Night Guard Prices 2026
Calculate your TDB 2026 reference fee for the soft or hard night guards used in bruxism (teeth grinding) treatment.
Soft guards are preferred for mild bruxism; hard occlusal splints are used in moderate-to-severe bruxism and TMJ problems. The choice is made at clinical examination.
Approximate Clinician Fee
TDB 2026 reference · VAT excluded
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This figure reflects the TDB 2026 minimum guideline tariff. For a personalised quote, please get in touch.
Reference fees are based on the TDB 2026 Guideline Tariff (4-17 Soft Night Guard, 4-18 Hard Occlusal Splint). Prices shown are exclusive of VAT.
Night guard prices are one of the most frequently researched topics for patients who clench or grind their teeth and want to protect them. A night guard (occlusal splint, bruxism guard) is a hard or semi-hard acrylic appliance custom-fabricated to fit the upper or lower jaw. By preventing direct tooth-to-tooth contact during sleep, it prevents enamel wear, dental cracks, lost fillings and crowns, and excessive load on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
As the core, first-line component of bruxism treatment, a night guard physically protects the teeth on its own. Depending on the severity of bruxism, however, additional approaches such as masseter Botox, occlusal adjustment, and restorative treatment may also be needed. A night guard worn without other treatment stops wear, but doesn’t address the underlying cause; it should therefore be planned alongside a comprehensive bruxism assessment.
The quality and fit of the night guard are decisive for treatment success. There are major differences in function, comfort, and durability between over-the-counter “boil-and-bite” guards and professional splints custom-fabricated in a laboratory from a clinical impression. A professional occlusal splint is individualised to the patient’s bite, joint relationship, and muscle tone.
At our clinic Doredent in Avcılar, Istanbul, night guard treatment includes custom laboratory fabrication from a digital or silicone impression, occlusal checks, and follow-up visits. Our clinical team selects the right guard type for each patient and tracks its fit through regular check-ups.
What Is a Night Guard (Occlusal Splint)?
A night guard is a protective appliance made of clear or white, hard or semi-hard acrylic material, custom-fabricated to fit the patient’s arch. It is usually fitted on the upper jaw, but the lower jaw can also be used in certain cases. By creating a physical barrier between the teeth during sleep, it distributes the forces of clenching and grinding across the guard, sparing the teeth, fillings, and crowns from those forces.
An occlusal splint also relieves the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). By rebalancing the bite, it reduces muscle tension, lowers intra-joint pressure, and alleviates TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) symptoms. A properly made splint is both protective and therapeutic.
Types of Night Guard
Michigan Splint (Stabilisation)
Gold StandardA full-arch hard acrylic splint. Fully covers the upper jaw and produces even contact with all lower teeth. The most frequently chosen type for bruxism and TMD treatment. Custom-fabricated for the patient in a laboratory.
NTI-TSS Device
Anterior OnlyA small appliance that sits only on the upper incisors. By preventing posterior tooth contact entirely, it reduces masseter muscle activity. Suitable for short-term use in migraine and severe clenching cases.
Soft Silicone Guard
FlexibleA guard made of flexible, soft material. Comfort is a strong advantage, but it offers lower durability and less occlusal control than hard splints. May be preferred in mild bruxism cases.
Dual-Laminate (Soft Inside / Hard Outside)
HybridA two-layer guard with a soft inner surface and a hard outer acrylic shell. Combines comfort and durability. Performs well in moderate bruxism cases.
The Night Guard Process
Fitting a night guard requires a custom impression and laboratory fabrication. The steps are as follows:
Clinical Examination
Bruxism severity, tooth wear pattern, TMJ status, and muscle tenderness are assessed. The right guard type is determined. The patient’s complaints and past treatments are reviewed.
Taking the Impression
A detailed impression of both arches is taken with a silicone impression or digital intraoral scan. A bite registration is also recorded. At Doredent, the iTero Element 5D digital scanner is used for a comfortable impression.
Laboratory Fabrication
A custom guard is fabricated in the dental laboratory. Hard acrylic types are typically ready in 3–7 days. Premium labs can also fabricate digitally with CAD/CAM technology.
Intraoral Fitting
The guard is placed in the patient’s mouth; retention, stability, and occlusal contacts are checked. Any adjustments needed are made. We make sure the guard fits comfortably and seats properly.
Occlusion Check
Contact points on the guard are examined with articulating paper. All teeth are set to contact with even pressure. Premature contacts and imbalances are eliminated.
Use and Care Instructions
We brief the patient on wearing the guard every night, rinsing it in cold water in the morning, and brushing it regularly. A storage case is provided. Hot water is not allowed because of the risk of deformation.
Follow-Up Visits
The first check-up is one week later. Guard wear, occlusal fit, and symptoms are reviewed at 3–6 month intervals. Any adjustments needed are made at routine visits.
Factors Affecting Night Guard Prices
Night guard cost varies with the type of guard, the fabrication method, and the scope of fitting:
Guard Type and Material
Michigan splints, NTI devices, soft silicone guards, and dual-laminate guards all carry different costs. Hard acrylic types have a higher laboratory cost but offer significant advantages in durability and clinical effect.
Fabrication Method
There can be a cost difference between traditional stone-model fabrication and CAD/CAM digital fabrication. Digital fabrication improves precision and fit, which directly affects comfort and clinical success.
Single Arch or Both Arches
A guard for a single arch (the upper) is usually sufficient. Occasionally, guards for both upper and lower are needed; in that case the cost doubles. The decision follows case assessment.
Additional Occlusal Adjustment
If occlusal adjustment or selective reduction is needed before the guard, this is priced separately. In cases with bite mismatches, this step is important for the guard to succeed.
Check-Ups and Adjustments
Follow-up sessions after the initial fitting are usually included in the guard fee. Long-term follow-up and wear assessment can require additional sessions; these visits extend the guard’s service life.
Need for Replacement
Night guards wear out or break over time. Replacement is typically needed every 2–5 years. The cost of replacement can equal the original fabrication; if an archived digital impression exists, the process is faster.
Comparison of Night Guard Types
| Feature | Michigan Splint | NTI-TSS | Soft Guard | Dual-Laminate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Hard acrylic | Hard acrylic (small) | Flexible silicone | Soft inside / hard outside |
| Coverage | Full arch | Anterior teeth only | Full arch | Full arch |
| Durability | High (3–5 years) | Moderate (1–2 years) | Low (6 months–1 year) | Moderate-high (2–3 years) |
| Comfort | Good (3–5 day adaptation) | Very good (small size) | Very good | Very good |
| Best Indication | All bruxism + TMD | Migraine, severe clenching | Mild bruxism | Moderate bruxism |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A night guard only protects the teeth when worn regularly. On nights when it isn’t worn, the teeth contact directly and wear continues. Put it in before going to sleep and take it out in the morning. Irregular wear doesn’t deliver the clinical benefit.
Ready-made “boil-and-bite” guards can be a temporary fix, but their occlusal fit is poor and — because they are soft — they can increase the clenching reflex and worsen TMJ issues. A professional, custom-made guard is a safe and effective treatment; the difference is very clear in long-term use.
A mild feeling of having something foreign in the mouth and increased salivation are normal in the first 3–7 nights. Most patients adapt within a week and start finding it odd to sleep without the guard. If adaptation is difficult, the clinician can fine-tune the fit. Any temporary speech changes also resolve quickly.
A hard acrylic Michigan splint lasts on average 3–5 years, a dual-laminate 2–3 years, and a soft guard 6 months to 1 year. The rate of wear depends on the severity of bruxism. Wear is tracked at routine visits; replacement is planned when needed.
After taking it out in the morning, clean it with cold water and a soft toothbrush. Don’t use hot water (risk of deformation). 1–2 times a week, you can use a denture-cleaning tablet or a toothbrush for a deeper clean. Store it dry in its case.
No. A night guard is for bruxism treatment. For post-orthodontic retention, you need a bonded retainer or retainer plate. They serve different purposes; the material thickness and design also differ.
In many TMD cases, a night guard noticeably reduces joint and muscle pain. With a proper occlusal fit, the jaw muscles relax and intra-joint pressure drops. In advanced TMD cases, however, additional treatments such as physical therapy, Botox, or intra-articular injections may be needed.
A standard night guard isn’t worn during braces treatment. In patients using clear aligners (Invisalign), the aligners already provide some bruxism protection; any additional measures are evaluated by the clinician. After orthodontic treatment, if needed, a night guard is planned alongside the retainer.
Yes. A broken or worn guard is replaced. A new impression is taken and a new guard is fabricated in the laboratory. This is priced separately. With an archived digital impression, replacement is faster.
SGK provides partial cover for occlusal splints delivered in contracted state hospitals and oral and dental health centres. Treatment in private clinics is outside SGK coverage; some private health insurance policies may offer partial cover. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about the scope of your cover.
