OTC Mouth Guard Dentist Mouth Guard
Cost
$20 – $145 initially $300 – $800 over 1 to 5 years
$80 - $870 annually $60 - $800 annually (insurance may cover)
Fit
One-size or boil-and-bite Custom-molded to your exact teeth
via dental impressions
Comfort
Varies – can feel bulky or loose Precise fit, thinner, more comfortable
Durability
1 – 6 months typical lifespan 1 – 5 years depending on material and usage
Effectiveness
Moderate protection for mild High protection for bruxism, TMJ, or
cases, e.g. grinding alignment issues
Use Case
Basic grinding, sports, occasional Nighttime bruxism, TMJ, long-term
use dental protection
Insurance
Coverage
Rarely covered May be partially covered
Maintenance
Easy to replace Requires dentist visit for adjustments or
replacement
Chart and numbers from ChatGPT, with some modifications based on our own research.
