What Are Night Guards? Cost, Benefits & Alternatives Explained
Author: Smile Boutique NY
Key Takeaway
✅ Night guards are custom-fit dental appliances that protect against teeth grinding and jaw clenching during sleep.
✅ They prevent enamel wear, jaw pain, and headaches — while improving sleep quality.
✅ Available in soft, hard, and dual-layer (muscle relaxer) designs to fit every comfort and grinding level.
✅ Custom night guards made at Smile Boutique NY are more comfortable, durable, and effective than store-bought versions.
Protect Your Smile While You Sleep
If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or notice worn or chipped teeth, you may be experiencing bruxism — unintentional grinding or clenching during sleep. Over time, this can damage enamel, cause fractures, and strain the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A custom night guard provides a simple, effective solution — forming a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to protect them while you rest.
At Smile Boutique NY, we design custom night guards for all types of sleepers — whether you’re a light clencher or a heavy grinder. These guards are handcrafted from high-quality thermoplastic or durable acrylic for long-lasting comfort and protection.
The Cost and Value of a Custom Night Guard
A common question among patients is: “Are night guards worth the cost?” The short answer is yes — especially when compared to the price of dental repairs.
The average cost of a custom night guard ranges from $150 to $350, depending on material thickness and style. Ready-made store options may seem cheaper, but they often provide limited protection, poor fit, and can even shift your bite alignment over time.
By contrast, Smile Boutique NY provides lab-grade, dentist-quality guards crafted using your exact dental impressions. This ensures precise fit, durability, and smoother breathing through the night — making it not only a wise short-term purchase but a long-term investment in dental health and comfort.
Why Choose a Custom Night Guard?
Properly fitted night guards protect the teeth and jaw in several critical ways:
Prevent Tooth Damage
Night guards act as a cushion, preventing enamel wear, cracks, and uneven tooth surfaces caused by grinding.
Relieve Jaw and Facial Pain
By reducing tension on TMJ muscles, night guards help ease headaches, morning stiffness, and facial soreness.
Improve Sleep and Reduce Noise
Many grinders — and their partners — report better, quieter sleep once a guard is introduced.
Tailored Comfort and Fit
Our night guards are made from professional-grade impressions for seamless comfort — no bulky materials or awkward bite pressure.
Types of Night Guards and Their Benefits
Each type of night guard offers unique advantages for different grinding levels and personal needs.
Soft Night Guards – Made from flexible thermoplastic and ideal for mild or occasional grinding. They feel gentle in the mouth and cushion the bite comfortably.
Hard Acrylic Night Guards – Crafted from durable acrylic, designed for heavy grinders who need maximum protection. These guards maintain shape under pressure and deliver long-lasting protection.
Muscle Relaxer or Dual-Laminate Guards – Engineered with both hard and soft layers (3–5 mm thick) to balance comfort with structure, perfect for chronic grinders and those with TMJ discomfort.
Buying Night Guard Online Process
Order Your Kit — Choose your preferred guard type and receive an impression kit with instructions.
Take Your Impressions at Home — Make accurate molds using dental-grade materials.
Mail It Back — Use our prepaid label to send your impression kit to our laboratory.
Receive Your Custom Guard — In less than a week, your finished night guard will arrive, ready to wear.
For added protection, pair your night guard with our Essix Retainers for 24/7 coverage and alignment support.
Caring for Your Custom Night Guard
To keep your guard clean and odor-free, rinse it after use and brush lightly with soft soap and warm (not hot) water. Avoid harsh cleaners like toothpaste or alcohol-based solutions, which can degrade the material. Store your night guard in a ventilated case away from heat and direct sunlight. With proper care, most guards last 6 to 12 months before replacement is recommended.
Alternatives to Night Guards
For those with mild grinding, mouth relaxation exercises, stress reduction techniques, or orthodontic adjustments can help. However, for many patients, a professionally fitted night guard remains the most reliable, non-invasive, and affordable way to protect both teeth and jaw alignment.
Real Patient Opinions
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“My Smile Boutique night guard fits perfectly — no jaw tension in the morning, and it’s so comfortable I forget it’s there.” — Rachel T.
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“I used to buy boil-and-bite guards, but they always wore out fast. My new custom one from Smile Boutique NY feels professional and durable.” — David T.
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“Exceptional quality and service. The whole online process was fast and easy. My night guard arrived within a week!” — Lisa K.
Smile Boutique NY specializes in high-quality dental appliances including custom night guards, retainers, flexible partials, flippers, and snap-on veneers, serving patients across the United States and internationally.
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes and reflects the opinion of the Smile Boutique NY dental team. Always consult your dentist for personalized advice on treatment and maintenance.
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