Dentist Night Guard vs. Over-The-Counter
11th Jun 2025
If you grind your teeth at night, a night guard can help prevent damage. The two main options are custom night guards from a dentist and over-the-counter (OTC) night guards. While both protect against grinding, they differ in cost, comfort, and durability.
This article compares Dentist Night Guard vs. Over-the-Counter options to help you choose the right one based on your budget and needs.
The Differences Between a Dentist Night Guard and an Over-the-Counter Night Guard
You might consider skipping the dentist and saving hundreds of dollars by getting an over-the-counter night guard. Before you decide, take a minute to learn the differences between the two.
What is an Over-the-Counter Night Guard?
Over-the-counter (OTC) night guards are easy to find at pharmacies and online. They’re a quick, affordable option for teeth grinding, though the fit and quality can vary. While not as durable as custom ones, they’re convenient—you can get one today from a drugstore or Amazon. If you're waiting for a custom night guard from your dentist, an OTC guard can be a helpful temporary solution.
3 Types of OTC Night Guards
- Boil-and-Bite Night Guards – Softens in hot water and molds to your teeth for a semi-custom fit.
- One-Size-Fits-All Night Guards – Pre-formed and non-adjustable, often bulky and uncomfortable.
- Disposable Night Guards – Made from soft material, intended for short-term use.
Pros of OTC Night Guards
Affordable – Typically costs $15–$100, much cheaper than a custom night guard.
Easy to Buy – No dental visit required, available in stores and online.
Quick Solution – Can be used immediately after purchase.
Cons of OTC Night Guards
Fit Issues – May not fit well, causing discomfort or shifting during sleep.
Less Effective – Does not provide the same level of protection as a custom-made guard.
Short Lifespan – Wears out faster, requiring frequent replacement.
Potential Risks – Poor fit may lead to jaw pain or bite misalignment.
What is a Dentist-Made Custom Night Guard?
A dentist-made night guard is a professionally crafted appliance designed specifically for your teeth. Unlike over-the-counter options, these guards are custom-fitted to provide better comfort and protection against teeth grinding.
Your dentist will also decide whether it would be better for you to have an upper or lower night guard, based on your needs and your mouth’s shape. According to a Cleveland Clinic article, Some people may also wear a mouthguard to protect dental work such as crowns, bridges or veneers.
How a Dentist Night Guard is Made
Dental Impressions – Your dentist takes a precise mold of your teeth.
Lab Fabrication – A professional dental lab creates the night guard using durable materials.
Final Fitting – The dentist ensures a perfect fit and makes any necessary adjustments.
Pros of Dentist-Made Night Guards
Perfect Fit – Custom-designed for your teeth, ensuring comfort and stability.
Durable – Made from high-quality materials, lasting several years.
Better Protection – Effectively prevents damage from severe grinding and clenching.
Custom Options – Can be designed for specific needs, such as TMJ disorder.
Cons of Dentist-Made Night Guards
Expensive – Costs range from $400 to $1,000 or more.
Requires a Dental Visit – Must be fitted and adjusted by a dentist.
Takes Time – Can take weeks to receive after impressions are taken.
Note: OTC night guards are cheaper and easy to buy, but they may not fit well or protect your teeth as effectively. Custom night guards fit better and offer more comfort and protection. As Colgate notes, they’re designed for your mouth, making them a better choice for managing bruxism (Colgate, n.d.).
Related Articles:
- Does Dental Insurance Cover Night Guards?
- Why Are Mouth Guards So Expensive?
- How Much Does A Night Guard Cost?
The Affordable Alternative: Custom Night Guards from Online Providers
If you want the quality of a dentist-made night guard but without the high price, custom night guards from online providers offer a great middle-ground solution.
How It Works
Order an Impression Kit – The provider sends a kit for you to take your dental impressions at home.
Send Back Your Impressions – Mail them to a professional dental lab.
Receive Your Custom Night Guard – A lab-made guard is shipped to you, offering a precise fit similar to a dentist’s version.
Why Choose an Online Custom Night Guard?
Lower Cost – Typically $150–$200, much cheaper than a dentist-made guard.
Custom Fit – Made from high-quality materials for better comfort and durability.
No Dental Visit Needed – More convenient than going to a dentist’s office.
Long-Lasting – More durable than store-bought OTC guards.
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
Which Night Guard Should You Choose?
Choosing between a dentist night guard vs. over-the-counter option depends on your budget, grinding severity, and long-term needs. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.
When to Choose an OTC Night Guard
- If you have mild grinding and need a temporary solution.
- If you’re on a tight budget and need something inexpensive.
- If you want a quick and convenient option without waiting for a custom guard.
When to Choose a Dentist-Made Night Guard
- If you have moderate to severe bruxism or TMJ issues.
- If you want a custom fit for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
- If you need a long-lasting night guard that won’t need frequent replacements.
When to Choose an Online Custom Night Guard
- If you want a custom fit without the high dentist price.
- If you need a durable, high-quality guard that lasts years.
- If you prefer the convenience of ordering from home instead of visiting a dentist.
Note: For most people, a custom-fitted night guard is the best long-term solution. If a dentist-made one is too pricey, an online custom night guard offers similar quality for less.
Related Articles:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are over-the-counter night guards safe to use?
Yes, they’re generally safe for short-term use. But since they don’t fit perfectly, they can cause discomfort, jaw soreness, or even make grinding worse over time.
2. How Long Do Night Guards Last?
Store-bought night guards usually last 3 to 6 months. They're soft and wear out quickly.
Custom night guards from a dentist can last 2 to 5 years with good care. They're made from stronger, longer-lasting materials.
3. Is a dentist-made night guard worth the high cost?
If you grind your teeth a lot or have TMJ issues, a dentist-made night guard is a great investment. It offers the best fit and protection. For a more affordable option with similar quality, consider a custom night guard from an online provider.
4. Can I mold an OTC night guard to fit better?
Boil-and-bite guards let you adjust the fit slightly, but they still won’t match the comfort or accuracy of a custom-fit guard from a dentist or online provider.
5. Can an OTC night guard cause dental issues like misalignment or discomfort?
Yes, a poor-fitting night guard can shift your teeth, feel uncomfortable, and offer less protection against grinding.
6. When Should You Replace Your Night Guard?
Replace it if it feels loose, has cracks, or you wake up with jaw pain. Some materials break down over time, so a quality guard lasts longer (Gould et al., 2009).
Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Dental Health
If you grind your teeth, a night guard is a smart investment—but choosing the right one makes all the difference. Over-the-counter (OTC) night guards are affordable and easy to get, but they’re often less comfortable and don’t last as long. Dentist-made night guards fit better and offer top protection, but they can be expensive.
A great middle ground? Custom night guards from online providers like Pro Teeth Guard. They offer the same quality and protection as dentist-made guards, but at a lower cost and without repeated dental visits.
For long-term comfort and protection, a custom-fitted night guard—whether from your dentist or an online provider—is your best bet.
References:
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, January 10). Types of mouth guards & how they protect your teeth. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards
- Colgate. (n.d.). Over-the-counter vs. custom night guard: Which is right for you? Colgate. Retrieved May 28, 2025, from https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bruxism/over-the-counter-vs-custom-night-guard-which-is-right-for-you
- Gould, T. E., Piland, S. G., Shin, J., Hoyle, C. E., & Nazarenko, S. (2009). Characterization of mouthguard materials: Physical and mechanical properties of commercialized products. Dental Materials, 25(6), 771–780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dental.2008.12.005
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
