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Checkups and prevention

Night guards for grinding and clenching: treatment options and what affects the cost

A custom night guard protects teeth from grinding and clenching. Hard, soft and partial-arch guards are coded and priced differently.

Request a Price EstimateAsk an office about this treatment

No public price is listed for this treatment. Fees depend on your exam, and offices confirm whether they provide it.

What the treatment is

Grinding (bruxism) can wear and crack teeth, break fillings and cause jaw soreness. A night guard is a custom plastic appliance worn over the upper or lower teeth while you sleep.

Guards for jaw joint (TMJ) disorders are sometimes designed differently and billed as therapy appliances. See the TMJ guide.

Why it may be recommended

  • Worn, chipped or cracked teeth from grinding.
  • Morning jaw soreness or headaches.
  • Protecting crowns, veneers or implants.

Treatment types and variations

Tap a type to see when it is used and what to weigh. Your dentist recommends options after examining you.

Types of guards

Hard full-arch guardRigid acrylic covering all teeth on one arch.
Codes to ask about
D9944
Soft full-arch guardFlexible material; may be more comfortable for some.
Things to weigh
Wears faster and can encourage chewing in some people.
Codes to ask about
D9945
Hard partial-arch guardCovers only some teeth; used in specific situations.
Things to weigh
Should be used under a dentist's supervision because it can shift teeth.
Codes to ask about
D9946
Store-bought guardBoil-and-bite guards are inexpensive but less precise.

Materials and techniques

Acrylic and thermoplastics
Hard, soft or dual-laminate (soft inside, hard outside).

Benefits, limitations and possible risks

Benefits

  • Protects teeth and dental work.
  • May reduce jaw muscle soreness for some people.

Limitations

  • Does not stop grinding; it protects teeth.
  • Must be worn consistently and replaced when worn.

Possible risks

  • Temporary bite changes or soreness.
  • Poorly fitting guards can cause problems; have the fit checked.

What happens during treatment

  1. 1

    Scan or impression

    Taken of your teeth and bite.

  2. 2

    Fitting

    The guard is adjusted for an even bite.

Recovery and maintenance

  • Clean daily and bring it to checkups so the dentist can check wear.

What affects the cost

Type
Hard, soft and partial guards differ in lab cost.
Lab or in-office
Lab-made and printed guards vary.

Common additional charges

These are billed separately at many offices. Not every patient needs them.

Adjustments or replacementMay be billed after an initial period.

Procedure fee or total case cost?

Usually one fee per guard, including fitting. Ask whether follow-up adjustments are included.

Paying with insurance or without insurance

Coverage varies widely; many plans exclude night guards or require documented need. Without insurance, ask for the total including fitting and adjustments.

Alternative treatments

Alternatives depend on your teeth and health. Ask your dentist to explain the trade-offs of each option, including doing nothing.

Over-the-counter guard
Lower cost, less precise fit.
Stress and habit management
Can help alongside a guard.

Codes to ask your insurer about

Insurers price treatment by ADA CDT procedure code. The office confirms the exact code for your treatment; labels here are plain-English summaries.

D9944Occlusal guard, hard, full arch
D9945Occlusal guard, soft, full arch
D9946Occlusal guard, hard, partial arch

Questions to ask your dentist

  • Hard or soft guard for me, and why?
  • Upper or lower?
  • Are adjustments included?

Frequently asked questions

Does insurance cover night guards?

Some plans cover them when grinding damage is documented; many do not. Ask your insurer about the specific code.

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