By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
Waking up to find a hole in your night guard — or a clean split down the middle — is frustrating and a little alarming. You bought the guard to protect your teeth, and now the guard itself is the thing falling apart. The good news: biting through a night guard is rarely a sign that night guards "don't work for you." It's almost always a mismatch between the guard's thickness and material and how hard you actually grind.
This guide breaks down why night guards crack and wear through, which thickness and material heavy grinders actually need, and how to get a durable custom night guard in Canada without paying dental-clinic prices.
Most over-the-counter and entry-level guards are designed for light to moderate clenching. Heavy grinders — people whose partners can hear the grinding from across the room, or who already have visible tooth wear — generate enough force to chew through soft material in a matter of months. If your guard has a worn groove or a hole where your lower teeth sit, your grinding has simply outpaced what that guard was made to handle.
Night guards are not one-size-fits-all. A soft, flexible guard feels comfortable but sacrifices durability; a hard acrylic guard is rigid and lasts longer under heavy force but takes more getting used to. Many people who bite through their guard chose the softest option for comfort — and for a heavy grinder, that's the wrong trade-off. For related context on how material choice affects protection, see our hard vs soft night guard Canada guide.
Boil-and-bite guards from a drugstore are made from thermoplastic that softens in hot water — which is exactly why they fit, and exactly why they fail. Under sustained nightly force, that same material deforms, thins out, and tears. If you've been cycling through cheap guards every few weeks, that's the design, not your fault. A custom-fabricated guard from a dental lab uses harder, lab-grade materials engineered for repeated nightly wear.
Even the right guard wears out. Hot water, leaving it in a hot car, or cleaning with abrasive toothpaste all degrade the material faster. A guard that's been warped by heat won't seat evenly, which concentrates force on one spot and speeds up cracking. Knowing when to replace your night guard is part of not ending up biting through it.
It's tempting to keep wearing a guard with a small crack "just until the replacement arrives." Don't. A cracked guard has lost its structural integrity, which means:
A hairline crack becomes a full split quickly under grinding force. Once you see a crack or a worn-through spot, retire the guard that day and order a replacement.
Thickness is the single biggest factor in whether a guard survives heavy grinding. Most custom guards fall between 1mm and 3mm, and the right choice tracks directly with how hard you grind:
| Thickness | Typical material | Best for | Durability under heavy grinding |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1mm | Soft / thin thermoplastic | Light clenching, daytime use | Low — bites through fast |
| 1.5mm | Soft EVA or hard acrylic | Light to moderate grinding | Low–moderate |
| 2mm | Hybrid (hard outer, soft inner) | Moderate grinding — most popular | Moderate |
| 3mm | Hard acrylic / extra-durable | Heavy to severe grinding | High — built to take force |
The pattern is simple: the harder and thicker the material, the more grinding force it absorbs before failing. If you've bitten through a 1mm or soft guard, step up to a 2mm hybrid or a 3mm hard guard. Going thicker than 3mm usually isn't necessary and can feel bulky enough to strain your jaw.
A custom night guard through a Canadian dental clinic typically runs several hundred dollars and requires in-office appointments. An online custom provider cuts out the clinic overhead: NewSmile's custom night guard is from $139 CAD on subscription / $199 CAD one-time, fabricated from a home impression kit and shipped to your door. For heavy grinders who go through guards faster, the subscription lowers the per-guard cost and keeps a fresh one coming before the old one wears through.
If bruxism has also started shifting your teeth and you need to hold your alignment, a custom clear retainer in Canada can run alongside your night guard — they solve different problems, and some grinders use both.
Stop replacing guards that bite through.
Get a custom night guard matched to your grinding level — fabricated from a home impression kit, shipped in Canada, from $139 CAD on subscription.
Yes — a custom guard can still crack or wear through if it's too thin or too soft for your bite force. Heavy grinders who choose a soft 1mm guard can bite through it in months. Choosing a harder or thicker material (2–3mm) is what prevents it.
Heavy to severe grinders generally do best with a 3mm hard or extra-durable guard, or a 2mm hybrid. Anything 1mm or soft is built for light clenching and will fail quickly under heavy grinding.
There's no single number because it depends on material and force, but a hard custom guard lasts meaningfully longer than a soft one for a heavy grinder. If you're replacing a soft guard every few months, stepping up in thickness and material extends that interval considerably.
Hard. Soft guards flex and absorb light force comfortably, but heavy grinding deforms them. A hard acrylic guard resists the force instead of yielding to it, which is exactly what a heavy grinder needs.
Through a dental clinic, several hundred CAD. Through an online custom provider like NewSmile, a custom night guard starts from $139 CAD on subscription or $199 CAD one-time, made from a home impression kit.
No. A cracked guard no longer protects the cracked area, can cut your soft tissue, and may split further and become a choking hazard. Stop using it as soon as you notice the crack and order a replacement right away.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you finished aligners or braces and you’re comparing retainer subscriptions, Cheeky and NewSmile are two of the names that come up most. They look similar on the surface — both mail you an impression kit, both make a custom clear retainer in a dental lab, both offer a subscription so you never wear a stretched-out tray. The differences that matter to a Canadian buyer are quietly buried in the pricing currency, the shipping route, and how each subscription actually renews.
This 2026 comparison breaks down exactly where Cheeky and NewSmile differ for Canadian customers — price, turnaround, subscription structure, materials, and support — so you can pick the one that actually fits a Canadian address and a Canadian budget.
Both companies make the same core product: a custom clear Essix retainer — a thin, transparent tray vacuum-formed to a model of your teeth from impressions you take at home. Neither requires a dentist visit, and both use BPA-free, latex-free dental-grade plastic. The retainer’s job is identical in both cases: hold your teeth in their post-treatment position and stop the slow relapse that happens when retainers get skipped.
Where they diverge is the operating model. Cheeky is a U.S.-based direct-to-consumer brand — retainers are fabricated in U.S. dental labs, prices are listed in U.S. dollars, and the brand’s eligibility framing (HSA/FSA) is built around U.S. tax accounts. NewSmile runs a Canada-first service: CAD pricing, free standard shipping to all Canadian provinces and territories, and a Health Canada–registered production facility. For a Canadian deciding between the two, that origin difference shows up in your final cost and your wait time more than in the plastic itself.
| Factor | Cheeky Retainers | NewSmile Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Retainer type | Custom clear Essix (BPA/latex-free) | Custom clear Essix (BPA/latex-free) |
| Pricing currency | USD (U.S. dollars) | CAD (Canadian dollars) |
| One-time retainer | ~$133 USD (listed price) | from $199 CAD one-time |
| Subscription price | ~$98 USD first retainer + kit, ~$49 USD each additional | from $139 CAD on subscription |
| Subscription cadence | Every 3 or 6 months | Scheduled fresh retainers |
| Where it’s made | U.S. dental labs | Health Canada–registered facility |
| Shipping | Free shipping (U.S.-centric); Canadian orders may cross the border | Free standard shipping across Canada |
| Impression process | At-home kit, prepaid return mailer | At-home kit, prepaid return mailer |
| Fit guarantee | 30-day fit guarantee | Remake support if impressions fail |
| Tax-claim framing | HSA/FSA (U.S. accounts) | Canadian Medical Expense Tax Credit eligibility (keep your receipt) |
Cheeky prices above are taken from getcheeky.com’s published U.S. list prices and are shown in USD; Canadians pay in USD and should factor in currency conversion. NewSmile prices are in CAD. Always confirm current pricing on each brand’s site before ordering.
The single biggest difference for a Canadian buyer is currency. Cheeky’s listed retainer price looks low at first glance — roughly $133 USD one-time, or a subscription that starts around $98 USD for your first retainer plus impression kit and about $49 USD for each additional retainer. But that number is in U.S. dollars. At typical CAD/USD exchange rates, you’re paying meaningfully more in Canadian funds than the sticker suggests, plus any foreign-transaction fees your card adds.
NewSmile quotes you in Canadian dollars from the start: from $199 CAD one-time, or from $139 CAD on subscription. No math, no conversion surprise, no cross-border card fee. For a product you’ll re-order on a subscription for years, that currency certainty compounds — every renewal is a known CAD number, not a moving USD target.
When you line the two up on a like-for-like CAD basis, NewSmile’s subscription is the more predictable cost, and it’s priced for a Canadian wallet without a hidden FX layer.
Clear retainers don’t last forever. Most last roughly 6–12 months of nightly wear before they thin, stretch, or cloud up — and a stretched retainer stops holding your teeth where they belong. That’s the whole point of a subscription: a fresh tray shows up before the old one quietly stops working.
Cheeky ships a new retainer every 3 or 6 months, with additional retainers billed at a lower per-unit price once you’re subscribed. The 3-month option is aggressive — useful for heavy grinders who chew through plastic — but it also means more frequent charges in USD.
NewSmile offers a subscription that delivers fresh retainers on a set schedule so you never hit the “I’ve been wearing the same tray for two years and my teeth are drifting” problem. Because it’s billed in CAD and ships from within the Canadian flow, each renewal is a fixed, predictable cost with no cross-border variability. You can start a NewSmile retainer subscription here and set the cadence that matches how fast you wear through a tray.
Turnaround is where operating model meets geography. Cheeky quotes roughly 5–7 business days to design and ship a retainer after it receives your impressions — but that timeline is built around U.S. shipping lanes. A Canadian order has to clear the border, which can add customs hold time and, depending on the shipment, duty or brokerage considerations that a domestic order never sees.
NewSmile’s Canadian service ships free standard shipping across Canada, with your kit and finished retainer moving through the domestic postal/courier network rather than crossing an international border. For most Canadians, that means fewer surprises in both delivery time and final landed cost. Your kit ships as soon as your order is placed, and your finished retainer ships as soon as production is complete — NewSmile does not promise a fixed “48-hour” window, because real production time depends on how clean your impressions are.
On the plastic itself, there isn’t much daylight between the two. Both use dental-grade, BPA-free, latex-free clear Essix material fabricated in a professional dental lab from your at-home impressions. Both ship a prepaid return mailer for your impressions. Both offer some form of fit recourse if the tray doesn’t seat — Cheeky advertises a 30-day fit guarantee, and NewSmile provides remake support when an impression doesn’t capture the arch cleanly.
So if you’ve seen a claim that one brand’s plastic is “stronger” or “more invisible” than the other, treat it with skepticism — the underlying material category is the same. The real durability variable is you: how heavily you grind, how consistently you clean the tray, and whether you replace it on schedule. Which brings us to cleaning.
Either retainer lasts longer when you clean it properly — and properly does not mean scrubbing it with a toothbrush and toothpaste, which micro-scratches the clear plastic and turns it cloudy fast. Rinse after every wear, soak regularly, and let an ultrasonic cleaner do the heavy lifting on buildup. A consistent cleaning routine is the single biggest lever on how long a clear retainer stays clear and snug — and it’s the reason a subscription exists in the first place, to swap the tray before neglect catches up with it.
Get a custom retainer built for Canada — in CAD, shipped free.
NewSmile’s custom clear retainer ships free across Canada with at-home impressions, no dentist visit, and a subscription that keeps a fresh tray on schedule. From $139 CAD on subscription / $199 CAD one-time.
Here’s a question that decides which product you actually need: are you only holding your teeth in place, or are you also grinding them down at night? A retainer’s job is retention — keeping teeth where orthodontics left them. A night guard’s job is protection — absorbing the forces of bruxism so your enamel doesn’t fracture and your jaw doesn’t take the load.
If you grind heavily, a thin clear retainer can wear through fast (another reason subscriptions exist) and it isn’t engineered to take grinding force the way a proper night guard is. Many post-treatment Canadians actually need both: a retainer for alignment and a night guard for bruxism. If grinding is part of your picture, look at NewSmile’s custom night guard for teeth grinding alongside your retainer so you’re protecting the smile you just paid to straighten.
One more Canada-specific wrinkle: the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) does not cover custom retainers or night guards — they’re excluded as orthodontic/periodontal appliances — so neither Cheeky nor NewSmile is “covered” by the federal plan. Where NewSmile has an edge for Canadian tax filers is receipt simplicity: you get a CAD invoice you can keep for a Health Spending Account or the Canadian Medical Expense Tax Credit when a retainer is medically recommended. Cheeky’s HSA/FSA framing is built for U.S. tax accounts and doesn’t map cleanly onto a Canadian return.
For a U.S. customer, Cheeky is a legitimate, well-reviewed subscription with a slick 3-month cadence. For a Canadian customer, the equation tilts clearly to NewSmile:
If you want the shortest version: Cheeky makes a good retainer, but it’s priced and shipped for the U.S. NewSmile makes the same category of retainer, priced and shipped for Canada. For most Canadians retaining post-treatment results, that’s the decision.
Not on a like-for-like CAD basis. Cheeky’s list prices are in USD (~$133 USD one-time, ~$98 USD subscription starter), so after currency conversion and any card FX fees the real Canadian cost is higher than the sticker. NewSmile quotes from $139 CAD on subscription and $199 CAD one-time, with no conversion layer.
Cheeky is a U.S.-based direct-to-consumer lab that prices in USD and frames its benefits around U.S. HSA/FSA accounts. Canadian orders cross the U.S. border, so factor in currency conversion and potential customs/border time. NewSmile ships free within Canada in CAD with no border crossing.
If you grind heavily, a retainer alone isn’t the right tool — a custom night guard is engineered to absorb grinding force. NewSmile makes both a custom retainer and a custom night guard, so you can pair retention with bruxism protection from one Canadian-priced source.
Both use dental-grade, BPA-free, latex-free clear Essix-style plastic made in a professional lab from your at-home impressions. The material category is effectively a tie — durability depends more on your cleaning routine and replacement cadence than on the brand.
No. The Canadian Dental Care Plan excludes custom retainers and night guards, so neither brand is federally covered. A NewSmile CAD receipt can support a Health Spending Account or the Medical Expense Tax Credit when a retainer is medically recommended.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If your dentist just told you that you need a night guard for teeth grinding (bruxism), your first question is probably: will my insurance pay for it? In Canada, the answer depends on your plan type, your province, and how the device is billed. This guide walks through every coverage pathway available to Canadians in 2026.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan, introduced by the federal government in 2024 for uninsured Canadians with household income under $90,000, covers essential dental services. As of 2026, the CDCP does not cover custom occlusal splints or night guards for adults. The CDCP focuses on preventive care: exams, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and extractions.
If CDCP is your only dental coverage, a custom lab-made guard from NewSmile Canada starts at $139 CAD on subscription — compared to $600–$900 CAD through a dental office.
Extended health benefit plans offered through employers, unions, or purchased independently are the most common path to night guard coverage in Canada.
| Plan Type | Typical Night Guard Coverage | Annual Max |
|---|---|---|
| Basic employer dental (no major dental) | Usually excluded | $500–$1,000 |
| Standard employer plan (Sun Life, Manulife, Green Shield) | 50–80% under major restorative | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Professional or executive plan | Up to 80–100% | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Individual plan (privately purchased) | Varies — check major restorative section | $500–$2,000 |
Most major Canadian insurers — Sun Life, Manulife, Great-West Life, and Green Shield Canada — do cover custom night guards under major restorative dental, at 50–80% co-insurance after your deductible.
If your employer provides a Health Spending Account (HSA), a custom night guard for bruxism typically qualifies as an eligible medical expense under the CRA’s guidelines. Keep your receipt and any written recommendation from a dentist for reimbursement documentation.
You can also claim eligible night guard expenses on your personal income tax return under the medical expense tax credit (line 33099). Check CRA’s medical expense guidance for current thresholds.
Extended health benefit plans generally require a dentist’s claim submission for major restorative dental benefits. If you order a custom night guard directly from an online lab without going through a dentist, most insurers will not reimburse it through major dental benefits.
However, HSA claims and medical expense tax credits are more flexible — the appliance is the qualifying expense regardless of where it was fabricated. The practical approach:
Custom Night Guard from $139 CAD — Ships to Every Province
NewSmile Canada’s custom lab-made night guard uses a home impression kit — no dentist appointment needed to order. Starts at $139 CAD on subscription ($199 CAD one-time). Compatible with most HSA reimbursement claims.
Sun Life’s standard employer group dental plans typically cover occlusal splints under major restorative dental benefits, commonly at 50% co-insurance after your deductible. Log into MySunLife and check your benefits booklet under “Major Restorative” to confirm.
Manulife employer group plans often include night guard coverage under major dental care, subject to your plan’s co-insurance rate (commonly 50–80%) and annual maximum. Check your plan booklet to confirm whether occlusal appliances are covered.
No. As of 2026, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) does not cover custom occlusal splints or night guards for adults. The CDCP covers essential dental care only.
Yes. A custom night guard prescribed for bruxism qualifies as an eligible medical expense under the CRA’s guidelines. You can claim it through an HSA or on your personal tax return under the medical expense tax credit (line 33099).
Through a dental office, a custom night guard in Canada typically costs $600–$900 CAD. Online labs like NewSmile Canada offer custom lab-made night guards from $139 CAD on subscription, using a home impression kit.
Yes. A custom night guard for bruxism is generally an eligible expense under a Canadian HSA. Keep your receipt and any dentist documentation confirming the bruxism diagnosis.
They are the same device. “Occlusal splint” is the clinical and insurance billing term for what patients commonly call a “night guard.”
References:
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you've started looking for a custom night guard in Canada, you've probably already hit the first real decision point: soft or hard? The choice isn't as obvious as it sounds. Different materials work for different grinding patterns, and picking the wrong one can mean replacing your guard every few months instead of every few years.
This guide breaks down exactly what separates soft, hard, and hybrid night guards — and which Canadian patients should be wearing which type.
Soft night guards are made from a flexible, rubber-like thermoplastic material (typically ethylene-vinyl acetate, or EVA). They're the most widely available type and the most comfortable for first-time wearers. The material gives slightly under pressure, which makes initial adjustment easier.
Best for: Mild clenching, light-to-moderate bruxism, patients with dental sensitivity who find hard appliances uncomfortable.
Lifespan: 6–12 months with regular use. Heavy grinders often wear through them faster.
The hidden problem with soft guards: Research has documented a counterintuitive finding — for some bruxism patients, the pliable texture gives the jaw muscles something satisfying to bite into, which can actually intensify grinding rather than reduce it. If you wake up with your jaw still aching after weeks of wearing a soft guard, this may be why.
Hard night guards are fabricated from rigid acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA) or copolyester. They don't flex under bite pressure. Instead, they create a flat, even occlusal surface that distributes grinding forces across multiple contact points simultaneously, which reduces the load on any individual tooth.
Best for: Moderate-to-severe grinding, TMJ disorder, patients who have cracked or worn down enamel, anyone whose soft guard has already failed.
Lifespan: 2–5 years with proper care.
The downside: Hard guards have a longer adjustment period. Most patients need 2–4 weeks before wearing one through the night comfortably. Wearing it for shorter periods at first helps.
Hybrid guards combine both materials: a soft EVA inner layer that moulds comfortably against your teeth and a hard acrylic outer shell that resists grinding forces. They're the most popular option among online dental labs in Canada, including those shipping custom guards from CAD $129.
Best for: Moderate grinders who want comfort without sacrificing durability. Also the easiest transition for patients moving away from boil-and-bite OTC guards.
Lifespan: 1–3 years depending on grinding severity.
| Feature | Soft | Hard | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort (first week) | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
| Protection (heavy grinders) | Limited | Excellent | Good |
| Lifespan | 6–12 months | 2–5 years | 1–3 years |
| TMJ symptom relief | Limited | Best | Moderate |
| Risk of worsening clenching | Higher | None | Low |
| Entry price (custom, Canada) | From $129 CAD | From $199 CAD | From $169 CAD |
Soft guards are the right starting point for a specific subset of patients:
If you've worn a soft guard for more than 3 months and are still waking up with jaw pain or headaches, that's a clear signal to move to a dual-laminate or hard guard.
Dental sleep medicine specialists consistently recommend hard acrylic guards for anyone with:
The adjustment period is real, but it's manageable. Wear the guard for 2–3 hours before sleep for the first week to get accustomed to the feeling, then progress to wearing it all night.
Hybrid guards hit the sweet spot for most moderate grinders. The soft inner layer adapts to your tooth surface for a secure, comfortable fit, while the hard outer shell takes the grinding impact without deforming. They're also the most commonly available format through online custom labs in Canada.
The main limitation: hybrid guards aren't adjustable for bite alignment the way a pure hard acrylic guard is. If your dentist has recommended bite equilibration for TMJ treatment, a full hard guard is the better choice.
Significantly. Boil-and-bite guards from Shoppers Drug Mart or Amazon fit loosely, move during sleep, and are typically made from lower-grade EVA. A loose guard can shift tooth position over time, especially if worn nightly for months.
Custom night guards in Canada are fabricated in a dental lab from your actual tooth impressions. The fit is precise, the material grade is clinical, and the occlusal surface is even. At-home impression kit providers like NewSmile Canada deliver lab-made custom guards starting at $129 CAD — roughly 70–80% less than a dentist's $400–$800 clinic price — using the same materials and manufacturing process.
If you're comparing against other online custom night guard brands in Canada, the key differences to check are: which material types they offer, whether the lab is Canadian or US-based (which affects customs), and whether shipping is included in the CAD price.
Regardless of material type, cleaning your night guard consistently extends its lifespan significantly. Rinse with cold water immediately after removing it each morning. For a deeper clean, use an ultrasonic cleaner designed for dental appliances — these remove biofilm, bacteria, and staining far more effectively than manual brushing, which can micro-scratch soft or hybrid guards and create surface areas where bacteria accumulate. Never use hot water, which warps the fit.
Protect your teeth with a lab-made custom night guard from NewSmile Canada.
Available in soft, dual-laminate, and hard acrylic. Made from your at-home impressions by a dental lab — no clinic visit, no clinic pricing. Ships Canada-wide and we ship as soon as production is complete.
For most bruxism patients in Canada, a hard or dual-laminate (hybrid) night guard is clinically preferred. Soft guards are comfortable but wear down quickly and can encourage heavier clenching in some patients. Hard acrylic guards provide better protection, last longer, and offer better relief for TMJ-related jaw pain. See our guide on night guard costs in Canada for current pricing across all types.
A soft custom night guard typically lasts 6–12 months. A dual-laminate guard lasts 1–3 years. A hard acrylic guard can last 2–5 years with proper care. Lifespan depends heavily on bruxism severity — heavy grinders will replace guards more frequently regardless of material.
Yes. At-home impression kit providers like NewSmile Canada offer custom hard, soft, and dual-laminate night guards fabricated by a dental lab. The process uses the same impression-to-lab workflow as a dental clinic, at a fraction of the cost. Guards are shipped Canada-wide with no currency conversion or customs surprises.
As of 2026, the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) does not cover custom night guards for bruxism. However, custom night guards may qualify as a medical expense under the CRA's Medical Expense Tax Credit. If your employer provides a Health Spending Account (HSA), a bruxism night guard is typically an eligible claim — check your plan documentation or consult a tax professional.
Thickness depends on grinding severity. Light grinders typically do well with a 1–1.5mm soft guard. Moderate grinders benefit from a 2mm dual-laminate guard. Heavy grinders and TMJ patients generally need a 3mm hard acrylic guard. Most online labs in Canada offer multiple thickness options when you order.
In some cases, a soft night guard can make clenching more intense. The pliable material gives jaw muscles a surface to engage against more forcefully. This is why dental specialists typically recommend hard acrylic for diagnosed bruxism. If your symptoms worsen after starting a soft guard, switching to a hard or hybrid guard usually resolves the problem. Learn more about custom vs boil-and-bite night guards for teeth grinding in Canada.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you grind your teeth at night, you already know how hard it is to find a custom night guard that doesn't require a dentist visit and a $600+ bill. Two brands come up constantly when Canadians search online: Cheeky and NewSmile. Both ship direct to your door. Both use home impression kits. But they are built for very different markets â and the one that's right for you depends heavily on where you're ordering from.
This is a full comparison for Canadian buyers specifically. Pricing, process, materials, turnaround, and the currency issue Cheeky never mentions on its product page.
Cheeky is a US-based direct-to-consumer dental brand that sells custom night guards through a mail-in impression process. You order the kit, take impressions of your teeth at home, mail it back to their US lab, and receive a custom-fitted guard. Their product line runs from soft EVA guards to dual-layer (hard acrylic outer shell, soft inner cushion) guards used for heavier grinding.
Cheeky's guards are well-reviewed in the United States. The problem for Canadians: Cheeky operates entirely in USD and ships from the US. There is no Canadian storefront, no CAD pricing, and no information on their site about duties, taxes, or customs fees for Canadian orders. As of 2026, their single-guard pricing starts at approximately US$163 â which converts to roughly $220â$225 CAD at current exchange rates, before any import fees CBSA may apply.
That cost creep is real. A standard Cheeky night guard that looks affordable on their homepage can land on your doorstep costing $250â$280+ CAD by the time all charges clear. There is no way to know upfront, and Cheeky's checkout does not disclose this for Canadian addresses.
NewSmile's night guard is designed and priced for the Canadian market. Available at newsmilelife.ca, the process works as follows:
NewSmile offers both soft guards for light-to-moderate grinding and dual-layer guards for heavier bruxism. Pricing starts at $129 CAD, with no currency conversion, no hidden import fees, and free shipping across Canada. Everything is priced, processed, and supported within Canada.
NewSmile also ships as soon as production is complete â there's no artificial delay built into the process. Typical turnaround from impression receipt to delivery is a few weeks, comparable to any custom dental lab.
| Feature | Cheeky | NewSmile Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | US$163+ (~$220+ CAD) | From $129 CAD |
| Canadian pricing | No â USD only | Yes â CAD |
| Import duties/customs | Possible â not disclosed | None |
| Process | Mail-in impression | Mail-in impression |
| Guard options | Soft, dual-layer | Soft, dual-layer |
| Ships from | United States | Canada |
| Canadian support | US-based only | Canadian team |
This deserves its own section because it catches a lot of Canadian buyers off guard. Cheeky's website displays prices in USD. When a Canadian customer checks out, their credit card processes the charge in USD, and the Canadian bank applies a foreign exchange conversion â typically 2.5â3% above the posted rate. So the ~$220 CAD estimate at the time of order can easily become $225â$228 CAD by the time it appears on your statement.
Then there is the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) consideration. Custom-fabricated dental appliances shipped from the US to Canada can attract duties and GST/HST depending on classification. Cheeky does not address this anywhere in their Canadian ordering flow. Some customers report no additional charges; others report a CBSA fee on delivery. You have no way to know which outcome you'll get until the parcel arrives.
NewSmile eliminates this entirely. Every order on newsmilelife.ca is in CAD, processed domestically, and shipped without crossing a border. What you see at checkout is what you pay.
For a complete picture of what you should expect to pay for a custom night guard in Canada, see our guide: How Much Does a Night Guard Cost in Canada? (2026 Buyer's Guide).
Cheeky has a solid reputation in the US, particularly for their dual-layer guard's durability. The hard outer shell resists wear from heavy grinders, while the softer inner layer protects tooth enamel. This is the same two-material construction NewSmile uses for their dual-layer option.
The quality difference between the two products is not significant enough to justify paying 40â50% more CAD for a Cheeky guard after currency conversion â especially when you factor in the customs uncertainty. Both are custom-fabricated from dental impressions. Both use lab-grade materials. The clinical outcome â a guard that fits your teeth precisely and prevents grinding damage â is functionally identical.
Where Cheeky has historically invested more is in branding and packaging. If that matters to you, it's worth knowing. But for Canadian bruxism sufferers focused on protecting their teeth without overpaying, the price gap is not justified by any clinical difference in the guards themselves.
To see how the major Canadian night guard brands stack up, read: Best Night Guard Canada 2026: Every Major Brand Compared.
Choose NewSmile if: You want a custom night guard in CAD with no currency surprises, free Canadian shipping, and support from a Canadian team. This applies to the vast majority of Canadian buyers â the pricing alone makes it the default choice.
Choose Cheeky if: You are a US-based buyer (or have a US address and credit card) and want a well-reviewed American brand with a strong track record. For Canadians specifically, the value proposition doesn't hold up.
If you are unsure whether you need a night guard or a retainer, this guide will help: Retainer vs Night Guard Canada: Which Do You Actually Need?
Protect your teeth from grinding â without paying USD conversion fees.
NewSmile's custom night guard is made from your impressions, built to fit your exact bite, and starts at $129 CAD with free shipping across Canada. No dentist visit, no border fees, no currency surprises.
Yes, Cheeky can ship to Canadian addresses, but they price and charge in USD with no CAD equivalent. Canadian buyers absorb currency conversion costs and may face CBSA customs fees on delivery. The total landed cost is typically $220â$280+ CAD, compared to NewSmile's $129 CAD with no import surprises.
For Canadian buyers, the best option is one with CAD pricing, domestic shipping, and no customs uncertainty. NewSmile's custom night guard meets all three criteria, starting at $129 CAD. See our full best night guard Canada 2026 roundup for a complete ranking.
Custom night guards in Canada range from $129 CAD (online labs like NewSmile) to $600â$800+ CAD from a traditional dental clinic. The quality from a reputable online lab is equivalent to what a dentist office sends out â both use the same fabrication process. For a full breakdown, see How Much Does a Night Guard Cost in Canada?
Both brands use custom-fabricated dual-layer guards made from dental-grade materials. The clinical quality is comparable. Cheeky has strong brand recognition in the US, but for Canadian buyers the added cost from currency conversion and potential customs fees is not justified by any measurable difference in the guard itself.
Custom occlusal night guards are commonly recommended for both bruxism (teeth grinding) and TMJ symptom management. A properly fitted guard reduces the pressure on your temporomandibular joint during sleep and prevents further enamel wear. Both Cheeky and NewSmile's dual-layer guards serve this dual function.
As of 2026, the CDCP covers certain dental services for eligible Canadians, but coverage for night guards and occlusal splints varies by province and individual plan coverage. Online-ordered custom guards purchased directly from labs like NewSmile are generally out-of-pocket purchases. Check with your provincial dental coverage or extended benefits provider for details specific to your plan.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you've been researching custom retainers in Canada, Smile Brilliant has probably come up. They're well-known for their teeth whitening products and have built a reputation as a direct-to-consumer dental lab. But how do they actually perform for Canadian buyers looking for a clear retainer — and how do they compare to NewSmile Canada, which operates from within Canada?
This guide breaks down everything Canadians need to know before ordering: what you actually get, how the cross-border experience plays out, and whether Smile Brilliant's retainer holds up against a Canadian-based alternative.
Smile Brilliant is a US-based direct-to-consumer dental lab. Their primary product line centres on custom teeth whitening trays, but they have expanded into night guards, clear retainers, and sports guards. Their model works through an at-home impression kit: you receive a tray and putty, take dental impressions yourself, mail them back to the US lab, and the finished appliance is shipped to you. Smile Brilliant is FDA-registered and has served a large customer base in the US. However, they are not a Canadian company and do not have a Canadian storefront or CAD pricing.
Smile Brilliant's custom clear retainer is an Essix-style retainer — the same thin, transparent plastic tray type used by most online labs and by orthodontists post-treatment. They offer both upper and lower arch options.
All Smile Brilliant prices are listed in USD. There is no CAD pricing on their site. The USD-to-CAD exchange rate means any product priced in USD costs approximately 35-40% more in Canadian dollars before adding any fees.
For Canadian orders, Smile Brilliant charges international shipping both ways: once to send the impression kit, and once to deliver the finished retainer. Return shipping of impressions from Canada typically runs an additional $15-$25 CAD from Canada Post.
Dental appliances shipped from the US to Canada may be subject to customs duties and HST/GST at the border. Smile Brilliant explicitly notes they are not responsible for customs fees or import taxes.
Canadians typically wait 4-7 weeks total for any impression-kit product from a US lab, vs. 2-3 weeks for a domestic Canadian lab.
| Smile Brilliant | NewSmile Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Based in | USA | Canada |
| Currency | USD (no CAD option) | CAD — $99 |
| Shipping to Canada | International (paid, both ways) | Canada-wide, included |
| Customs risk | Yes — not covered | None |
| GST/HST invoicing | US company — varies | Canadian invoice included |
| Customer support | US timezone | Canadian team |
Many Canadians with employer dental benefits or HSA coverage want to submit a CAD invoice for a retainer claim. A USD invoice from a US company complicates reimbursement. NewSmile Canada issues a Canadian invoice in CAD. For more on retainer costs in Canada, see our complete Canadian retainer pricing guide.
Retainers need regular replacement every 12-24 months. Each replacement order from a US lab means repeating the entire cross-border process. With NewSmile Canada replacements, orders are placed in CAD with no customs friction.
For the vast majority of Canadians, the math doesn't work in Smile Brilliant's favour for a standalone retainer purchase. USD-to-CAD conversion, international shipping both ways, return postage, and potential customs fees make the total cost considerably higher than $99 CAD all-in from a Canadian lab.
If you're comparing all your options, our guide to ordering retainers online in Canada vs. a dentist covers the full decision in more detail.
Order a Canadian-made custom clear retainer — no cross-border hassle.
NewSmile Canada retainers are priced at $99 CAD, shipped Canada-wide with no customs risk, and invoiced in CAD for insurance or HSA claims.
Yes, Smile Brilliant ships internationally to Canada. However, all pricing is in USD, and Canadian customers are responsible for international shipping both ways plus any applicable customs fees and duties at the border.
The total landed cost for a Canadian buyer includes the USD product price (adding approximately 35-40% for CAD conversion), international shipping both ways, return postage for impressions, and potential customs duties — making the actual CAD-equivalent cost considerably higher than the listed USD price.
No. Smile Brilliant is based in the United States and does not have a Canadian storefront, CAD pricing, or a Canadian lab.
NewSmile Canada offers custom Essix clear retainers at $99 CAD for both upper and lower arches, with Canada-wide shipping included. Order here.
Potentially, but with complications. Canadian dental plans and HSAs typically require a CAD invoice. A USD invoice from a US company may not be accepted by all plan administrators. NewSmile Canada issues a standard Canadian invoice that most dental benefit plans process straightforwardly.
Total turnaround commonly runs 4-7 weeks for Canadian orders, compared to 2-3 weeks for domestic Canadian lab orders.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you grind your teeth at night, you have probably landed on ClearClub while searching for a custom night guard. They run aggressive ads, they look polished, and their price point appears reasonable at first glance. But there is a wrinkle Canadians quickly discover: ClearClub is a US company, and buying from them means navigating USD pricing, international shipping timelines, and the unpredictability of customs duties.
This guide compares ClearClub and NewSmile Canada head to head — on price, materials, fit process, turnaround, and what the fine print actually says — so you can make a clear decision for your teeth and your wallet.
ClearClub is a US-based direct-to-consumer dental guard company that sells custom night guards via an at-home impression kit. They offer three guard thickness options — soft, medium, and hard — and market heavily to bruxism sufferers who want a dentist-quality guard without the dentist markup. Their base pricing starts around $139 USD, which sounds reasonable until you factor in the exchange rate.
For Canadians, that $139 USD becomes roughly $190 CAD at current exchange rates, before factoring in any customs clearance fees that Canada Border Services Agency may assess on dental devices. The actual landed cost varies and ClearClub does not publish a clear CAD price for Canadian buyers.
NewSmile Canada is a Health Canada-registered custom night guard and retainer provider that prices and ships directly within Canada. Canadians pay in CAD — no currency conversion surprises — and the impression kit process is handled domestically from start to finish. NewSmile offers a hard acrylic night guard, the clinical standard for moderate-to-severe bruxism, with pricing starting from $99 CAD.
| Feature | ClearClub | NewSmile Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ~$139 USD (~$190 CAD + potential customs) | From $99 CAD — no conversion |
| Currency | USD only | CAD |
| Guard Materials | Soft, medium, hard options | Hard acrylic (clinical standard) |
| Impression Process | At-home putty impressions | At-home putty impressions |
| Shipping to Canada | International — timelines vary, customs risk | Domestic Canadian shipping |
| Health Canada Registration | Not confirmed for Canadian market | Health Canada registered |
| Customs/Duties | Possible — not disclosed upfront | None — ships within Canada |
| Warranty/Remake Policy | 90-day remake policy | Satisfaction guarantee — contact support |
ClearClub lists their night guards in USD. When a Canadian buyer checks out, the actual charge depends on when the transaction processes and what exchange rate your bank applies. On a typical day in 2026, $139 USD converts to roughly $188–$195 CAD. Add international shipping (often $15–$25 USD for cross-border orders) and the landed price for a basic ClearClub guard approaches $215–$230 CAD before any CBSA assessment.
Canada Border Services Agency classifies dental devices, and while many small-value items pass through duty-free, there is no guaranteed exemption. If your package is flagged, you may owe additional fees — and the return process for a disputed customs charge on a dental device is not straightforward.
NewSmile Canada eliminates this entirely. You pay in CAD, the kit ships from within Canada, and your guard ships back to you domestically. The price you see is the price you pay.
ClearClub offers three thicknesses: soft (2mm), medium (3mm), and hard (2mm hard acrylic). The soft guard is the most popular but is not recommended by most dental associations for moderate-to-severe bruxism — soft material actually encourages clenching in many patients, which can worsen jaw fatigue over time.
NewSmile Canada uses a hard acrylic material, which is the clinical standard for bruxism treatment. Hard acrylic does not compress under grinding pressure the way soft material does, meaning it protects both the guard and your teeth more effectively. If you grind hard enough to wear through a night guard, hard acrylic will outlast soft alternatives significantly.
If you are unsure whether you are a light or heavy grinder, read our guide on custom vs boil-and-bite night guards for Canadian bruxism sufferers before deciding on a material.
Both ClearClub and NewSmile use an at-home impression kit. You press dental putty into a tray, bite down, hold for a set time, and mail the impressions back. A dental lab then fabricates a custom guard from your exact bite shape.
The core difference is logistics. ClearClub sends impressions to their US lab and ships your finished guard back across the border — adding days to the turnaround and reintroducing the customs variable. NewSmile's Canadian fulfilment keeps everything within one postal system, which translates to more predictable delivery windows.
Night guards do not cure TMJ disorder, but they do reduce the clenching force transmitted to your jaw joint during sleep — which is the primary cause of waking up with jaw soreness or headaches. For Canadians dealing with bruxism-related TMJ pain, a hard acrylic guard worn consistently is one of the most well-supported conservative treatments available without a prescription.
If your symptoms are severe, see a dentist or oral medicine specialist first. A night guard is a management tool, not a diagnostic device. For more detail on what a custom guard can and cannot do for TMJ, see our full guide on custom night guards for TMJ and jaw pain in Canada.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan does not currently cover custom night guards as a standard benefit. Night guards fall under elective or preventive dental care, and CDCP coverage is structured around essential dental services for eligible lower-income Canadians. Your private dental insurance plan may cover a portion of a custom guard under a "major restorative" or "preventive appliance" category — check your EOB or contact your insurer directly before purchasing.
Because NewSmile Canada provides an itemized CAD receipt, submitting to private insurance for partial reimbursement is more straightforward than with a USD-denominated invoice from a foreign provider, which some insurers require to be converted and notarized before processing.
Ready to protect your teeth from grinding — without the cross-border hassle?
NewSmile Canada ships custom hard acrylic night guards domestically in CAD from $99. No currency conversion, no customs risk, and no dentist appointment required.
Yes, ClearClub ships to Canada, but they price in USD and ship internationally. This means Canadian buyers face currency conversion, potentially higher shipping costs, and possible CBSA customs duties that are not disclosed at checkout. The effective landed cost for a Canadian buyer is often $200–$230 CAD for their base guard.
Yes. NewSmile Canada is a Health Canada-registered provider of custom dental appliances including night guards and retainers. They operate as a Canadian company, price in CAD, and fulfil orders domestically without cross-border complications.
For moderate-to-severe bruxism, a custom hard acrylic night guard is the clinical standard. OTC boil-and-bite guards from pharmacies are inadequate for consistent grinders. NewSmile Canada and domestic dental labs both offer custom hard acrylic options — the key advantage of NewSmile is cost and the at-home ordering process that skips the dentist markup for a straightforward fabrication case.
A dentist-fabricated custom night guard typically costs $400–$800 CAD. Online Canadian providers like NewSmile offer custom hard acrylic guards from $99 CAD. US providers that ship to Canada like ClearClub appear cheaper on their website, but effective CAD pricing after conversion and shipping is usually $200–$230 CAD. For a full breakdown, see our guide on night guard costs in Canada for 2026.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) does not cover custom night guards. However, many private dental insurance plans include partial coverage for custom dental appliances under preventive or major restorative categories. Check your plan details and request an itemized CAD receipt from your provider to support the claim. A domestic Canadian receipt (CAD) is generally easier for insurers to process than a USD invoice from a US company.
A hard acrylic custom night guard typically lasts 2–5 years depending on grinding severity. Light grinders may get 5+ years from a single guard. Heavy grinders who wear through the acrylic surface should replace annually. Signs you need a replacement include visible bite-through grooves, cracking, or a guard that no longer seats flat against your teeth.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you wake up with a sore jaw, worn teeth, or a dull headache, you may already know the culprit: bruxism, the clinical term for unconscious teeth grinding during sleep. It affects an estimated 8–10% of Canadians and is one of the most common reasons people seek out a night guard. But with options ranging from $15 pharmacy trays to $600 dentist appliances, choosing the right one is genuinely confusing.
This guide cuts through the noise. Here is what actually protects your teeth from grinding — and what wastes your money.
Bruxism happens when your jaw muscles clench and slide your upper and lower teeth against each other, usually during sleep. You often have no idea it’s happening until your dentist notices flat spots on your enamel, or a partner tells you they can hear it from across the room.
Common causes include:
Left untreated, chronic grinding can fracture teeth, wear away enamel, damage fillings, inflame jaw muscles, and lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. A night guard doesn’t cure bruxism, but it acts as a protective barrier that prevents the damage.
Not all night guards are the same. Here is what you will find at different price points across Canada:
| Type | Where to Get It | Approx. Cost (CAD) | Protection Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boil-and-bite | Shoppers, London Drugs, Amazon | $15–$40 | Low — generic fit |
| Custom online | NewSmile, JS Dental Lab, Remi | $100–$250 | High — dental lab quality |
| Dentist-made | Your dental clinic | $400–$650+ | High — dental lab quality |
The key insight: custom online guards and dentist-made guards use the same dental lab fabrication process. The difference is not quality — it is cost and convenience. Online providers skip the clinic overhead and pass the savings directly to you.
Boil-and-bite guards have an obvious appeal: you can pick one up tonight for under $20. But their limitations become clear quickly:
A custom-fitted guard made from dental-grade materials holds your jaw in a stable, neutral position. The occlusal surface (the biting area) is precisely calibrated to your teeth, which distributes pressure evenly and reduces the grinding reflex itself. Clinical studies published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation consistently show that properly fitted occlusal splints reduce both muscle tension and enamel wear compared to no treatment.
If you are ordering a custom night guard for teeth grinding specifically, the material matters:
If you grind heavily, go with hard or dual-laminate. Soft alone may not cut it.
The traditional path — dentist consultation, in-office impressions, lab fabrication — runs $400–$650+ CAD at most Canadian clinics. Most provincial dental plans and the CDCP do not cover night guards as a standard benefit (they are classified as appliances, not diagnostic procedures).
The alternative is a custom online night guard:
The guard is fabricated by the same type of professional dental lab used by clinics. The materials, the precision fit, and the durability are equivalent. The only difference is you skip the $200 dentist chair fee.
See how costs compare in our 2026 Canadian night guard cost breakdown →
A quality custom night guard lasts 2–5 years with proper care. The basics:
Stop grinding in your sleep — without paying $600 at the dentist
NewSmile Canada’s custom night guard is made by a professional dental lab from your at-home impression. Choose soft, hard, or dual-laminate based on your grinding intensity — shipped directly across Canada.
A night guard doesn’t eliminate bruxism, but it prevents the damage grinding causes. It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth and positions your jaw in a way that reduces grinding intensity. Many users notice less morning jaw soreness within a few weeks of consistent wear.
Yes. Online providers like NewSmile Canada use at-home impression kits and professional dental lab fabrication. You take impressions yourself, mail them to the lab, and receive a custom-fitted guard — no clinic visit required. The quality is equivalent to what your dentist would provide.
Hard acrylic or dual-laminate guards are recommended for moderate-to-severe bruxism. A hard surface is less likely to trigger the clenching reflex than a soft guard, making it more effective at reducing grinding force. If you grind heavily, avoid soft-only guards.
Most custom night guards last 2–5 years with proper care. Heavy grinders may wear through a guard faster — typically 1–3 years. If you notice cracks, rough edges, or the guard no longer fits snugly, it’s time to replace it.
Most provincial plans and the CDCP do not cover night guards as of 2026. Some private dental benefit plans offer partial coverage under the “appliance” or “prosthodontic” category — check your plan documents. An online night guard significantly reduces your out-of-pocket cost regardless of coverage status.
Rinse with cool water after every use. For a deep clean, use the Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner with Petal Cleaning Pods — ultrasonic cleaning removes bacteria and mineral deposits without scratching the surface. Never soak in hot water or clean with abrasive toothpaste, which degrades the material over time.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you wake up with a sore jaw, tender temples, or a clicking sound when you open your mouth, you may have been told you have TMJ disorder — or TMD. It affects an estimated 4 in 10 Canadians at some point in their lives, and bruxism (teeth grinding) is one of the most common triggers. A custom night guard is often the first line of treatment recommended by Canadian dentists. But with clinic prices running into the hundreds of dollars, many Canadians are now asking: is there a better option?
This guide breaks down what TMJ disorder actually is, how night guards help, and what Canadians should look for — and how much they should expect to pay in 2026.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull. It’s the hinge that lets you chew, speak, and yawn. TMJ disorder (TMD) is a catch-all term for pain and dysfunction in that joint and the muscles that control it.
Common symptoms in Canada include:
Bruxism — unconscious clenching or grinding during sleep — is closely linked to TMD. The repeated muscle contractions overload the joint, leading to inflammation and the characteristic morning soreness that many Canadians recognize.
The short answer: yes, for most cases. A night guard works by creating a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This does two things:
Multiple studies published in journals including the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation have found that occlusal splints (the clinical term for night guards) significantly reduce morning jaw pain and muscle tenderness in patients with TMD compared to no treatment.
It’s worth noting what a night guard doesn’t do: it won’t cure the underlying cause of bruxism, which is often stress-related, and it won’t reverse structural damage to the joint. For severe or progressive TMD, a Canadian dentist or specialist is still an important resource. But for the vast majority of Canadians dealing with grinding-related jaw pain, a quality custom guard is one of the most practical and effective interventions available.
Not all night guards are the same, and for TMJ specifically, the type of material matters.
| Type | Best For | TMJ Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soft guard | Mild grinding, comfort | Can increase clenching reflex in some users — not always ideal for TMD |
| Hard (acrylic) guard | Heavy grinding, TMJ pain | Most studied for TMD; preferred by many Canadian dentists |
| Dual-laminate | Moderate grinding, comfort + protection | Soft inside, hard outside — good balance for most Canadian TMD cases |
For most Canadians with bruxism-related TMJ pain, a dual-laminate or hard guard provides the best combination of protection and jaw repositioning. Avoid generic boil-and-bite guards from Shoppers Drug Mart or London Drugs — they don’t conform precisely enough to your bite and can actually worsen jaw muscle tension over time.
This is where the picture changes significantly for Canadian consumers. A dentist-made night guard in Canada typically involves:
Total: $400–$650+ CAD, depending on your province and clinic. Toronto and Vancouver clinics often run at the higher end. Most provincial dental plans (including the CDCP as of 2026) do not cover night guards as a standard benefit — they’re typically classified as an appliance, not a diagnostic procedure.
Custom online options like NewSmile Canada use the same dental-lab fabrication process but skip the clinic overhead. You take an impression at home using a simple putty kit, mail it to the lab, and receive your finished guard by post. The result is a clinically equivalent guard at a fraction of the in-office price.
For Canadians already struggling with TMJ pain, the financial barrier to entry is a real consideration. Getting effective relief shouldn’t require a $600 outlay upfront.
See the full 2026 night guard cost breakdown for Canada →
Wearing the guard is only part of the equation. To get the most benefit for TMJ pain:
A night guard is a strong first step, but some TMD cases need more targeted care. See a Canadian dentist or a TMJ specialist (orofacial pain specialist or prosthodontist) if:
In these cases, additional treatments — including physiotherapy, occlusal adjustment, or in rare cases, surgery — may be appropriate. The Canadian Dental Association recommends starting with conservative, reversible treatments like a custom night guard before pursuing more invasive options.
Protect your jaw from overnight grinding — without the $600 dentist bill
NewSmile Canada’s custom night guard is fabricated by a professional dental lab from your at-home impression. Same materials, same precision, a fraction of the clinic price — shipped directly to your door across Canada.
No — a night guard manages symptoms rather than curing the underlying condition. It reduces the mechanical stress on the temporomandibular joint caused by grinding and clenching, which relieves morning jaw pain and soreness for most users. For persistent or severe TMD, a Canadian dentist or orofacial pain specialist should be consulted.
Most Canadians notice a reduction in morning jaw soreness within 1–3 weeks of consistent nightly use. Full symptom improvement can take 4–8 weeks as the jaw muscles adapt to the new resting position provided by the guard.
As of 2026, the CDCP does not cover custom night guards or occlusal splints. These are classified as appliances rather than diagnostic or restorative procedures. Some provincial dental plans and private insurance plans offer partial coverage — check your policy’s "appliance" or "prosthodontic" benefit. An online night guard reduces out-of-pocket costs significantly regardless of coverage.
Hard or dual-laminate guards are generally better for TMJ-related grinding. Soft guards can feel more comfortable initially but may increase clenching intensity in some people, which is counterproductive for TMD management. Most Canadian dentists recommend a hard acrylic or dual-laminate splint for bruxism-related jaw pain.
For the majority of Canadians with bruxism-related jaw pain, a custom online night guard provides the same level of protection as a dentist-issued guard. The key is precision fit — generic boil-and-bite guards from a pharmacy won’t give you the right occlusal balance. NewSmile Canada uses a dental lab with the same impression process as in-office guards, making it a clinically appropriate alternative for most TMD cases.
Rinse with cool water after each use. For weekly deep cleaning, use the Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner with Petal Cleaning Pods — this removes bacteria and mineral deposits without scratching the guard surface. Never use a toothbrush with toothpaste or hot water, as both degrade the material over time.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you've been searching for a custom retainer online and landed on JS Dental Lab, you're not alone. The Texas-based lab has built a strong reputation in the US market — and technically, yes, they do ship to Canada. But "ships to Canada" and "worth it in Canada" are two different questions entirely.
This review breaks down exactly what Canadian buyers need to know before ordering from JS Dental Lab, how it compares to NewSmile Canada's custom retainers, and whether the extra cost and shipping friction is justified.
JS Dental Lab is a US dental lab based in Texas that has sold direct-to-consumer dental appliances since 2016. They offer custom clear retainers, night guards, and whitening trays — all made from at-home impressions you take yourself and mail back to their lab.
They hold a 4.0 TrustScore on Trustpilot and are regularly listed in US "best retainer" roundups. NewMouth has called their night guard "the best overall pick" for US buyers who want real customization without dentist pricing. Their retainer carries the same lab quality and a notable 365-day satisfaction guarantee.
The issue for Canadians is not the product — it's the logistics and price once you cross the border.
JS Dental Lab's custom clear retainer is listed at $149 USD. At current exchange rates, that's over $205 CAD — before you account for the return shipping complication.
When you order, JS Dental Lab sends you an impression kit. You take your impressions, then mail them back to the lab in Texas. Here's where it gets frustrating for Canadians: the prepaid return shipping label they include is for US residents only. As a Canadian customer, you are responsible for purchasing your own shipping back to their Texas lab — typically $15–$30 CAD via Canada Post or FedEx.
That brings the real Canadian cost to roughly $220–$235 CAD all-in for a single retainer. And if anything goes wrong with your impression, you repeat the process and pay again.
| Factor | JS Dental Lab | NewSmile Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Price (retainer) | $149 USD (~$205+ CAD) | From $139 CAD (subscription) / $199 CAD one-time |
| Return shipping (Canada) | Not included — you pay $15–$30 CAD | Free (Canadian company) |
| Based in | Texas, USA | Vancouver, BC, Canada |
| Health Canada licensed | FDA-cleared (US only) | Yes — licensed by Health Canada |
| Satisfaction guarantee | 365 days | 30-day fit guarantee |
| Impression kit | At-home (return shipping extra in CA) | At-home (free return shipping) |
| HSA/FSA eligible | Possible (US plans) | May qualify under Canadian flex benefits |
The 365-day guarantee is genuinely exceptional — if your retainer doesn't fit, warps, or breaks within a year, JS Dental Lab will remake it. That's a stronger policy than most competitors, and it reflects real confidence in their lab work.
Their clear retainer is made from FDA-cleared thermoplastic and the construction quality is consistently praised in customer reviews. The process is simple: order, receive kit, take impressions, mail back, receive retainer. For US customers who've gone through it before, it's routine.
They also offer a small customization detail that some buyers appreciate — you can specify arch (upper, lower, or both) at checkout rather than being locked into a bundle.
Beyond the shipping and pricing issues above, there are a few other friction points worth knowing:
Customer service time zones. JS Dental Lab is based in Texas (Central Time). If you have a question about your impression quality — which they recommend emailing photos of before mailing back — you're coordinating across a cross-border communication channel. It works, but it adds friction that a Canadian company doesn't create.
No Health Canada licensing. This matters if you want your purchase to qualify under extended health benefits or a flex spending account. NewSmile Canada's products are licensed under Health Canada, which is often a requirement for benefit plan reimbursement. JS Dental Lab holds FDA clearance for the US market, which is not the same thing.
Currency and customs uncertainty. Depending on the order, Canadian buyers may encounter additional customs processing fees. This is uncommon for dental appliances but worth knowing.
If you've already had a great experience with JS Dental Lab for a night guard and want to order a matching retainer from a lab you trust — that's a reasonable case. Their quality is real, the 365-day guarantee is meaningful, and the impression process is well-documented.
But if you're a first-time buyer comparing options, the numbers don't favour them in Canada. You'd be paying roughly $220–$235 CAD all-in for a retainer that starts at $139 CAD from a Health Canada-licensed Canadian company.
For Canadians who did their orthodontic treatment here and want a straightforward retainer replacement without cross-border logistics, NewSmile Canada makes the more practical case.
If you've already compared night guard options, our JS Dental Lab Canada night guard comparison covers that side of their product range in full detail.
Get a Custom Retainer in Canada — Without Cross-Border Hassle
NewSmile Canada ships everything from Vancouver. Health Canada licensed, free impression kit included, and free return shipping. Retainers start from $139 CAD on subscription.
Yes, JS Dental Lab ships their custom clear retainers to Canada. However, the at-home impression kit comes with a prepaid US return shipping label only — Canadian customers must arrange and pay for their own return shipping to the Texas lab, which typically costs an additional $15–$30 CAD via Canada Post or FedEx.
JS Dental Lab's custom clear retainer is priced at $149 USD. At current exchange rates, that converts to approximately $205 CAD or more, plus the cost of Canadian return shipping for your impressions ($15–$30 CAD). The total Canadian cost is typically $220–$235 CAD.
No. JS Dental Lab holds FDA clearance in the United States, but is not specifically licensed by Health Canada. If you're seeking a retainer that may qualify for reimbursement under a Canadian extended health or flex benefit plan, a Health Canada-licensed provider like NewSmile Canada is the more reliable option.
JS Dental Lab offers a strong 365-day guarantee and well-reviewed lab quality, but costs more for Canadian buyers once exchange rates and return shipping are factored in. NewSmile Canada starts at $139 CAD on subscription, includes free impression kit return shipping, and is Health Canada licensed — making it the practical choice for most Canadians replacing a retainer.
For most Canadians, the best options are those that are Canadian-based or have strong Canadian logistics. NewSmile Canada offers custom Essix retainers from $139 CAD with no cross-border shipping friction. If you're comparing all options on cost and quality, our full retainer cost guide for Canada covers every major provider.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you've been quoted $7,500 CAD for Invisalign or told braces will cost you six thousand dollars, you're not alone. Most Canadians searching for teeth straightening options reach the same wall. The good news is that at-home clear aligners in Canada have made legitimate treatment accessible without the orthodontist price tag.
This guide breaks down exactly what clear aligners cost in Canada in 2026 — across every major option, from dentist-provided Invisalign down to the most affordable at-home kits — so you can make a comparison with real numbers.
The cost of clear aligners in Canada spans a huge range depending on where you get them. Here's a quick breakdown before we dig into each option:
| Option | Cost (CAD) | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Invisalign | $5,000–$7,500+ | Dentist / orthodontist |
| Braces (traditional) | $5,000–$7,000 | Orthodontist |
| ClearCorrect | $2,500–$5,500 | Dentist office |
| NewSmile Canada | $1,899 | At-home (online) |
| AlignerCo Canada | $1,120–$1,645 | At-home (online) |
The numbers above are based on publicly listed one-time payment prices as of mid-2026. Promotions and financing can change these figures — we've noted where that applies below.
Invisalign is the most recognized aligner brand globally, but in Canada it comes with a significant price tag. Most Canadians pay between $5,000 and $7,500 CAD for a full Invisalign treatment, with more complex cases pushing past that range. The cost is set by your individual orthodontist or dentist, so prices vary by clinic and province.
What drives Invisalign's cost:
Some Canadian dental insurance plans cover a portion of Invisalign under orthodontic benefits, typically up to $1,500–$2,500 CAD lifetime. HSA and FSA accounts can also be used to offset costs. Even with coverage, most patients pay $3,500+ CAD out of pocket.
ClearCorrect is a dentist-administered aligner system that tends to cost less than Invisalign but still requires in-office treatment. Typical Canadian pricing runs from $2,500 to $5,500 CAD, again set by the treating dentist.
The lower price compared to Invisalign reflects ClearCorrect's smaller market presence and less aggressive licensing fees. Clinically, results are comparable for mild to moderate cases — the tradeoff is that ClearCorrect has fewer certified providers in Canada, meaning less availability depending on your city.
This is where the cost picture changes significantly. At-home clear aligners in Canada skip the brick-and-mortar overhead entirely. Treatment starts with an at-home dental impression kit, your case is reviewed by a licensed dental professional remotely, and your aligners are custom-fabricated and shipped directly to you.
NewSmile currently offers full clear aligner treatment in Canada for $1,899 CAD (limited-time pricing; regular price is $2,099 CAD). That one-time payment includes:
Monthly payment options start at $79 CAD/month through Humm (0% interest, 24 months for night aligners) or $96 CAD/month for daytime aligners.
The treatment preview sets NewSmile apart. Before you pay for aligners, you see a 3D simulation of where your teeth will end up. That's meaningful reassurance for a $1,899 decision.
AlignerCo Canada operates alignerco.ca and markets itself as the lowest-cost option in the Canadian at-home aligner market. Their standard day aligner plan runs from approximately $1,120 to $1,460 CAD, with a NightOnly plan at a similar price point.
What's not included at the base price:
When you factor in retainers and potential refinements, the true total cost for AlignerCo often comes closer to $1,300–$1,800+ CAD — narrowing the gap with NewSmile considerably.
Night aligners are clear aligners worn only during sleep (typically 10 continuous hours). They're the right choice for people who speak professionally during the day, play contact sports, or simply find daytime wear inconvenient.
NewSmile's night aligner pricing in Canada is currently $1,899 CAD — the same as the day aligner plan. Treatment takes 8–10 months versus 4–6 months for 22-hour daily wear, but the flexibility is worth it for many patients. Monthly financing starts at $79 CAD/month with $0 down and 0% interest.
AlignerCo Canada's NightOnly plan is structured similarly, with a slightly lower base price but the same retainer and refinement caveats noted above.
Most major Canadian group insurance plans (Sun Life, Manulife, Great-West Life, etc.) include orthodontic benefits — and at-home clear aligners can qualify depending on your plan wording.
Key things to know:
If your plan covers 50% up to $1,500 CAD, your out-of-pocket cost for NewSmile could drop to as low as $399 CAD after reimbursement. Always verify your specific plan terms before treatment.
Both NewSmile and AlignerCo Canada offer financing options that let you spread the cost over 12–24 months, often at 0% interest for qualified applicants.
| Plan | Monthly | Terms |
|---|---|---|
| NewSmile Day Aligners | $96/mo | $0 down, 24 mo., via Humm |
| NewSmile Night Aligners | $79/mo | $0 down, 24 mo., 0% APR |
| AlignerCo Canada | From $134/mo | 6–12 mo. via Partially |
Humm (used by NewSmile) is widely used by Canadian consumers and doesn't require a hard credit pull for approval. The 24-month term makes aligner treatment accessible at roughly the same cost as a streaming subscription.
Before committing to any clear aligner brand in Canada, get clear answers to these five questions:
Start your clear aligner journey for $1,899 CAD — and see your projected results before you commit.
NewSmile includes a full treatment preview, whitening, remote monitoring, and free shipping. Financing from $79/month with $0 down.
At-home clear aligners in Canada typically cost $1,120–$1,899 CAD for a complete treatment. Dentist-provided options (Invisalign, ClearCorrect) run $2,500–$7,500+ CAD depending on case complexity and location.
For complex bite issues or significant crowding, Invisalign provides hands-on clinical oversight that at-home alternatives can't match. For mild to moderate cases — the majority of people who want straighter teeth — at-home clear aligners deliver comparable results at a fraction of the cost.
Yes, many Canadian dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits that can apply to clear aligners. Most plans have a lifetime maximum of $1,500–$2,500 CAD. HSA/FSA accounts also cover clear aligner expenses. Check your plan certificate for age restrictions and documentation requirements.
AlignerCo Canada currently offers the lowest published starting price at approximately $1,120 CAD. However, retainers are sold separately — when factored in, the total cost rises. NewSmile Canada starts at $1,899 CAD and includes retainers, whitening, and a treatment preview as part of the package.
Not necessarily. NewSmile Canada prices night aligners at the same rate as day aligners — $1,899 CAD. Night aligners take longer to complete (8–10 months vs. 4–6 months for 22-hour daily wear), but the cost is the same. See current night aligner pricing here →
At-home clear aligners are best for mild to moderate spacing, crowding, or minor bite issues. After you submit at-home impressions or dental scans, a licensed dentist reviews your case and determines candidacy. NewSmile offers a full refund if you're assessed as a non-candidate — so there's no risk in starting the process.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you've been searching for a custom night guard in Canada, Sentinel Mouthguards keeps coming up. They're a US-based dental lab with strong reviews and a well-organized product lineup. But there's a detail that gets buried in most comparisons: they price in USD, and they're shipping across the border. For Canadians dealing with bruxism, that changes the equation.
This review breaks down exactly what Sentinel offers, what it costs when you account for currency, and how it compares to a Canadian option like NewSmile's custom night guard.
Sentinel Mouthguards is a US dental lab based in St. Petersburg, Florida. They've been manufacturing custom night guards since 2012, and their process is similar to most direct-to-consumer guard brands: you order online, receive an at-home impression kit, send your impressions back, and they fabricate a guard from dental-grade materials.
What sets Sentinel apart from budget competitors is their "hand-finishing" process — each guard is trimmed and polished by a dental technician rather than machine-cut. They also accept digital scans from dentists, which is useful if you've already had a scan taken.
Sentinel offers four night guards, matched to grinding severity:
| Guard | Best For | Material | Thickness | USD Price | Est. CAD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Guard | Light clenching, sensitivity | Soft EVA | 2mm | $140.25 USD | ~$192 CAD |
| Hybrid Guard | Moderate grinders (most popular) | Soft EVA inner, hard copolyester outer | 2mm | $161.50 USD | ~$221 CAD |
| Hard Guard | Heavy grinders | Hard copolyester | 2mm | $182.75 USD | ~$250 CAD |
| Durability Guard | Severe bruxism, dentist-confirmed | High-strength copolyester | 3mm | $199.75 USD | ~$274 CAD |
CAD estimates based on approximately 1.37 exchange rate. Actual costs vary with your bank's conversion rate and any foreign transaction fees.
Sentinel accepts Canadian orders through their website at sentinelmouthguards.com, and their guards are also available on Amazon.ca. All prices on their site are in USD. When you order as a Canadian customer:
Sentinel advertises "free shipping" — but this refers to their US standard shipping. International shipping to Canada may carry additional fees. Check their shipping policy at checkout before purchasing.
This is an area where Sentinel stands out. Their policies are among the most consumer-friendly in the category:
For Canadians, the $23 return fee is in USD (~$31 CAD), and return shipping from Canada to the US adds cost. Keep that in mind when evaluating the guarantee's practical value.
This is the single most important factor most Canadian comparisons skip over. Sentinel is a USD-priced product. Their entry-level Comfort Guard lists at $140.25 USD. At a 1.37 exchange rate, that's approximately $192 CAD before your bank's foreign transaction fee.
By contrast, NewSmile's custom night guard starts at $129 CAD — priced in Canadian dollars, with free shipping to every province and territory in Canada, and no currency conversion required.
The difference on the most popular guard type is significant:
That's a $50–$90 CAD gap on comparable products — before factoring in longer cross-border shipping times and any potential customs complications.
| Feature | Sentinel Mouthguards | NewSmile Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Where based | St. Petersburg, FL (USA) | Vancouver, BC (Canada) |
| Pricing currency | USD only | CAD |
| Entry price for Canadians | ~$192 CAD (after exchange) | From $129 CAD |
| Shipping to Canada | Cross-border, 7–14 days | Free Canada-wide, faster |
| Customs/duties risk | Possible on cross-border orders | None (Canadian company) |
| Impression process | At-home impression kit or digital scan | At-home impression kit |
| Guard types | 4 (Comfort, Hybrid, Hard, Durability) | Custom hard night guard |
| Materials | BPA/BPS/latex-free, FDA-compliant | Dental-grade, BPA-free |
| Guarantee | 100-night, $23 USD return fee | Satisfaction guarantee |
| Best for | Those with a digital scan from a dentist | Canadians wanting CAD pricing, fast shipping |
Sentinel isn't the wrong choice for every Canadian — there are situations where they make sense:
Outside of those scenarios, the USD pricing and cross-border shipping add cost and complexity that most Canadian bruxism sufferers don't need.
Canadian bruxism? Get a custom night guard in CAD with free shipping.
NewSmile's custom night guard starts at $129 CAD — no currency conversion, no cross-border wait, shipped to every province and territory in Canada.
Yes, Sentinel ships to Canada via their website (sentinelmouthguards.com) and through Amazon.ca. However, their prices are listed in USD, so Canadian customers will pay more once currency conversion and any foreign transaction fees are applied.
Among custom dental-grade night guards available to Canadians, NewSmile's night guard starting at $129 CAD is one of the lowest-priced CAD-denominated options. US brands like Sentinel start at $140.25 USD (approximately $192 CAD after exchange).
Sentinel's lab is FDA registered, and they use FDA-compliant dental-grade materials — BPA-free, BPS-free, MMA-free, and latex-free. Their guards are hand-finished by dental technicians in the US.
Cross-border shipping from the US to Canada typically takes 7–14 business days. This is in addition to the time required to return your impressions and have your guard fabricated. Compare to Canadian-based providers where domestic shipping is faster and no customs delays apply.
For moderate-to-severe bruxism, most dental professionals recommend a hard or dual-laminate guard. Soft-only guards can sometimes increase muscle activity in heavy grinders, as the jaw responds to the compressible surface by clenching harder. A hybrid guard (soft interior, hard exterior) or a fully hard guard is generally preferred for protection and longevity.
Many employer dental plans in Canada cover custom night guards partially — typically 50–80% under major restorative or prosthodontic services. Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) generally accept night guards prescribed for bruxism. The Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) does not cover night guards as of 2026. Check your plan's specific coverage before purchasing.
Sentinel Mouthguards make a well-built product with genuine strengths — the hand-finishing process, digital scan acceptance, and 100-night guarantee are all above average for the category. If you're in the US, they're a strong option.
For Canadians, the math is harder to ignore. You're paying $192–$274 CAD equivalent for guards that start at $129–$169 CAD from a Canadian provider. The cross-border shipping adds time, the USD conversion adds cost, and the return process becomes more complex from Canada.
If your priority is protecting your teeth from grinding at the best value for Canadians, NewSmile's custom night guard is the more straightforward choice — priced in CAD, shipped from Canada, and designed specifically for the Canadian market.
