››› Night guards
What they cost, how they work, what insurance does, and what to expect at Smile Pop.
››› Start here
Yes, for most patients with bruxism or TMJ symptoms. A professionally fitted night guard stays in place, fits comfortably, and is made from materials durable enough to handle heavy grinding. Over-the-counter guards are frequently abandoned because they are bulky and do not fit properly.
The cost reflects the clinical exam, digital scan, and professional lab fabrication. A lab-made guard is individually fitted, properly balanced, and made from durable materials. Compared to the cost of repairing cracked or worn-down teeth, it is a worthwhile investment.
Some patients find night guards uncomfortable at first, especially if they are new to wearing one. A poorly fitted guard can feel bulky or shift during sleep, which is why a custom-fitted guard from a dental professional is far preferable to an over-the-counter option. Well-made night guards have very few downsides.
For bruxism, the main alternatives are Botox injections into the masseter muscle, stress management and behavioral therapy, and biofeedback. These can be used alone or in combination with a night guard.
››› Mechanics
A night guard creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth so they cannot grind against each other. It absorbs and redistributes clenching force, reducing the load on individual teeth and jaw joints. For many patients, it also helps the jaw muscles relax overnight.
Yes. Night guards only protect your teeth when worn. For patients with bruxism or TMJ, consistent nightly use delivers the most benefit.
With proper care, a custom night guard typically lasts 3 to 5 years. Heavy grinders may wear through one faster. Rinse and store it properly after each use.
Bruxism is most commonly linked to stress and anxiety, sleep disorders (particularly sleep apnea), bite misalignment, and stimulant use. In many cases, a combination of factors is involved. A night guard addresses the symptoms and protects the teeth.
Rinse with cool water immediately after removing it each morning. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild dish soap. Avoid toothpaste, which can scratch the material. Retainer cleaning tablets also work well. Let it air dry completely before storing in its case.
››› The worries
An improperly fitted or balanced night guard can potentially worsen TMJ symptoms. This is why guards should be made and fitted by a dental professional who can ensure proper occlusal balance. A well-fitted custom guard generally helps TMJ, not harms it.
A properly made and balanced night guard should not significantly change your bite with normal nightly wear. If you notice bite changes, consult your dentist.
A night guard can reduce jaw clicking by decreasing the clenching load on the jaw joint. It does not always eliminate clicking entirely, but many patients notice improvement.
A properly fitted night guard should not cause gum recession. A guard that presses on the gums or does not fit correctly can cause irritation over time. Have any discomfort checked by your dentist.
A night guard reduces clenching force but does not directly slim the masseter muscle. For muscle reduction, masseter Botox is more effective. Some patients combine both, a night guard for protection and Botox for muscle relaxation and slimming.
A night guard itself does not change face shape. However, reducing clenching force over time can lead to some natural reduction in masseter muscle bulk. For more significant jaw slimming, masseter Botox is more effective.
Standard night guards are not designed to address snoring. Mandibular advancement devices are a different type of oral appliance specifically for snoring and mild sleep apnea.
››› The money part
Published estimates for New York City put a custom night guard between $560 and $1,120, with soft guards at the lower end and hard or dual-laminate guards at the upper end. At Smile Pop, custom night guards are $735, including your exam, digital scan and fit check.
Many dental insurance plans include a benefit for custom night guards, often under a TMJ appliance benefit. Coverage typically ranges from 50 to 80% after your deductible. Check your plan for occlusal guard benefits.
We are out of network, which means your plan reimburses you directly rather than paying us. We look up your benefits, help you file, and support you along the way.
Yes. A custom night guard prescribed by a dental professional is a qualified FSA and HSA expense. Confirm with your FSA or HSA administrator.
A night guard is one of several appliances we make. You can see every one of them, and what each costs, on our retainer options page.
No. Night guard fittings at Smile Pop are open to everyone, whether you have been coming here for years or found us this morning. We do not discriminate. 😉
Book online and select Night Guard. If you are not sure a night guard is the right appliance for you, our retainer options page lays out everything we make.
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