Night Guard Cost

How Much Does a Night Guard Cost?

Mouth guard: $3-$10; Do-It-Yourself: $15-$250

Custom Fit Average: $300-$400

High: $800-$1,100

Clenching or grinding your teeth at night wears down the enamel and can lead to cracks, cavities, gum soreness and other wear-related problems. A night guard is a plastic device worn in the mouth while sleeping to soften the impact of clenching or grinding.

Typical costs:

Some people get relief using a football mouth guard for $3 -$10 from a sporting goods department or store. However, many people find these to be too big, bulky and uncomfortable.
Order-it-yourself night guards start around $15 -$25, but can cost up to $80 -$150. These range from a boil-and-bite type that is softened by hot water to adapt it to your mouth; to a "custom" guard in which you use a kit to make your own dental impression, then mail that to the manufacturer.
Costs for having a dentist custom-fit a night guard vary from $200 -$600 with an average price of $300 -$400, but can go as high as $800 -$1,100. This process typically includes an initial office visit to make impressions of both the upper and lower teeth as well as a return visit to fit the fabricated night guard in your mouth. A night guard from a dentist is usually smaller and more closely fitted than over-the-counter or mail-order models.
If there are symptoms of grinding and wear, many (but not all) dental insurance policies will cover most of the costs of having a dentist provide a night guard. Dental insurance does not usually cover over-the-counter or mail-order models.

What should be included:

Bruxism is the official name for grinding, gnashing or clenching your teeth at night; the MayoClinic.com provides an overview of bruxism and treatment guidelines.
A night guard can be placed on either the top or bottom. If placed on top, the guard cushions the lower teeth and vice versa. Whether a guard is fitted to the top or bottom jaw may depend on the amount and type of dental work in the teeth--and some dentists have a preference for either the upper or lower position. Most night guards fill the whole mouth; but some fit over the front teeth and keep the back teeth from touching.

Discounts:

Dental college clinics may offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty; check DentalSite.com for school locations.

Shopping for a night guard:

Over-the-counter night guards are available from most drug stores, or from Amazon.
To find a dentist, check with the American Dental Association for members in your area. If you have dental insurance, the insurance company will list approved dentists. EHow.com gives tips for finding a good dentist.

Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.

Article updated November 2007

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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Night Guard

Amount: $600.00

Posted by: a user in Saugus, MA.	Posted: December 4th, 2009 09:12AM
Type: Custom

Keep them away from pets!! My daughter and I were not told it cost me $600 a piece and my dog ate them both. What really annoyed me was that my dentist threw away the molds (impressions) that I paid for. He wants me to pay all over again. I think that is a gouge!