What a custom night guard actually protects, and what it costs
A custom night guard is designed for grinders, cushioning your teeth from the wear and pressure of nighttime clenching. Ours run $119 to $189 an arch, molded from your own impressions.
Waking up with a sore jaw, a dull headache, or a chipped edge on a tooth are the usual signs someone is grinding at night. A guard sits between the upper and lower teeth so the pressure lands on plastic instead of enamel.
Three builds, three grinding levels
Night guards and who they suit
| Night guard | Best for | Per arch |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | Light grinding and first-time wearers | $119 |
| Hard and Soft | Moderate to heavy grinding | $159 |
| Muscle Relaxer | Heavy grinding and jaw tension | $194 |
| Market range elsewhere | Other custom guard brands, September 2026 | $149 to $221 |
Custom made for your top or bottom arch.
Choosing between them
Soft is flexible thermoplastic for mild or occasional grinding, and it is the easiest one to get used to on the first night.
Hard and soft pairs a firm outer shell with a soft liner, built for people who grind through a soft guard within a few months.
Muscle relaxer guards add a thicker dual layer, three to five millimeters, for the heaviest grinders and the most jaw tension.
Why store-bought guards fall short
A boil and bite guard from a drugstore is molded in your own mouth in minutes, which means it is bulky and often uneven. A guard built from a lab impression sits thinner, seats precisely, and does not shift your bite the way a poor-fitting one can.
How ordering works
- Order your build and the impression kit reaches you by USPS in 3 days or FedEx overnight.
- Take the impressions at home and mail them back with the prepaid label.
- Your guard is built from your molds in a dental lab in Hollywood, Florida.
- It ships 14 to 28 days later, ready to wear.
Caring for your night guard
Rinse it after every use and brush it gently with mild soap and cool water. Hot water and harsh cleaners both degrade the material faster than normal wear does. Store it dry in a ventilated case, away from direct heat.
Health account cards are accepted at checkout, and how HSA and FSA payment works covers the receipt.
Frequently asked
Which night guard should I get for grinding
Soft at $119 for light or occasional grinding, hard and soft at $159 for moderate to heavy grinding, and the muscle relaxer build at $189 for the most jaw tension.
How long does a custom night guard last
Six to twelve months with daily rinsing and dry storage. Heavy grinders wear through the soft build faster and often move up to hard and soft.
Are store-bought boil and bite guards as good as custom
No. A boil and bite guard is bulkier, fits looser, and can shift your bite over time. A custom guard is molded to your exact teeth.
Is a night guard HSA and FSA eligible
Night guards are listed as medical expenses in IRS Publication 502, so they normally qualify. Your plan administrator makes the final determination.
Deciding between soft and hard and soft, read soft against hard and soft night guards. Want an all-day layer too, see what an Essix retainer does for your smile.