Soft or hybrid night guard, which one actually fits you
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A soft night guard is fully flexible and starts at $119 an arch, designed for light grinders. A hybrid guard adds a firm outer shell over a soft lining and starts at $159, designed to hold up under heavier grinding and clenching.
Both are custom molded from your own impressions rather than boiled at the kitchen sink, which is what actually decides how long either one lasts.
What a soft night guard is built for
Soft night guards are made from a single flexible material that molds closely to your teeth. They protect against light to moderate grinding and are the more comfortable of the two builds for a first time wearer.
They also cost less and wear down faster than a hybrid build, which is the tradeoff for the added comfort.
What a hybrid night guard is built for
A hybrid guard pairs a firmer outer shell with a soft inner layer, so it protects from heavier grinding without losing the custom fit. It holds up longer under daily use than a soft guard does.
People who have gone through a few soft guards, or who know they clench hard, are the ones who usually move up to hybrid.
Soft against hybrid against muscle relaxer
Night guard builds and prices
| Build | Price per arch | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | $119 | Light grinding, first time wearers |
| Hybrid | $159 | Heavier grinding and clenching |
| Muscle relaxer | $189 | Added jaw tension relief |
| Market range elsewhere | $149 to $221 | Other custom guard brands, September 2026 |
Home impression kit and free shipping both ways are inside every price above.
How ordering a custom guard works
- The impression kit reaches you by USPS in 3 days or FedEx overnight.
- You take your impression at home and mail it back with the prepaid label.
- A technician checks the mold and reships free if it did not set.
- Production runs 3 to 6 days, and your night guard arrives 14 to 28 days after your impressions pass.
If jaw pain is severe, new, or getting worse, see a dentist first, since a night guard is protection, not a diagnosis.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a soft and a hybrid night guard
A soft night guard is fully flexible material for light grinders. A hybrid guard adds a firmer outer shell over a soft inner layer, designed for heavier grinding and clenching.
How much does a custom night guard cost
Soft night guards start at $119 an arch, hybrid at $159, and the muscle relaxer build at $189, all made from your own at-home impression.
How do I know if I need a soft or a hybrid guard
If a store bought guard already feels like enough, soft is usually plenty. If you have chewed through soft guards before or you clench hard, the hybrid build holds up longer.
Is a night guard HSA and FSA eligible
Yes, custom night guards are generally treated as an eligible medical expense. Your plan administrator makes the final determination.
Paying with a health card, see how HSA and FSA payment works. More on caring for the appliance, read how night guards protect your smile.
Every guard ships from a dental lab in Hollywood, Florida, backed by a 60 day manufacturer warranty.