If you’ve been diagnosed with bruxism, your dentist has most likely recommended a night guard as a form of treatment. However, if your dentist quoted you a price of $700 or more, you’re probably wondering if there are more affordable options available. So, how much does a night guard cost?
There are 3 main ways to purchase a night guard, each with varying price points:
- Custom-fit night guards through your dentist: Can range from $300 to $800.
- Custom-fit night guards from an online retailer: Typically cost between $100 to $200.
- Over-the-counter night guards: Available at drugstores for $15 to $30.
The cost of your night guard depends on where you purchase a nightguard and the severity of your bruxism. In this guide, we’ll explore the different options and help you determine which night guard is right for you.
Types of Mouth Guards and Their Costs
Mouth guards are the dentist recommended treatment for bruxism because they offer protection from the harmful effects of the teeth grinding and clenching, which can lead to tooth pain and sensitivity, jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and poor sleep quality. Choosing the right night guard ensures comfort, durability, and effective protection against teeth grinding and clenching.
Over-the-Counter Mouth Guard Cost
Over-the-counter (OTC) mouth guards include generic "one-size-fits-all" night guards available at drugstores and “boil-and-bite” mouth guards sold at sporting goods stores.
- One-size-fits-all guards: These are not molded to your unique dental features and offer minimal protection.
- Boil-and-bite mouth guards: These are softened in hot water and then molded to your teeth to form an impression, offering a somewhat better fit.
While these OTC mouth guards are the most affordable option, typically ranging from $15 to $30, they are not the ideal solution for treating bruxism or TMJ.
Potential Risks of Over-the-Counter Mouth Guards
Using a one-size-fits-all mouth guard for bruxism can lead to further damage to your teeth and jaw, as it doesn't properly align with your oral structures. Boil-and-bite mouth guards, while slightly more customizable, still wear down faster and may not provide adequate protection for serious teeth grinders.
Sports mouth guards, while effective for protecting teeth during contact sports, are not designed to handle the consistent stress of teeth grinding, which can cause them to deteriorate more quickly.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), an ideal mouth guard should be:
“Properly fitted to the wearer’s mouth and accurately adapted to his or her oral structures.”
Unfortunately, over-the-counter mouth guards lack the customization and durability of custom night guards, making them a less effective long-term solution for bruxism or TMJ.
Custom Fit Mouth Guard Cost From an Online Retailer
Custom-fitted mouthguards are widely regarded as the best treatment option for teeth grinders, as they are designed to fit the unique features of your mouth and teeth. The American Sleep Association explains how custom night guards work to treat bruxism:
"They work by putting a barrier between your teeth. When you clench your jaw, the night guard helps to lighten the tension and give cushion to the muscles in the jaw. This cushioning not only helps to prevent face and jaw pain, but also protects the enamel of your teeth."
A custom-fit night guard purchased online through an online retailer typically costs between $100 and $200. However, the final cost may vary depending on factors such as:
- The severity of your bruxism
- The type of dental guard you choose
- The online retailer you purchase from
When you buy a custom night guard online, the process is simple and convenient. You’ll receive an impression kit by mail, take a dental impression of your teeth at home, and then send it back to the lab. Once the night guard impressions are taken, the dental team will collaborate to create a custom night guard that meets your specific needs and provides optimal protection, which will then be sent back to you.
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Cost of Custom Fit Mouth Guards from the Dentist
Custom mouth guards from a dental office are beneficial because you receive medical advice and recommendations from a healthcare professional who is familiar with your specific condition. The dental professional will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental lab to create a night guard that perfectly fits your teeth.
This option is the best for those suffering from TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) or extreme cases of bruxism where there is misalignment of the teeth.
Custom-fit mouth guards from the dentist are the most expensive option, with prices ranging from $300 to $800. This price reflects the labor, expertise, and professional materials necessary to create a high-quality, custom-fit night guard designed to provide maximum protection and comfort.
- 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
Is a $700 Dentist Night Guard Worth It?
Some individuals may find the initial cost of a night guard from the dentist daunting, but the benefits far outweigh the expense in the long run. It may seem expensive; however, dentist-made night guards are custom-fitted and made from high-quality materials (often made from durable materials such as acrylic) designed to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching.
While the cost is higher upfront, it can save you money in the long run by preventing expensive dental repairs, like fixing cracked or chipped teeth. Investing in a custom night guard now means less pain and fewer dental bills down the road.
If you want the benefit of a professional quality custom-fitted night guard, but would like to save some money, consider getting a custom night guard from an online retailer. Most online retailers offer night guards made using the same materials and process as dentist night guards; the main difference is you take your own teeth impressions using a home impression kit.
Cost of Mouth Guards for Bruxism
The costs we’ve covered so far in the article are the costs of night guards for bruxism. Bruxism can result from various physical, psychological, and genetic factors. Common causes include stress and anxiety, certain medications, and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
Mouth guards are an effective treatment for bruxism because they protect your teeth against teeth grinding and clenching. Additionally, the benefits of using a night guard extend beyond just preventing dental damage; they can also lead to improved sleep quality and reduced jaw tension.
Other oral appliances may be used for treating different conditions, such as mouthguards for sleep apnea or night guards for TMJ relief. The cost of these devices will differ from bruxism night guards.
Cost of Mouth Guards for TMJ
TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) affects between 12% and 15% of the U.S. population. TMJ is a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint that results in pain and discomfort. Common symptoms include facial pain, jaw pain, joint locking, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
Because TMJ is a more complicated disorder, mouth guards designed to treat it tend to cost more than those for bruxism. Additionally, mouth guards that aim to realign the bite are typically more expensive than those that only aim to prevent teeth grinding.
Prices vary depending on the severity of the condition and the specific symptoms, but you can expect a mouth guard for TMJ to cost between $700 and $1,000. It’s important to consult your dentist before purchasing a TMJ mouth guard, as they can provide guidance based on your unique needs and recommend the best treatment options.
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Does Dental Insurance Cover Mouthguard for Bruxism?
Your dentist may have information regarding your dental insurance and whether they cover the cost of your mouthguard or not. Often, mouth guards are covered at 50%, which means you are responsible for paying half of the price, but this is not always the case.
When evaluating the overall cost of night guards, it's important to check with your insurance plans, as many may offer partial coverage or reimbursement options for dental appliances.
To confirm your coverage, review your insurance plan by visiting your provider’s website or calling your insurance company directly. We have covered this topic in more detail in our article here: Does Dental Insurance Cover Night Guards?
A note about HSA / FSA: night guards are eligible for health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) spending. You can pay directly with your HSA card at your dentist and most online retailers.
Conclusion
The best way to learn what a mouthguard is going to cost you is by understanding your condition thoroughly. It's crucial to consult your dentist for personalized options to ensure you’re receiving the best care for your oral health.
Not using a night guard can lead to more dental damage and make existing oral health problems worse. Many people who experience frequent jaw pain or teeth grinding find that the cost of a night guard is a worthwhile investment for their overall dental health and comfort.
While a high-quality, custom-fit night guard may seem expensive, it is significantly more affordable than the cost of restorative dental work. Broken or fractured teeth are costly to repair and require recovery time. You can avoid these complications by investing in a night guard that alleviates pain and protects your smile.
References:
- ADA Writing Staff. (2019). Mouth Guards. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/mouthguards
- ASA Authors & Reviewers. (2018). Night Guard for Bruxism: Teeth Grinding and Clenching. American Sleep Association. https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-treatments/night-guard/
- Gauer, R., & Semidey, M. J. (2015). Diagnosis and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders. American Family Physician. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0315/p378.html#afp20150315p378-b26.