General dentistry
Custom night guards for grinding
If you clench or grind your teeth in your sleep, a custom night guard protects them. It is a thin, hard tray made from a digital scan of your teeth.
- Time in the chair
- Two short visits, about 20 min each
- Visits
- Two, about two weeks apart
- Numbing
- Not needed
- Typical cost
- $300–$800
What it is
Grinding (bruxism) is very common and mostly happens asleep, so many people only find out when a partner hears it or we see the wear. The signs: a sore jaw or headache in the morning, flattened or chipped edges, teeth sensitive to cold, cracked fillings.
A night guard doesn’t stop the habit, but it takes the force so your teeth don’t. Store-bought boil-and-bite guards are soft and bulky, and some people chew on them more. A custom guard is thin, hard and fitted to your bite, so it stays put and is easier to sleep in.
Who does this here
Dr. Renata Alcott
Dr. Marcus Tellez
Dr. Meera SethiWhat to expect, step by step
The check
We look at the wear on your teeth, check your jaw joints and muscles, and ask about headaches and sleep. If anything suggests sleep apnea we say so and suggest you talk to your doctor.
The scan
No goopy impression trays: a small wand is moved around your teeth for a few minutes to make a digital model.
The fitting
About two weeks later we fit the guard and adjust it until your bite feels even on it.
Getting used to it
The first few nights feel strange. Most people adapt within a week or two.
How long it takes
Two visits: about 20 minutes for the scan and 20 to 30 minutes for the fitting.
Bring it to your checkups and we’ll check it. A hard guard usually lasts several years.
What it costs
$300–$800
Typical U.S. range, for a custom guard, before insurance
Most patients pay somewhere in this range. Your exact cost depends on the material and whether you need an upper or a lower guard.
Some PPO plans cover night guards at around 50%; many don’t. We check yours before we order it.
This is a guide, not our fee and not a quote. After your exam you get a written estimate, and we check your insurance, before anything starts. Call (602) 555-0148 for a quote. Where these ranges come from.
Questions patients ask
Can’t I just buy one at the pharmacy?
You can, and for some people it is a reasonable start. If it is uncomfortable, or you still wake with a sore jaw, a custom guard is worth it.
Will it fix my jaw pain?
It often helps morning jaw pain from clenching. Jaw pain has several causes, so if the guard doesn’t help, we’ll talk about next steps.
How to book
Use our request form and we’ll call you back within one business day to pick a time, or call us now on (602) 555-0148. Tell us it’s for night guards and we’ll book the right length of visit.