Night Guards Are Important, But Why So Expensive?
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, your dentist has probably recommended a night guard. These custom devices protect enamel, prevent jaw pain, and save you from costly dental repairs in the future. According to the Mayo Clinic, bruxism is common and, if left untreated, can wear down enamel, cause jaw disorders, and even lead to tooth loss (Mayo Clinic).
But there’s one big problem: the price. It is common for dentists to charge $500 or more for a single guard, which leaves many patients wondering if the investment is really worth it.
The truth is, Custom night guards are absolutely worth wearing, but you do not need to spend $500+ at the dentist to get one that works. Let’s look at why dental office guards are so pricey, and why there are now better options available.
Why Dental Guards Cost $500+
Dentist-made night guards are not overpriced just for the sake of it; there are real reasons behind the cost.
- Chair time and overhead: Your dentist spends time examining your teeth, taking impressions, and sending them to a lab. The cost of staff, equipment, and the office itself is factored into your bill.
- Lab fees: Dental labs create guards using professional materials, which can be expensive.
- Markups: Like many medical services, there is often a markup on lab costs to cover the dentist’s expertise and liability.
According to the American Dental Association, custom guards are recommended over store-bought boil-and-bite guards because the fit and material quality make a huge difference in protecting your teeth. But the ADA does not say you need to buy them exclusively from your dentist.
Why You Don’t Need to Pay That Much
Advances in telehealth and at-home dental services mean patients now have access to the same custom-fit quality without the dental-office markup. Companies like Remi send you a kit to make impressions at home, then use the same lab-grade materials to create a guard designed just for your teeth.
The result is a guard that’s dentist-quality but a fraction of the cost.
More Than Just Savings: Why Comfort Matters
It’s not just about cost. A well-fitted night guard should be comfortable enough to wear every night. Ill-fitting guards can cause jaw pain, affect breathing, or end up unused in your drawer. Remi guards are custom-fit to your bite and are designed to be thin and comfortable, so you actually want to wear them.
Dentists charge $500 or more for night guards because of overhead, lab fees, and markups; not because the materials themselves are exclusive. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability. With Remi, you get a custom-fit, lab-quality guard at a fraction of the cost, without leaving home.
Your teeth, jaw, and wallet will thank you.
