Restorative · Night Guard · National Cost

How much does a night guard cost?

Average Night Guard cost in the US: $430-$1,125

🏥 Based on ADA fee survey data
📊 Population-weighted national average
🔄 Updated May 2026
✓ Reviewed by Pearl clinical team
$430 – $1125

Typical Night Guard range across the United States

📍 All 50 states covered 🏥 PPO typically covers up to ortho max

National average

$655

Night Guard · D9944

What is this procedure?

About this procedure

A night guard is a custom-fitted oral appliance worn while sleeping to protect teeth from grinding (bruxism) and clenching. The dentist takes an impression or digital scan of your teeth, sends it to a lab, and the lab fabricates a hard or soft acrylic guard that fits precisely over your upper or lower teeth. Night guards prevent tooth wear, reduce jaw soreness and TMJ symptoms, and can help with morning headaches caused by overnight clenching.

Custom night guards are different from over-the-counter "boil and bite" guards from a pharmacy. Custom guards are more comfortable, last longer, and address the specific bite pattern that's causing the wear. Most custom night guards last 5–10 years with proper care.

Price factors

What affects this cost?

  • Material: Hard acrylic (most durable, used for heavy grinders), soft (more comfortable, less durable, for mild grinders), and dual-laminate (hard exterior, soft interior) all have different price points.
  • Custom vs. semi-custom: True custom (lab-fabricated from impressions) costs more than semi-custom (ordered online from a kit).
  • Single vs. dual arch: Most night guards cover one arch (upper or lower); dual-arch guards cost more.
  • Lab fees: High-end labs cost more than chain labs.
  • Adjustment visits: Some practices include adjustments in the initial fee; others bill separately.

By state

Where does this cost the most and least?

Pearl tracks pricing across all 50 states. Below are the highest and lowest cost markets — click any state for a full state-level cost breakdown across covered cities.

Highest cost states

Lowest cost states

Quote checker

What should your quote include?

Different providers bundle costs differently. Here's what a complete quote typically covers — and what's often left out.

USUALLY INCLUDED IN THE QUOTED PRICE

  • Impression or digital scan
  • Lab fabrication
  • Initial fitting and bite check
  • Up to one or two adjustments in the first weeks
  • Post-fitting instructions

OFTEN BILLED SEPARATELY — ASK BEFORE YOU AGREE

  • TMJ-specific splint therapy (a different and more involved appliance)
  • Sleep apnea oral appliances
  • Replacement night guard
  • Bite-balancing dental work if recommended
  • Botox or other clenching-related treatments

Health stakes

What happens if you delay treatment?

  • Untreated grinding can wear teeth down significantly, sometimes requiring crowns or veneers to restore
  • Persistent clenching can cause TMJ disorder, which may require more extensive treatment
  • Morning headaches and jaw soreness typically worsen over time
  • Cracked teeth from heavy grinding can lead to root canals or extractions

Before you agree

Questions to ask your provider

  • What material is best for my level of grinding?
  • Is this for the upper arch, lower arch, or both?
  • How long should I expect this guard to last?
  • Are adjustments included in the initial fee?
  • What if I have TMJ symptoms — should I be looking at a different appliance?

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

For most patients with consistent grinding, yes. Over-the-counter guards are bulky, fit poorly, and last only months. Custom guards are slimmer, fit precisely, and protect your teeth better. For occasional mild grinders, an OTC guard is sometimes a reasonable starting point.
Coverage varies. Many PPO plans cover night guards at 50% if grinding-related tooth wear is documented; some plans don't cover them at all. Medical insurance occasionally covers night guards for documented TMJ disorder.
A well-cared-for custom guard typically lasts 5–10 years. Heavy grinders may need replacement sooner. Sign of replacement: visible wear, cracking, or loss of fit.
Not exactly. A night guard primarily protects teeth from grinding wear. A TMJ splint is a more specialized appliance designed to reposition the jaw and treat joint dysfunction. Some night guards have TMJ-relieving features; severe TMJ cases need a dedicated splint.
A night guard protects teeth from the consequences of grinding but doesn't stop the grinding itself. Stress management, jaw exercises, and addressing underlying causes (like sleep apnea) can reduce the grinding behavior. The guard is a buffer — not a cure.

See local pricing

Compare what this costs in your city.

Pearl's cost data covers 485 U.S. cities. Search by procedure and zip — get a localized fee range and what to expect from your insurance.

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