March 26, 2025
If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), a custom night guard is the best way to protect your smile. But how much does one actually cost? And is it worth the price compared to cheaper over-the-counter options?
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✔ Average costs (with & without insurance)
✔ What affects the price
✔ Why custom guards are worth it
✔ How to save money
| Where You Buy It | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Dentist’s Office | 300−800+ |
| Online Dental Lab (e.g., New Smile Life) | 150−300 |
| With Insurance | 50−300 (after coverage) |
💡 Why the big range? Depends on materials, dentist fees, and lab costs.
Material (hard acrylic vs. dual-layer)
Dentist’s labor fees (varies by location)
Impressions (some offices charge extra)
Insurance coverage (if applicable)
Adjustments (50−150 if it doesn’t fit right)
Replacements (needed every 2-5 years)
Emergency visits (if a cheap guard causes problems)
| Feature | Custom Guard | OTC Guard |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Perfectly molded to your teeth | One-size-fits-all or boil-and-bite |
| Comfort | Thin, easy to sleep in | Bulky, may cause gagging |
| Durability | 2-5 years | 3-6 months |
| Protection | Prevents cracks, TMJ pain | Minimal protection |
| Long-Term Cost | 150−800 once | 20−100 every few months |
💡 Over time, a custom guard often saves money by preventing expensive dental work.
✔ Grind frequently or severely
✔ Have jaw pain or TMJ issues
✔ Want long-term protection (not a temporary fix)
✔ Have insurance coverage (reduces cost)
✔ Only grind occasionally (try a boil-and-bite first)
✔ Are on a very tight budget (but consider long-term risks)
Check Insurance – Many plans cover 50-80%.
Use an HSA/FSA – Pre-tax savings for medical expenses.
Buy Online – Labs like New Smile Life offer dentist-quality guards for less.
Ask About Payment Plans – Some dentists offer financing.
A $300 custom guard might seem expensive, but compare it to:
$1,000+ for a crown (if grinding cracks a tooth)
$3,000+ for TMJ treatment (if jaw damage occurs)
💡 Preventing damage is cheaper than fixing it!
Need an affordable custom guard? Try New Smile Life’s options.
Q: How long does a custom night guard last?
A: 2-5 years with proper care (vs. months for OTC guards).
Q: Can I get a discount if I buy two at once?
A: Some online labs offer bulk deals—ask before ordering.
Q: Does insurance cover replacements?
A: Usually every 3-5 years—check your plan details.
For more cost-saving tips, visit New Smile Life.
Customer Care (toll free):
Sales: 1 (548) 708-6882
Support: 1 (888) 231-7725
Monday-Friday: 9:30am - 4:30pm PST
Closed on weekends & statutory holidays