Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is more than just a bad habit—it’s a serious condition that can lead to jaw pain, tooth damage, headaches, and even long-term dental problems. For people who grind their teeth heavily, especially during sleep, a dental night guard is one of the most effective and accessible solutions. While custom dental night guards from a dentist can be quite expensive, there are many affordable night guards for bruxism that are both effective and budget-friendly.

In this article, we’ll explore the best dental night guards for heavy teeth grinding, including high-quality yet affordable options. We’ll also explain what to look for when choosing a night guard, the types available, and how to find the right fit for your needs and budget.

Why Use a Dental Night Guard?

A dental night guard is a protective device worn over the teeth during sleep to prevent grinding and clenching. It acts as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, reducing wear and tear on the enamel and protecting dental work like crowns, veneers, and fillings.

Bruxism can lead to:

  • Flattened or chipped teeth

  • Jaw and facial pain

  • Tension headaches

  • Poor sleep quality

  • Tooth sensitivity

Using a night guard helps alleviate these symptoms and prevents further damage.

What to Look for in a Dental Night Guard

When selecting a night guard, especially for heavy grinders, consider the following factors:

  1. Durability – Heavy grinders need a guard made from strong materials that won’t wear down quickly.

  2. Comfort – The guard should fit snugly without being too bulky or uncomfortable.

  3. Custom Fit – A good fit helps the guard stay in place and prevents discomfort.

  4. Ease of Cleaning – Night guards should be easy to clean and maintain to ensure hygiene.

  5. Affordability – Not everyone can afford a $500 custom-made night guard from a dentist, so budget-friendly options are essential.

Let’s take a look at some of the best and most affordable night guards for bruxism that work well for heavy teeth grinders.

Top Budget-Friendly Dental Night Guards for Heavy Grinding

1. Dental Duty Professional Dental Guard

Price Range: $15 – $25
Type: Boil-and-bite

Why It’s Great:
Dental Duty is known for offering one of the most popular affordable night guards for bruxism. This guard is boil-and-bite, meaning you can soften it in hot water and mold it to your teeth for a custom fit. It’s made from BPA-free, high-quality material and comes with a storage case.

Pros:

  • Very budget-friendly

  • Easy to mold at home

  • Suitable for both upper and lower teeth

  • Comes with multiple guards per pack

Cons:

  • May not last as long as custom-made guards

  • Slightly bulky for small mouths

Best For: Light to moderate grinders looking for a quick, affordable solution.

2. Pro Teeth Guard (Custom Night Guard)

Price Range: $159 – $199
Type: Custom-made

Why It’s Great:
If you’re a heavy grinder but still want a budget-conscious custom solution, Pro Teeth Guard is a fantastic choice. It offers professional-grade guards made in the same dental labs used by dentists. You receive an impression kit, send it back, and receive a custom-fit guard within a couple of weeks.

Pros:

  • High-quality, lab-made guard

  • Long-lasting (6 months to 3 years)

  • Comfortable and secure fit

  • Excellent customer service

Cons:

  • More expensive than boil-and-bite options

  • Requires a waiting period

Best For: Heavy grinders who want a dentist-quality guard without the $400+ price tag.

3. Plackers Grind No More Dental Night Guard

Price Range: $15 – $25
Type: Disposable

Why It’s Great:
Plackers offers disposable night guards that don’t require boiling or molding. These are ready to use straight from the box and ideal for those who travel frequently or want a low-commitment option.

Pros:

  • Super convenient

  • One-size-fits-most design

  • Good for travel or temporary use

  • Very affordable

Cons:

  • Not suitable for very heavy grinding

  • Limited lifespan (3–5 uses per guard)

Best For: Light to moderate grinders, or as a backup night guard for travel.

4. JS Dental Lab Custom Night Guard

Price Range: $129 – $179
Type: Custom-made

Why It’s Great:
JS Dental Lab is another reputable lab-based provider that creates custom night guards for a fraction of the cost you’d pay at a dentist. They offer different guard thicknesses and softness levels to accommodate heavy grinders.

Pros:

  • Tailored to your bite

  • Long-lasting and comfortable

  • Options for soft, hybrid, and hard guards

  • 365-day satisfaction guarantee

Cons:

  • Requires impression kit and turnaround time

  • Not as cheap as boil-and-bite

Best For: Heavy bruxers looking for longevity and custom comfort on a budget.

5. Remi Custom Night Guard

Price Range: $129 – $149 (often on subscription discount)
Type: Custom-made

Why It’s Great:
Remi has become popular for offering affordable night guards for bruxism through a subscription service. You can get a new custom guard every six months for a reduced price, helping to ensure you always have a fresh, comfortable fit.

Pros:

  • Made in a professional dental lab

  • Subscription model saves money over time

  • Thin and comfortable

  • Free replacements if you’re not satisfied

Cons:

  • Subscription might not suit everyone

  • Takes about 2 weeks to receive first guard

Best For: Heavy grinders who want ongoing protection without repeated high costs.

Types of Night Guards: Which Is Best for You?

There are generally three types of dental night guards available:

1. Soft Night Guards

  • Best for light grinding

  • Comfortable and flexible

  • Less durable for heavy grinders

2. Hard Acrylic Guards

  • Designed for severe bruxism

  • Very durable

  • Might be less comfortable at first

3. Hybrid Guards

  • Blend of soft inner layer and hard outer shell

  • Great for moderate to heavy grinding

  • Balance of comfort and strength

For heavy teeth grinding, hybrid or hard acrylic guards are generally recommended due to their strength and durability.

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Night Guards

Custom Guards

  • Fit is precise

  • Longer lasting

  • Costlier up front but more effective

  • Ideal for heavy grinders

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Guards

  • Affordable

  • Immediate availability

  • May not fit as well

  • Best for mild to moderate bruxism

If you grind heavily and need serious protection, investing in a custom-fit dental night guard from a reputable online provider may save you money (and teeth) in the long run.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Night Guard

To keep your night guard clean and effective:

  • Rinse it with cool water after each use

  • Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste)

  • Soak in a denture cleaner or mouthguard solution weekly

  • Store in a ventilated case

  • Replace when it shows signs of wear, cracking, or loosening

Final Thoughts

Finding the best dental night guard doesn’t mean emptying your wallet. There are plenty of affordable night guard for bruxism options available that offer comfort, durability, and protection especially for heavy teeth grinders.

If you’re just starting to explore solutions, a boil-and-bite or disposable guard might be a good low-risk way to test out night guard use. But if you know you’re a heavy grinder and want something that truly lasts, investing in a custom night guard from a reputable online lab like JS Dental Lab, Pro Teeth Guard, or Remi can save you hundreds compared to going through your dentist.

Your oral health is worth protecting—especially while you sleep. Choose a night guard that fits your needs and budget, and wake up to a healthier, pain-free smile.

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Last Update: August 1, 2025

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