're having problems with your online night guard, visit the company's return policy to see if they offer a money-back guarantee or exchange for a better-fitting one. Some companies also provide free adjustments within a certain timeframe after purchase.
Conclusion
When choosing between a nightguard from your dentist or one bought online, it's important to weigh factors like cost, fit, convenience, and professional support. A dentist-made night guard offers a precise fit impression and expert guidance, while an online option is more affordable if cost is your main concern.
No matter which option you choose, the key is ensuring your night guard fits properly and gives you the protection needed to prevent damage from teeth grinding.
Don't be afraid to book an appointment with your dentist or contact the online company for any questions or concerns you may have. Remember, a well-fitted night guard can make all the difference in protecting your teeth and improving your sleep.
- 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
