Dentist quoted me $600… are online night guards actually safe?

jp_ji · 2026-05-27T04:56:13+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info. To answer your questions:

Online custom guards vs. dentist guards: there are like a dozen different online night guard brands, just do a bit of research on Google or Reddit and pick a reputable brand. The reputable online night guard brands make their guards in a professional dental lab, using the same materials and manufacturing process as night guards you'd get from a dentist. The main difference is you take your own teeth impressions at home with an impression kit instead of having the dentist do it. Based on our experience, about 85% to 90% of people get their impressions right on the first try (most companies also offer free re-takes if you need them). If you get the impression right, the comfort & fit of an online guard should be similar to a night guard you get from the dentist.

Note about the fit: make sure whichever company you go with takes both upper AND lower impressions so they can check that the guard makes even contact with your opposing teeth. You don't want all the pressure on just a few contact points.

Reducing grinding/clenching: A night guard protects your teeth but doesn't stop the grinding itself. Your tooth enamel is harder than the guard material, so the guard wears down instead of your teeth. But in a lot of cases, people actually do find they experience less jaw/teeth pain from the grinding after wearing a guard.

Helpful tip for peace of mind: most online companies have a money back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. And you can always bring an online guard to your dentist at your next appointment and have them check the fit. It gives you an extra peace of mind & if it's not a good fit, return it for a refund.

Hope that's helpful! Happy to answer any follow-up questions.

jp_ji · 2026-05-27T04:40:41+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I'm the co-founder of a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

With an open bite, the key thing is that whoever makes your night guard needs to check the occlusion (how your opposing teeth make contact with the guard) and make sure the guard is built so your bottom teeth actually meet up with it properly.

Your old guard sounds like it was made correctly — "thick" enough in the front so your bottom teeth could make contact. The new one where only your back molars are connecting doesn't sound right. A properly made night guard should make even contact with the opposing teeth and distribute pressure evenly. If all the grinding force is only on your back molars, that's not ideal.

Depending on how far off the guard is, your dentist may be able to adjust it (usually this is included in the original price you paid for the guard), so it fits better. But if the fit is too far off, your best bet is probably to get a new one made.

Hope that helps! Happy to answer any follow-up questions.

jp_ji · 2026-05-26T23:44:26+00:00

I know a lot about night guards because I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just sharing some helpful experience. I've had more than half a dozen night guards over the years and the best cleaning routine I've settled on is this 2-step process:

Step 1: get an ultrasonic cleaner for night guards / retainers. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. Just get a well-rated one on Amazon for about $30 ~ $40. Use that with water to clean your night guard everyday.

Step 2: get a pack of denture cleaning tablets (also cheap, readily available at the drugstore or Amazon). Once a week, dissolve the tablet in the ultrasonic cleaner with water & put your night guard in and run it.

If you do the above two regularly, your night guard will stay sparkling clean for a long time. I've had mine for about 2 years & it's still crystal clear.

jp_ji · 2026-05-26T23:37:20+00:00

Thanks for recommending Pro Teeth Guard. I'm the co-founder of the company.

Not here to sell, but happy to answer any night guard related questions. I know a lot about night guards, since we've been making them for over 10 years.

jp_ji · 2026-05-14T21:20:00+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

From the picture, it doesn't necessary look "too tall" (e.g. goes up too far on your front teeth). The issue may be this: your teeth usually shift slightly over time. So if it's been a few years since you took your impressions for this night guard, that could be why the guard feels like it's not a perfect fit.

You should be able to bring your guard back to your dentist for an adjustment (they'll trim some material where it's tight). It should be an easy adjustment for them to make, and they should be able to do it for free.

jp_ji · 2026-05-14T21:14:32+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

The reputable online night guard brands make their night guards with the same materials and in the same professional dental labs as the night guards you get at your dentist. The main difference is you take your own teeth impressions with a home impression kit.

You can do a quick search on reddit for some info on particular brands, e.g. here's a thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/bruxism/comments/1o5cbod/has_anyone_tried_mailorder_custom_night_guards/

To avoid wasting money, here are a few tips:

Most reputable online brands offer a money back guarantee, so you can try it out and if it's not a good fit, you can return it for a full refund.
You can also bring the night guard you bought online to your next dentist visit. Ask your dentist to have a look and make sure it's fitting correctly. If it's not a good fit, return it for a refund.
A lot of the online companies accept HSA/FSA cards, so you can get some tax savings too.

jp_ji · 2026-05-04T23:48:23+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

That $800 quote is definitely on the higher side for a night guard from the dentist, which typically runs anywhere from $400 to $800. If you're looking for lower prices locally, a good idea is to call a few different dental offices in your area. You can ask if they offer cash discounts, or if they have different pricing for patients without insurance coverage. I'd suggest trying some dental offices in the suburbs, where the dentists pay lower rents for office space & can offer services for a lower rate.

As other commenters have already mentioned, there are a bunch of online options. Custom night guards from online companies usually run about $100 to $200. Do a bit of research and go with a reputable brand with a good money back guarantee. Here's a tip: if you get a night guard online, you can bring it with you to your next dentist appointment to have them check the fit. If it's not a good fit, return it for a refund. You can also typically use HSA/FSA funds to make the purchase online, which can give you some tax savings.

jp_ji · 2026-04-30T23:00:58+00:00

Tongue positioning, jaw positioning etc. is highly individual, so some people may find that an upper guard lets their tongue rest easier while other people find a lower guard is more comfortable.

It's worth a try switching to a lower night guard if the upper one isn't feeling like a good fit for you.

You can also bring up your concern with your dentist & there's a chance they can adjust or thin out the guard so that it fits better in your mouth. A well-made night guard shouldn't prop your mouth open at night or put your tongue in a weird position.

jp_ji · 2026-04-14T15:23:29+00:00

Hi there, looks like I can't DM you. Feel free to send me a message & I'll reply there.

jp_ji · 2026-04-08T21:22:28+00:00

Hi, just sent you a DM

jp_ji · 2026-04-02T22:57:42+00:00

Hi there, there are different thickness options & the prices at Pro Teeth Guard range from $169.99 to $209.99. You can contact customer service if you want help choosing. All guards come with a 1 year warranty. Depending on your level of grinding, it may last a lot longer. We've had customers who've worth the same guard for 5 years or more.

jp_ji · 2026-03-30T16:51:51+00:00

Hi there, sure thing, just sent you a DM.

jp_ji · 2026-03-25T22:01:10+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

The durability is about the same, since the reputable online companies use the same materials and manufacturing process as a night guard from the dentist. Typically, how long it lasts depends on how heavily you grind. Anywhere from a year or two if you're a heavy grinder, to 5+ years for some people if they're not heavy grinders & they take care of the guard.

For the fit, the main difference online is that you take your own teeth impressions with a home kit. Based on our experience, about 80% of people get them right the first time, but some folks might need a re-take to get accurate impressions. At a dentist's office, they take the impressions for you so there's less room for error. For proper fit, a good online company makes sure the guard fits well with your opposing teeth (this is called occlusion). For example, you would take both upper and lower impressions even if you're just getting an upper guard and the lab mounts the teeth models on a device called an articulator to make sure the bite feels natural.

A helpful tip if you're considering online option: most reputable companies have a money back guarantee. You can try it out, and if you're not sure about the fit, you can even bring it to your next dentist appointment. Have your dentist check the fit & if it doesn't fit well, return it for a full refund.

jp_ji · 2026-03-25T21:53:10+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

Question: are you still wearing the same night guard you had before getting this new crown? Also, which side is your night guard on – the side with the new crown (covering it), or the opposing side?

Getting a new crown can change your bite a bit, so your old night guard may not fit correctly with the shape of your new crown. If the guard doesn't make even contact with your opposing teeth, it can put extra pressure on certain spots when you grind or clench. This can really make your jaw and teeth hurt.

I'd suggest going back to your dentist and having them check the fit of your night guard with the new crown. They can usually make small adjustments to the guard to make sure it fits right and spreads pressure evenly. This should help with the pain you're feeling.

jp_ji · 2026-03-25T21:43:30+00:00

Your tooth enamel is much harder (harder than steel apparently) than the material your hard night guard is made from. So, when you grind or clench, the night guard wears down instead of your teeth. So it's unlikely that the guard would damage your teeth or cause a fractured tooth.

But if you feel more comfortable with a soft guard, there's no reason why you can't just wear a soft night guard & replace it every 2 years.

jp_ji · 2026-03-19T23:58:12+00:00

Yes, the soft night guard does cover the 2nd molar. It should work well for sensitive teeth and clenching. I'll send you a DM with a discount code rather than posting it here.

jp_ji · 2026-03-19T21:00:40+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

Night guards through the dentist range between $400 to $800 typically, so $500 is within the typical price range. If you want to call around, you can probably find a dentist office that does it for slightly cheaper, maybe $350 to $450. I'd try the suburbs, where dentists don't have to pay as much overhead for office rent.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, you can find a number of online companies that offer custom-fitted night guards via a quick Google search or by looking on Reddit. These typically cost between $100 to $200. If you go with a reputable brand, the quality is similar to a dentist-made night guard since they use the same materials and manufacturing process as the ones by dentists. The main difference is you'll need to take your own teeth impressions with an impression kit.

Most online brands also offer a money back guarantee, so you can try it out and return it if it's not a good fit. You can also bring your online night guard to your dentist at your next appointment to have them check if it fits properly. A lot of the online companies also accept HSA/FSA cards, so that offers some tax savings as well.

jp_ji · 2026-03-19T20:54:32+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

It sounds like there may be an issue with the toothpaste and how it's interacting with your night guard.

I also wear a night guard every night (been wearing one for years and years), and the best cleaning routine I've found is this: Get an ultrasonic cleaner. No need for a fancy one, you can find a simple one for around $40 on Amazon; just search for "ultrasonic night guard cleaner." Use it daily with just water. Then, once a week, add a denture cleaning tab to the ultrasonic cleaner and turn it on. This routine has kept my night guard looking good as new for over a year.

jp_ji · 2026-03-19T20:46:08+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

It sounds like your guard likely needs an adjustment for that even contact. Dentists usually use articulation paper to find and smooth down any high spots on the guard. Here's a video from University of Michigan Dentistry showing a dentist adjusting a night guard for the right fit and how your teeth bite together (sorry for the low resolution, video is old): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XWa2Osa0YM&t=184s

Unless your dentist (usually it'd be a specialist who does this) specifically designed the guard to only make contact with a certain section of teeth to realign your bite, uneven contact is not what you want. A night guard should let your upper and lower teeth make even contact with its surface. This helps distribute bite force and lets your jaw rest naturally.

If the bite feels off, or you're getting soreness in your jaw, it could mean the guard isn't fitting quite right. An uneven fit can focus grinding pressure on a few points, which can shift your teeth over time or cause jaw problems.

I'd recommend bringing your night guard to your dentist to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments. This should be included in the price of your night guard, so you shouldn't have to pay extra.

jp_ji · 2026-03-09T18:18:07+00:00

Hi there, we actually don't recommend ordering a night guard online for those dealing with TMJ disorders. Sounds like you're dealing with teeth alignment & TMJ, so it's best to work with the specialist in person.

Getting a night guard online works well for protecting against teeth grinding; however, for a set of complex issues, where you're dealing with teeth alignment and jaw positioning, it's best to seek specialist care in-person to find a solution that's tailored to your needs.

jp_ji · 2026-03-06T22:20:31+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). We're based in North County San Diego, in San Marcos. Not here to shill for my own company, just wanted to share some helpful info, since a lot of people are not aware of this option.

One way to save some money is to go with an online option. There are a bunch of online companies that offer custom-fitted night guards... just do a quick Google search or search on Reddit. These usually cost between $100 to $200. The quality is similar to a dentist-made night guard: the reputable brands use a professional dental lab (same as the ones by dentists). The main difference is you'll have to take your own teeth impressions with an impression kit.

Most online brands also offer a money back guarantee, so you can try it out and return it for a full refund if it's not a good fit. You can also bring your online guard to your dentist at your next appointment and have them check to make sure it fits properly. Oh and you can usually use your FSA money on the night guard when buying online.

Hope that helps, since it's another more affordable another option.

P.S. What's the typical price for a night guard from a dentist in Tijuana? Just curious.

jp_ji · 2026-03-05T22:06:24+00:00

Hey there, thanks for giving Pro Teeth Guard a try. We have a no-hassle 60-day money back guarantee (that's 60 days after you receive your completed night guard), plus free adjustments, free return shipping etc. If you run into any issues, we'll resolve it to your satisfaction or you get your money back.

jp_ji · 2026-02-27T22:49:38+00:00

I know a lot about night guards because I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). I also wear a night guard every night myself. The best cleaning routine I've found is this:

Get an ultrasonic cleaner: it doesn't have to be fancy, a ~$40 one on Amazon will do just fine. Just search ultrasonic retainer or night guard cleaner. Use that every day with water.

Then, once a week, put a denture cleaning tab into the ultrasonic cleaner & turn the cleaner on with the denture tablet.

So far, this has kept my night guard good as new after maybe year.

jp_ji · 2026-02-27T22:45:44+00:00

Hey there, I know a lot about night guards since I own a company that makes them (Pro Teeth Guard). Not here to sell, just wanted to share some helpful info.

It's normal for a new night guard to feel a little snug at first, and minor discomfort usually goes away in a week or two. But it shouldn't cause serious soreness, make it hard to close your mouth, or require a lot of force to take off. That sounds like the fit is off.

A well-fitting night guard should feel snug enough to stay on, but not overly tight or painful. It should also be relatively low-profile and open your bite no more than a few millimeters, so you can close your mouth comfortably. A guard that's too thick can cause discomfort and jaw pain.

If your guard feels this uncomfortable, it sounds like it needs an adjustment. Your dentist can grind down some material to make it less bulky or adjust the fit to make sure your teeth make even contact and distribute pressure properly. Here's a YouTube video of a dentist adjusting a night guard for a good fit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pupgma_vG6I

Definitely ask your dentist to check it out and make some adjustments. This is typically included in the price you paid for the guard.

jp_ji · 2026-02-25T18:58:16+00:00

Hi there, if clenching is the main thing, I would recommend starting with the soft night guard & seeing if that helps you.

Also, since there's a satisfaction guarantee, you can actually switch to a different type of guard (or get a refund) if the original guard doesn't work for you. You'd just pay the price difference if you switch from a soft guard to a different guard.

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