Night guard for teeth grinding: custom vs store-bought

Key Takeaways

Custom night guards from your dentist cost between 300 and 800 dollars in Australia, while store bought mouth guards range from 20 to 50 dollars. The price difference reflects a significant gap in custom fit, comfort, durability, and effective protection. Dentist made night guards last 3 to 5 years and are made from precise impressions of your teeth, while boil and bite mouth guards rarely last more than a few months. About 1 in 5 Australian adults grind their teeth at night, and untreated teeth grinding can lead to cracked teeth, jaw pain, morning headaches, and expensive dental work. A custom mouth guard from your dental office is the single most effective long term investment for protecting your teeth and jaw.

What Is Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?

Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, clenching, or gnashing your teeth. It most commonly happens during sleep, which is why many people are unaware they do it. Teeth grinding can cause serious dental health issues if left untreated, making night guards an essential part of oral health care for affected patients.

There are two types of bruxism:

Sleep bruxism occurs unconsciously during the night. This is the more damaging type because you cannot control the force or duration. Custom night guards and mouth guards are primarily designed for this type.
Awake bruxism happens during the day, usually as a response to stress, concentration, or anxiety. It tends to involve clenching more than grinding.

Research from the American Dental Association suggests that more than 70 percent of dental professionals observed an increase in teeth grinding and clenching among their patients in recent years. Stress, sleep apnea, poor sleep quality, and lifestyle factors all contribute to rising rates of bruxism.

Signs You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth

Many people grind their teeth for years without realising it. Watch for these common warning signs that indicate you may need a night guard:

Waking up with jaw soreness, facial pain, or morning headaches
Teeth that appear flattened, chipped teeth, or visible tooth wear and dental wear
Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot and cold
Tight or tired jaw muscles, particularly in the morning
Earache or TMJ pain around the temples not caused by an ear infection
Disrupted sleep quality or a partner who can hear grinding at night
Indentations on the tongue or inside of the cheeks from clenching

If any of these sound familiar, seek professional advice from your dentist. Worn tooth surfaces and jaw muscle tenderness are often the first signs a dental professional will detect during a check-up.

Why You Need Night Guards for Teeth Grinding

Night guards, also known as occlusal splints or bite splints, are custom made mouth guards that fit over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. They create a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing direct tooth-on-tooth contact during grinding episodes.

Without mouth guards for protection, the forces generated by bruxism can cause serious damage over time:

Cracked or fractured teeth requiring crowns, root canals, or extractions
Worn enamel and dental wear exposing the softer dentine layer underneath
TMJ disorders including jaw pain, clicking, and limited jaw alignment issues
Damage to existing dental work including fillings, crowns, and veneers
Gum recession from the excessive pressure on teeth and surrounding tissues

A night guard helps absorb and distribute the grinding forces so your teeth, jaw, and dental work are protected. Custom night guards provide superior protection compared to store bought options and are a far cheaper long term investment than repairing the damage bruxism causes.

Custom Night Guards vs Store Bought: Key Differences

This is the decision most patients face when looking at mouth guards for teeth grinding. Understanding the key differences between dentist made and store bought night guards helps you make an informed decision about which option is right for your oral health.

Store Bought Night Guards and Mouth Guards

Over the counter night guards and store bought mouth guards are available at pharmacies and online for 20 to 50 dollars. Most store bought options are boil and bite mouth guards. You soften them in hot water, bite down to create a rough impression, and wear them to bed.

Pros of store bought night guards:

Inexpensive and immediately available over the counter
Store bought guards provide basic protection as a temporary measure

Cons of store bought mouth guards:

Bulky and uncomfortable, making it harder to sleep and breathe
Poor fit from boil and bite can change your jaw alignment over time
Store bought night guards wear out quickly, lasting only 1 to 3 months
The thick, soft material can stimulate the chewing reflex, potentially making grinding worse
No professional oversight or assessment of the underlying cause
Store bought options are not customised to your specific bite or grinding pattern

A study in the British Dental Journal found that poorly fitting store bought mouth guards purchased online are associated with tissue damage and teeth movement, and may present a choking hazard during sleep. For anything beyond short-term temporary use, store bought night guards are not recommended by dental professionals.

Custom Night Guards from Your Dental Office

A custom fitted night guard is fabricated in a dental laboratory from precise impressions or a digital scan of your teeth. Dentist made night guards deliver a superior fit that sits comfortably and stays securely in place throughout the night. Custom mouth guards are the recommended standard of care.

Pros of custom night guards:

Custom fit based on your exact bite and individual tooth anatomy
Slim profile and snug fit for better comfort and easier breathing during sleep
Dentist made guards use durable materials like hard acrylic or dual-laminate that last 3 to 5 years
Can be adjusted by your dental professional for perfect bite distribution
Professional oversight includes evaluation for TMJ disorders and underlying causes
Custom mouth guards do not alter your jaw alignment over time
Superior protection from custom guards against heavy grinding forces

Cons of custom mouth guards:

Higher upfront cost, typically 500 to 600 dollars in Australia
Requires at least two visits to the dental office, one for dental impressions and one for fitting

For patients who grind regularly, dentist made custom night guards are the gold standard recommended by dental professionals worldwide.

Types of Custom Mouth Guards for Teeth Grinding

Not all custom night guards are the same. Your dental professional will recommend a specific type based on the severity of your grinding pattern and whether you primarily grind, clench, or both.

Hard Acrylic Night Guards

Made from rigid acrylic, these dentist made guards are the most durable option and the best choice for severe grinding. Hard acrylic custom night guards last 3 to 5 years or more, maintain their shape well, and provide effective protection against heavy grinding forces. The hard surface prevents your teeth from sinking into the material, meaning they do not trigger the chewing reflex the way soft mouth guards do.

Dual-Laminate (Hybrid) Mouth Guards

These combine a soft inner layer for comfort with a hard outer layer for durability. Dual-laminate custom mouth guards are a good middle ground for moderate grinders who want both protection and comfort. They typically last 2 to 3 years.

3D Printed Nylon Night guards.

These are state of the art, light and thin with slight flexibility. The dentist scans your teeth and then we await the final amazing product. We have had very good feedback about the Nylon mouthguards due to their smooth profile and comfort. These have largely replaced the acrylic versions in our practice.

How Much Do Night Guards Cost?

Understanding the cost of mouth guards helps you weigh the long term investment against the alternative, which is paying for dental work to repair damage caused by unprotected grinding.

Store bought boil and bite: 20 to 50 dollars. Lasts 1 to 3 months with regular use.

Online mail-order custom guards: 100 to 200 dollars. Lasts 6 to 12 months. No professional advice or dental impressions from a dental professional included.

Dentist made custom night guards: 500 to 600 dollars in Australia. Custom fit lasts 3 to 5 years. Includes dental impressions, professional assessment, and fitting at your dental office.

Over a five-year period, replacing store bought night guards every few months adds up quickly, while a single dentist made guard covers the full period. The higher upfront cost of custom mouth guards is offset by superior durability and effective protection. Many patients find the custom fit a worthwhile long term investment.

Many private health funds in Australia cover part of the cost of dentist made custom mouthguards under general dental or major dental extras. Check with your insurance provider and ask your dental office about the item number used for occlusal splints, as this determines your rebate. Some dental clinics also offer a payment plan to spread the cost.

Night Guards and Sleep Apnea

There is a significant overlap between teeth grinding and sleep apnea. Research shows that patients with obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to grind their teeth at night. The connection works both ways, as grinding can be a response to airway obstruction during sleep apnea episodes.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, or suspect you may have it, mention this to your dental professional when discussing night guards. Standard mouth guards are not a sleep apnea treatment, but your dentist can coordinate care with your sleep specialist. Some patients require a mandibular advancement device rather than a standard night guard, and a dental professional can help determine which oral health appliance is appropriate.

The Link Between Teeth Grinding and TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull. Chronic teeth grinding places enormous stress on these joints and surrounding jaw muscles, which can lead to TMJ disorders and TMJ pain.

Symptoms of TMJ disorders include jaw pain when chewing, clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth, difficulty with jaw alignment, and headaches that radiate from the jaw area. Custom night guards may help reduce TMJ pain by distributing grinding forces evenly and preventing the jaw from clenching in positions that strain the joint.

We know that splints work but the evidence says that we don’t really know why.

What to Expect at Your Dental Office

Getting custom mouth guards from your dentist is straightforward and typically requires two appointments.

Appointment 1: Assessment and Dental Impressions/Scan

Your dental professional examines your teeth, jaw, and bite to assess the severity of your grinding pattern and check for existing dental problems. They take precise impressions of your teeth, either with dental putty or a digital intra-oral scanner. These dental impressions are sent to a laboratory where your custom fitted mouth guard is fabricated.

A scan is the relaxed way to go and this takes only 10 minutes!

Appointment 2: Custom Fit and Adjustment

When your dentist made guard is ready, usually within 1 to 2 weeks, you return for fitting. Your dental professional checks the custom fit, adjusts the bite surface for your exact bite alignment, and ensures the night guard stays securely in place with a snug fit. They will also give you professional advice on cleaning and proper care.

How to Care for Your Night Guard

Proper care extends the life of your custom night guards and keeps them hygienic.

Rinse with cool water after each use. Do not use hot water, which can warp the material
Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste
Store in the ventilated case provided by your dental office to allow air dry circulation
Keep away from heat, direct sunlight, and pets
Deep clean weekly by soaking in a denture cleaning solution or water and white vinegar
Bring your mouth guard to every dental check-up so your dentist can inspect for dental wear
Replace when you see visible cracks, thinning, or when the custom fit becomes loose
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Other Strategies for Managing Teeth Grinding

Custom night guards and mouth guards protect teeth from damage, but managing the underlying causes of bruxism can reduce grinding frequency over time.

Stress Reduction and Sleep Quality

Stress and anxiety are primary triggers for bruxism. Techniques like meditation, exercise, and progressive muscle relaxation help. Even simple changes like reducing screen time before bed and establishing a consistent sleep routine improve sleep quality and can reduce grinding. If you suspect sleep apnea, seek professional advice from a sleep specialist.

Jaw Exercises and Muscle Relaxation

Gentle stretching exercises for the jaw muscles can relieve tension and reduce jaw soreness. Place a warm compress on your jaw for 10 minutes before bed to relax the muscles. Consciously position your tongue between your upper and lower teeth during the day as a reminder to relax your jaw muscles.

Protect Teeth During Sports

If you play contact sports, you need a different type of mouth guard. Sports mouthguards are thicker and designed to absorb impact, while night guards are slimmer for grinding protection. If you play sports and grind at night, you may need both custom mouthguards and custom night guards. Your dental office can advise on the right mouth guards for each situation.

Final Thoughts: When to See Your Dentist

Do not wait until you have dental problems to address bruxism. See your dental professional if you experience morning headaches, jaw pain, jaw soreness, or visible tooth wear. Early intervention means a custom night guard rather than expensive restorative dental work.

At Perth City Dental in the Perth CBD, we offer dentist made occlusal splints and bite splints designed to protect teeth from grinding and clenching. Our custom mouth guards start with a thorough assessment of your grinding pattern, jaw alignment, and any existing dental health concerns.

Our dental office uses precise dental impressions and experienced dental laboratory fabrication. Whether you need a hard acrylic guard for severe grinding or a softer option for mild clenching, we match the custom fit to your specific needs. We also assess for TMJ disorders, discuss sleep apnea screening if indicated, and provide professional advice on managing bruxism long-term. Making an informed decision about night guards now can save you significant dental work in the future.

Book an appointment today to find out whether custom night guards are the right solution for your teeth grinding and oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do custom night guards last?

Dentists made custom night guards typically last 3 to 5 years with proper care, depending on the severity of your grinding and the material used. Hard acrylic custom guards last the longest. Store bought boil and bite mouth guards usually need replacing every 1 to 3 months.

Can I wear night guards with veneers or crowns?

Yes. Wearing custom night guards is strongly recommended if you have veneers, crowns, or other dental work. Teeth grinding can crack or dislodge these restorations, and a custom mouth guard protects your investment. Your dental professional will factor in your existing dental work when designing the custom fit.

Should I wear night guards on the upper or lower teeth?

Most dentists fit custom night guards to the upper teeth because they tend to be more comfortable. However, some patients prefer mouth guards on the lower teeth. Your dental professional will recommend the best option based on your exact bite and comfort.

Will custom night guards stop teeth grinding?

Night guards do not stop bruxism itself. You will still grind during sleep, but custom mouth guards absorb the forces and prevent damage to your teeth and dental work. The night guard helps protect your oral health while you address underlying causes like stress and sleep apnea.

Does private health insurance cover custom mouth guards?

Many Australian private health funds cover part of the cost of dentist made custom mouthguards under dental extras. Coverage varies by your insurance provider and policy level. Ask your dental office which item number will be used for the over the counter comparison and what rebate to expect.

What is the difference between over the counter and custom fitted night guards?

Over the counter store bought mouth guards are generic boil and bite guards that provide basic protection. Custom fitted mouth guards are made from dental impressions of your teeth for a precise custom fit. Dentist made custom guards offer superior fit, comfort, durability, and effective protection against dental wear. Store bought options are suitable as a temporary measure but not for long-term bruxism management.

What is the difference between night guards and sports mouthguards?

When comparing over the counter options to dentist made night guards, the difference is clear. Store bought guards from pharmacies provide only basic protection and wear out quickly. Over the counter options simply cannot match the precision of custom mouth guards. Without proper protection, severe grinding can lead to root canals and other costly dental work. Store bought guards are a reasonable short-term solution while you wait for your custom fit appointment.

Sports mouthguards are thicker and designed to absorb external impact when you play contact sports. Night guards are slimmer custom mouth guards designed to distribute the internal forces of grinding. They are not interchangeable. Using store bought sports mouthguards at night is too bulky and may not protect teeth from grinding forces correctly. Your dental office can make both types of custom mouthguards.