How much does a Night Guard cost in Maine?
Underlined terms link to definitions in the Pearl Dental Glossary.
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 the cost?
- Type of guard (soft, hard, dual-laminate)
- Custom-fabricated vs. OTC
- Lab fees for custom appliance
- Whether a sleep study is required
- Practice location
By city
Cities we cover
Pearl has city-level pricing in these covered cities. Click a city to see local fee ranges, what affects the quote, and your estimated out-of-pocket.
Quote checker
What should your quote include?
Different offices bundle costs differently. Here's what a complete quote typically covers — and what's often left out.
Usually included in the quoted price
- Impressions or digital scan
- Lab fabrication of the guard
- Fitting appointment
- Any adjustments
Often billed separately — ask before you agree
- Ask whether OTC alternatives might be appropriate as a trial
Health stakes
What happens if you delay treatment?
Restorative procedures are usually recommended once a tooth has lost too much structure to remain stable on its own. Waiting rarely makes the situation simpler.
- Grinding (bruxism) wears down tooth enamel permanently
- Cracked and fractured teeth require crowns or implants
- TMJ pain and jaw muscle soreness worsen
- Headaches and sleep disruption persist
- Worn enamel increases sensitivity and cavity risk
Before you agree
Questions to ask your dentist
A good dentist won't mind these. Print this list or take a photo before your next visit.
- Is this a custom-fitted guard or a lab-fabricated one?
- Which material is best for my grinding severity — soft or hard?
- How long should this guard last?
- Should I wear it every night or only when I feel tension?
- Is there an underlying TMJ issue we should address?
- Are there lifestyle changes that might reduce my grinding?
Coverage
Insurance & coverage notes
Insurance coverage varies by procedure type. For Night Guard, typical coverage tiers are: No Insurance $200 – $600, Basic Insurance $100 – $350, Major Insurance $50 – $200.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is a custom night guard worth the extra cost over an over-the-counter version?
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.
Does insurance cover night guards?
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.
How long does a night guard last?
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.
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What does this cost in your city?
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