What Are Night Guards? | Protection Against Bruxism

Night guards are removable dental appliances that fit over your teeth to protect them from grinding and clenching during sleep.

If you wake up with a sore jaw, a headache, or teeth that feel sensitive, you might be grinding or clenching them at night. That habit, called bruxism, wears down enamel and can crack teeth over time. Also known as occlusal guards, bite splints, or simply nightguards, these appliances create a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Instead of grinding tooth against tooth, you grind against smooth plastic, which absorbs the force and shields your enamel from damage.

Here’s what you need to know about how they work, what they cost, and how to keep one in good shape for years.

How Night Guards Protect Your Teeth

Night guards fit over the upper or lower teeth, depending on your bite and your dentist’s recommendation. The appliance does not stop grinding itself, but it prevents the direct contact that causes damage.

There are two main ways to get one:

• Dentist-fitted custom guards. A dentist takes an impression of your teeth and sends it to a lab, which fabricates a guard tailored to your bite. These fit precisely and tend to be the most comfortable for long-term nightly use.
• At-home or over-the-counter options. Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and then molded to your teeth at home. They are cheaper and available without a dental visit, but they typically fit less precisely.

Bruxism affects people at any age, and many don’t realize they grind until a dentist spots the wear. If you’re weighing a custom guard against a DIY kit, our roundup of the best at-home night guards on the market breaks down which options hold up and which ones shift around at night.

What Night Guards Cost

Price is often the first question, and the gap between options is wide. Dentist-provided night guards typically cost between $300 and $1,000, depending on your insurance coverage, according to GoodRx. That range reflects the lab fees, the dentist’s time, and the precision of a custom fit.

At-home dental guards cost a fraction of that, usually between $20 and $100, though a poorly fitting guard can cause discomfort or even shift your bite over time. There is no single manufacturer-wide U.S. list price for night guards because most are custom-made per patient, so your exact cost depends on where you live and what your dental plan covers. If you have dental insurance, check whether it covers any portion of a night guard—many plans cover part of the cost, especially if bruxism is causing measurable damage to your teeth.

How To Clean A Night Guard

Night guards collect plaque and bacteria just like your teeth do, so daily cleaning is essential. The routine takes about two minutes and keeps the appliance from developing odors or a slimy film.

Brush and floss your teeth before inserting the guard, then clean the guard itself with a soft-bristled brush and cold or lukewarm water. Rinse it thoroughly and let it dry before storing it in its case. When you’re not wearing it, keep it in that protective case—a loose guard on a nightstand is easy to knock to the floor or onto a pet’s reach.

A few firm warnings appear across dental care sheets: never use hot water, boiling water, or a dishwasher to clean a night guard. High heat can warp and distort the plastic, ruining the fit. Opinions on toothpaste differ—some care instructions say to skip it entirely because it can scratch the surface, while others recommend a non-abrasive toothpaste. When in doubt, use plain water or a mild soap and a soft brush. Also, keep the guard away from direct sunlight and hot car interiors, which can soften and bend the material.

Do You Need A Night Guard?

Only a dentist can confirm you grind your teeth, but the signs are fairly distinct. Waking with a tight or tired jaw, frequent dull headaches, and teeth that look flattened or worn at the edges all point to bruxism. Your dentist can also look for microfractures or enamel wear that you cannot see in a mirror.

If you do grind, a night guard is the standard protective measure. It won’t cure bruxism, but it prevents the damage while you sleep. Dental offices commonly suggest bringing your guard to regular checkups and hygiene visits so the dentist can evaluate how it fits and whether the bite has shifted. Over time, a guard may need adjustment or replacement as your teeth naturally move. If you already know you grind and want a cost-effective option to start with, a quality at-home guard can offer solid protection until a custom one fits your budget.