Where to Buy a Night Guard: Dentist, Drugstore or Online?
Wondering where to buy a night guard for teeth grinding? Whether you wake up with jaw soreness or notice signs of worn-down teeth, finding the right night guard can help protect your teeth from further damage.
You can purchase a night guard at a local pharmacy, a big-box retailer like Walmart, an online marketplace like Amazon, or directly from a dentist. Online retailers also offer custom-made night guards using impressions you take at home. Each option has different advantages in terms of price, comfort, and customization.
Not sure which option is right for you? Let's look at where you can buy a night guard and what you should know before choosing one.
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Where Can You Buy a Night Guard?
You can buy a night guard from three main sources: drugstores and online marketplaces, dental offices, and online custom night guard retailers. Your best option depends on your budget, grinding habits, and whether you need a professional dental evaluation.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, store-bought guards are generally more affordable but offer less protection against grinding than custom-made alternatives. Dentist-made guards provide a personalized fit, while mail-in custom options let you order an appliance without scheduling an office visit.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Where to Buy | Typical Cost | Fit and Customization | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drugstores, Walmart, and Amazon | Generally the least expensive | Stock or boil-and-bite designs with limited customization | People looking for an affordable, temporary option |
| Dentist's Office | Approximately $300–$1,000 | Professionally fitted using dental impressions or digital scans | People who need a dental evaluation or professionally supervised appliance |
| Online Custom Retailers | ClearClub: Starting at $95, with refills from $55 | Made using an impression you take at home | People who want a custom fit without office visits |
Prices are estimates and may vary depending on the provider, product, and customization options.
What Should You Know About Each Place to Buy a Night Guard?
Each purchasing option offers a different level of customization, convenience, and professional support. Understanding these differences can help you find an appliance that suits your needs.
Drugstores, Walmart, and Amazon
Drugstores and retailers like Walmart and Amazon commonly sell stock and boil-and-bite night guards. Stock guards are ready to wear, while boil-and-bite versions are softened in hot water and molded around your teeth at home.
Although these options are generally more affordable, the Cleveland Clinic explains that store-bought guards are less effective at protecting against grinding than custom-made alternatives. Poorly fitting appliances may also cause soreness in your teeth, gums, or jaw.
Before purchasing, check the material, sizing instructions, customer reviews, and return policy. You can also read our guide on factors to consider before buying an over-the-counter night guard.
Dentist's Office
A dentist can examine your teeth, assess signs of bruxism, and determine whether a custom night guard is appropriate. The process typically involves taking an impression or digital scan of your teeth, which is then used by a dental laboratory to create your appliance.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, fabrication can take up to two weeks in some cases. Dentist-made custom guards generally offer better comfort and protection than store-bought alternatives, although they usually cost more. Depending on the provider and appliance, prices may range from approximately $300 to $1,000. For more details, check out our guide on the cost of night guards with and without insurance.
Online Custom Night Guard Retailers
Online custom night guard retailers offer another way to get a personalized appliance without visiting a dental office. Instead of having your dentist take an impression, you receive a kit, create a mold of your teeth at home, and mail it back to the manufacturer.
With ClearClub, your impression kit typically arrives within 3 to 5 business days. Taking the impression takes approximately five minutes, and most customers receive their custom night guard within about two weeks of ordering. Your appliance is manufactured in ClearClub's Los Angeles laboratory using your at-home impression.
When choosing an online retailer, look for transparent pricing, clear return policies, accessible customer support, and genuine customer reviews. These details can help you assess the company's reliability and understand what happens if your impression or finished appliance doesn't fit properly.
How Do You Choose the Right Place to Buy a Night Guard?
Choosing where to buy a night guard depends on your dental condition, grinding habits, and budget. Consider these factors before purchasing:
- Your grinding habits: If you grind your teeth frequently or heavily, ask your dentist whether a custom-made appliance would offer more suitable protection.
- Your dental condition: If you have crowns, veneers, crooked teeth, or existing dental damage, consult your dentist about the appropriate appliance and fit. Read more about using a night guard to protect dental crowns.
- Your budget: Store-bought guards generally have lower upfront costs, while custom options may offer better fit and durability. Compare the initial price with potential replacement expenses. Or if your provider accepts FSA/HSA payments.
- Your preferred purchasing method: If you want professional supervision, visit your dentist. If you prefer convenience and a custom fit without office appointments, consider a mail-in option.
When should you see a dentist first?
If you experience persistent jaw pain, clicking or locking, cracked or loose teeth, or significant discomfort when chewing, have your symptoms evaluated before purchasing a night guard. These problems may indicate an underlying dental or jaw condition that requires more than a protective appliance.
Similarly, loud snoring, gasping during sleep, and excessive daytime tiredness may indicate sleep apnea. A regular night guard for teeth grinding isn't a substitute for an oral appliance specifically prescribed to manage sleep apnea.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) also recommends discussing bruxism symptoms and appropriate management options with your healthcare provider.
Protect Your Teeth From Grinding With ClearClub
Looking for a custom night guard without visiting a dentist? ClearClub makes it easy to get a personalized fit with an impression you take at home.
Choose from three thickness options based on your grinding habits, with your first guard starting at $95 and refills at $55. Order your custom night guard from ClearClub and protect your teeth from grinding damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can you buy a night guard without going to the dentist?
Yes. You can purchase over-the-counter night guards from pharmacies, Walmart, and online marketplaces without a prescription. Some online retailers, including ClearClub, also offer custom night guards using impressions you take at home. However, consult a dentist first if you experience persistent jaw pain, damaged teeth, or other concerning symptoms.
❓ Is it better to get a night guard from a dentist or online?
Both options can provide custom-made night guards, but the process differs. A dentist can examine your teeth, assess your grinding habits, and supervise the fitting process. Online custom retailers offer the convenience of creating your impression at home without visiting an office. Your choice depends on your dental needs and whether you require professional evaluation.
❓ How much does a night guard cost?
The price depends on where you purchase your night guard and how it's made. Store-bought options are generally the least expensive, while dentist-made custom guards may cost approximately $300 to $1,000. Online custom options can be more affordable, with ClearClub's first night guard starting at $95 and refills starting at $55.
Looking for something else? Check our full FAQ section.