A custom night guard costs $430 to $1,125 in 2026
Pearl's May 2026 figures, built on ADA fee survey data, put a custom night guard at $430 to $1,125, about $655 on average. It is made in a lab from a scan of your teeth and usually lasts 5 to 10 years. Some PPO plans pay about half when grinding damage is documented.
What you may pay
| Custom lab guard | $430 to $1,125, about $655 (Pearl, May 2026). |
|---|---|
| Hard acrylic | Most durable, for heavy grinders. |
| Soft or dual layer | More comfortable, priced differently. |
| With insurance | Some plans pay about half. |
| Lifespan | Typically 5 to 10 years. |
What pushes a quote up
| Material | Hard, soft and dual layer differ. |
|---|---|
| Custom or semi custom | Lab made costs more than kits. |
| One or both arches | Two arches cost more. |
| Lab | High end labs cost more. |
| Adjustments | Sometimes included, sometimes billed. |
Night guard cost by region
| Lower cost states | $350 to $900. Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, West Virginia and most rural areas. |
|---|---|
| Average cost states | $430 to $1,125. Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and most mid size cities. |
| Higher cost states | $550 to $1,450. California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington, plus big metros such as Chicago, Denver and Washington DC. |
These rows are our estimate. We took the typical national range and adjusted it for local labor costs, which run about 20 percent lower in the cheapest states and about 30 percent higher in the dearest ones. Suburban and community offices often charge 15 to 30 percent less than dense metro practices.
Custom guard or store bought
A night guard is a thin cover worn over your teeth while you sleep to stop grinding and clenching from wearing them down. Pearl notes a custom guard is slimmer, fits better and lasts years, while boil and bite guards from a pharmacy are bulky and last months.
The guard protects your teeth but does not stop the grinding itself. Heavy grinding left alone can crack teeth, which leads to crowns or root canals. If you also have jaw pain, ask whether you need a TMJ splint instead, which is a different appliance.
How to judge the quote in your hand
- Ask which material suits your grinding.
- Ask upper or lower.
- Ask how many adjustments are included.
- Ask how long it should last.
- Ask your insurer about coverage.
Ways to pay less
- Use insurance if wear is documented.
- Ask about a semi custom option.
- Look after it so it lasts.
- Try a store guard first for mild grinding.
Before you decide
This page covers prices only. It is not medical or dental advice. Talk to a licensed provider about what treatment you need, and ask for a written estimate and your insurer's pre-authorization before you start.
What will this cost me?
Pick the job, your state's cost level and the last detail. The estimate updates as you change them.
An estimate built from published 2026 cost guides. It is not a quote. Get a written quote before work starts.
Common questions
How much is a night guard from the dentist?
About $430 to $1,125, around $655 on average.
Is a custom guard worth it?
For regular grinders, usually yes. It fits better and lasts years.
Does insurance cover night guards?
Some plans pay about half when wear is documented.
How long does a night guard last?
About 5 to 10 years.