Read This Before You Buy a Night Guard Online

You deserve a great night’s rest.

The kind that allows you to spring out of bed and hit the ground running—feeling energized and ready to tackle the day. 

But if you’re among the estimated 10% of American adults who grind their teeth when they sleep (known medically as sleep-related bruxism), this might seem like a dream that’s just out of reach.

Help is closer than you think, in the form of a night guard.

The thought of wearing a night guard might be a little intimidating, but we’re here to help put your mind at rest. We’ve put together a helpful guide to answer all your questions and make choosing the right night guard for you a breeze.

What does a night guard do, anyway?

A night guard, or occlusal guard, is a dental device that provides a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. It resembles a teeth whitening tray or a clear retainer in appearance. 

You might not know you need a night guard at first. It can be hard to tell you’re grinding your teeth while you sleep because, well … you’re sleeping! 

In many cases, if the grinding is loud enough to be heard, someone nearby may notice it first and clue you in.

If you’re keeping up with your semi-annual appointments, your dentist may be the first to spot your grinding after having a quick look at your teeth. They’ll see teeth that are flattened and enamel that’s worn, and maybe even some chips or fractures.

Side effects of teeth grinding

Of course, even before someone else confirms it, you’ll probably know something’s going on; you just might not know what it is, exactly.

Since both grinding teeth and teeth clenching are common symptoms of bruxism, you can expect some tell-tale signs when you're awake. These common bruxism side effects include:

• Teeth wear
• Cracked, chipped, or flattened teeth
• Teeth sensitivity
• Jaw, neck, shoulder, and back pain
• Gum recession

If you wake up and your teeth feel weird, you have a sore jaw, are prone to headaches or migraines, or you’re suddenly more sensitive to hot foods and cold drinks, you might be grinding your teeth.

However you find out about your grinding, don’t ignore it! The longer it continues without treatment, the worse its effects can be.

Night guard options: What's available and what does it cost?

You’ve taken the first step toward a better night’s sleep, and you’re ready to explore your options. A night guard is a great way to protect your teeth and reduce pain and discomfort as you work to address the root cause.

There are two key factors to consider when picking out your new night guard: comfort and effectiveness. 

Cost will certainly be a deciding factor as well. But as you’ll see, the best night guard doesn’t have to break the bank when you check out. 

With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the options available to you.

Option one: Sports mouth guards

The name says it all. 

These guards are for one activity: sports.

If you try to use a sports guard as a night guard, you’ll likely find that its thick, rigid material, designed to provide maximum protection during high-impact activity, can make it difficult to breathe normally. As a result, it’s not an ideal solution for preventing nighttime teeth grinding.

Option two: Over-the-counter night guards

You can find these guards at most drugstores, usually for no more than $30 a pop. Since most models are boil-and-bite, using a general dental impression to design the mold, you’ll get better-fitting protection than you would with a sports guard, but you’re still looking at a thick, imperfect, and unnatural fit.

Another thing to be cautious of with over-the-counter guards is their lifespan. Since they’re made from pliable plastics (which allow for boil-and-bite), they usually don’t last very long. 

While $30 might seem like a great price, replacing your guard every few months due to wear and tear can become costly.

How long does a boil-and-bite guard last?

These guards are typically made with lower-quality plastics, so they will only last a few weeks to a few months. In some cases, they could last longer if you are a light grinder or clencher. 

We actually bought all the boil-and-bite guards on the market and created this video to tell you all about what we learned:

Option three: Custom night guard from a dental office

Welcome to the Lamborghini of night guards, at a price point to match (contextually speaking, of course). 

To make your guard, your dentist will start by taking an impression of your teeth. They’ll then send the mold to a lab, where a custom guard is made to fit your teeth precisely. They specially tailor these guards to an ideal thickness, depending on your specific type of grinding (mild or occasional, or moderate to severe). 

Side note: If you have TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues, consult your dentist before purchasing a night guard. In some cases, a TMJ splint may be recommended instead, as night guards are typically protective rather than corrective.

Bruxism and TMJ are often connected, since chronic grinding and clenching affect this delicate joint. Depending on the severity of your TMD, your doctor might recommend wearing a TMJ splint to repair the damage, whereas a night guard is protective, not corrective. 

What are custom night guards made of?

Professional guards are fabricated from materials that are quite a step up from those used for sports guards and over-the-counter models. 

Most often, your dentist will use a thermoplastic material like acrylic or dual-laminates made of both PETG and TPU. These materials are FDA-approved and extremely durable, allowing your guard to remain in top shape for years, depending on the severity of grinding and how well you care for your appliance.

How much do professional night guards cost?

You might think this type of grind guard sounds perfect. But bear in mind that getting a guard from your dentist can be a little — or a lot — pricey. Depending on your dentist, your guard may cost between $300 and $1,500. 

This is due to several reasons, including the multiple office visits involved for impressions and fitting and your dentist’s portion of the lab costs. It’s always a good idea to check your dental insurance plan, if you have one, to see whether it covers it.

How long does a professional night guard last?

The lifespan of a night guard varies due to many factors, such as grinding severity, maintenance and care, and design. A traditional acrylic guard could last over 10 years, whereas a soft whitening tray, dubbed a night guard, will last you perhaps only a few months if you are a heavy grinder.

Thermoformed hard/soft guards, or all-hard guards, have become popular because of the material's high adaptability. These guards, like the ones we make at JS Dental Lab, can last anywhere from 1 year to 5+ years, depending on your grinding/clenching severity and how well you take care of them.

Option four: Ordering directly from a dental lab

Ordering directly online from professionals like JS Dental Lab gives you all the benefits of a dentist-made custom-fit night guard without the eye-watering price tag. Since overhead costs aren’t factored in as they are at the dentist's office, the savings are passed on to you, the consumer. You also won’t be dealing with in-person chair time. 

Everything you need to get a professional night guard comes directly to your mailbox!

Materials we use

Like your dentist’s labs, we use materials such as PETG, TPU, and EVA to construct a guard that is custom-fitted for quality and comfort. The material in yours will depend on whether you order a hard, soft, or hybrid night guard.

Because we believe in creating long-lasting night guards and back them with a 12-month money-back guarantee, we source the highest-quality materials and partner with dental manufacturers and vendors at the cutting edge of technology. Our BPA-free night guards are made in our Hayward, CA, lab. Each product is manufactured in the USA using FDA-cleared, professional-grade materials. Some materials are sourced from Germany.

The JS Dental Lab process: How it works

The only real drawback of ordering from a private lab is that you take the place of your dentist when it comes to making molds of your teeth. Luckily, this can be easy to do, especially with our easy-to-follow written, illustrated, and video instruction options.

When you order, our lab will send you an impression kit to make the molds. If you have questions during the process, our helpful team members are available via text, email, or phone. Once you make your molds, send them back to the lab, and we’ll craft your guard, then conveniently mail it to you when it’s finished!

The entire process usually takes about two weeks and is affordable.

How long do JS Dental Lab guards last?

Based on feedback and data we've gathered, our guards can last anywhere from one to five years or more. Additionally, we guarantee our guards for an entire year. So if it wears out or breaks for any reason, we'll replace it free of charge, which is especially helpful for those with heavy grinding concerns. You get the perfect fit, and we get the positive customer reviews!

What’s the cost of a JS Dental Lab night guard?

JS Dental Lab offers custom-fit night guards for $105 and $195 — depending on your grinding and the type of guard that will best protect your teeth.

We are so confident you'll love your custom night guard that we want you to try it for $1.

Does insurance cover the cost of a night guard? 

Unfortunately, most dental insurance plans don't cover night guards, and for those that do, there are limits on how often and how many you can get. So you'll want to reach out to your insurance to find out the details.

The good news is we accept FSA and HSA cards.

We also accept other major payment options, including PayPal, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and credit cards.

Which dental night guard is the best option for you?

With all of this information, it’s time to decide which night guard is the best for you. 

As a rule, we don't recommend OTC boil-and-bite types because they are bulky, made from inferior materials, and can harm rather than help your oral care concerns. But if you only need something temporarily before getting a high-quality custom version, then they might be a good choice.

Most people don't just stop grinding and clenching overnight. It usually persists over a period of a few years or more, which makes investing in a comfortable, high-quality custom-made guard a smart and necessary choice.

Now, should you get a custom guard from your dentist or go directly to the lab?

In short, go with your dentist or orthodontist if:

• Your insurance covers it
• You don't mind spending a few hundred dollars more
• You have sleep apnea or similar healthcare issues
• You need dental splints to reposition or realign your jaw
• You can't make a good impression yourself using our materials
• You have complicated TMJ issues and need special treatment
• You have dentures or dental implants that make wearing a night guard complicated

Choose JS Dental Lab if your primary need is a high-quality guard to protect your teeth from long-term damage caused by grinding and clenching. If you appreciate the ability to do this from the comfort of your own home, save a few hundred dollars, and work with an experienced team that is dedicated to creating the best experience possible for you, JS Dental Lab is the right choice.

Should I be worried about wearing a night guard?

Not. At. All. 

Adjusting to wearing a nighttime teeth guard can certainly pose some challenges, just like adjusting to any other type of orthodontic device, such as a retainer or Invisalign. 

But it will become second nature before you know it.

Sleeping with a night guard in your mouth does take some time to get used to. The type of night guard you choose will have a big impact on how long this adjustment period lasts.

Know What to Expect Before You Use Your Night Guard

If you opt for an over-the-counter guard, you’ll probably be dealing with a chewy-soft and ineffective night guard that feels bulky and uncomfortable in your mouth. The size of over-the-counter guards can also make breathing difficult and may cause drooling or gagging if they block your airway.

Professionally-made custom night guards can present their own challenges, too. Traditionally, hard acrylic guards are thick and rigid, with a tightness that is difficult to bear. Because of this type of material and fit, the wearer's comfort level overrides necessity, so the rate of compliance is lower. 

With new thermoplastic materials, such as PETG, plus your choice of harder or softer materials, the wear is less rigid and will adapt to your teeth better than traditional hard acrylic. 

With night guards that have a soft inner layer, there is far less tightness during the first few days. These materials can adapt to the contours of your teeth and offer greater flexibility, making them more comfortable and more likely to be worn.

You’re not used to having something fit snugly over your front teeth while you sleep. It will feel strange for a little while, but you’ll get used to it before you know it. Ahead, we’ll share how to adjust to your night guard fast and easy.

How to adjust to your new night guard

With any night guard, give yourself — and your mouth — the chance to adjust. If you’re feeling uncomfortable after the first week of consistent nightly use, it may be time to request an adjustment.

While it might not take nearly that long, you still need to give yourself time to get used to wearing a guard every night. Don’t get disheartened if it doesn’t feel perfect right away.

Still having trouble wearing your night guard while you sleep after the first few nights? A good trick to try is putting your night guard in a little while before you’re ready to lay down for the night. Even 15 or 20 minutes can help. As you’re going through your evening routine — washing dishes or packing lunch for the next day — pop in your guard. 

Having a little extra time with it in your mouth each day will help you get used to it faster. That way, when you get into bed, you’re not thinking about the guard being in your mouth. You’re already used to it being there! Though this is a helpful tip, it is only applicable to a small percentage of users.

Make sure you’re tracking how your night guard feels. And remember, if it’s still uncomfortably tight after a few days, or if it's increasing your tooth or jaw pain, you may need to have it adjusted. 

You may need adjustments if the teeth impressions for your guard are low-quality. Getting new, first-rate impressions of your upper teeth and/or your lower teeth is crucial to ensuring your guard doesn’t cause you discomfort.

Conclusion

If you’re considering a night guard, we hope this guide has answered some of your questions. And if you have more, we’re here to help! 

At JS Dental Lab, we’re committed to helping you find relief with our custom-made night guards. To learn more about hybrid, hard, and soft night guards, or to check out our custom teeth whitening kit options, visit our website today!