Bruxism — unconscious grinding and clenching of the teeth — is a major problem for U.S. adults. More than 20% of the population suffers from it, at least occasionally. Whether it is a constant force in your life or something that just pops up in moments of extreme stress, it can cause significant damage.
Mail-order night guards (also called mouth guards) help reduce the severity of bruxism and can eliminate the damage it causes. Pro Teeth Guard is just one company offering customized night guards online. Are they the right provider for you? By the end of this review, you’ll have your answer!
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How Do Night Guards Work?
Chronic neck pain, popping jaws, cracked molars — these are just some of the side effects uncontrolled bruxism invites into your life. But how do night guards rein this in?
They prevent the upper arch of teeth from contacting the lower one. This doesn’t prevent the grinding motion, but it stops the teeth from grinding against each other. It also adds 1–3 millimeters of plastic between the dental arches, reducing pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) if you continue clenching your teeth.
It’s important to understand that night guards don’t stop you from clenching and grinding; they just lessen the symptoms you experience. You can still grind and clench your teeth against the guard — and you most likely will. Getting the right relief requires you to select the correct night guard for your level of clenching and grinding. Luckily, Pro Teeth Guard has several options to choose from.
Is Pro Teeth Guard a Good Option: Our Perspective
Pro Teeth Guard is our number-two choice for remote night guards. We love their high-quality materials and production, the confidence they display in their products, and the variety of models they offer. While they aren’t perfect, they get pretty close. To help you frame your understanding of Pro Teeth Guard, here are their biggest pros and cons.
Pro Teeth Guard Advantages
Variety
Pro Teeth Guard has multiple models of night guards, each with a different material or thickness, giving them clear functional differences. This helps them address a wider variety of bruxism than some of their competitors.Satisfaction Guarantee
They offer one of the most comprehensive guarantees in the industry. Specifically, if you aren’t 100% satisfied, they give you 110% of your money back. This is a clear sign of the confidence they have in their night guards.Professional Quality
While many online night guard providers are strictly direct-to-consumer, Pro Teeth Guard works with dental offices as well. They use the same materials and processes for both arms of the company, so you are getting genuine professional night guards.User-friendly Website
Navigating your night guard options can be difficult, but Pro Teeth Guard makes it easy. All you need to do is take their quiz and they’ll tell you which of their models is ideal for your bruxism.
Pro Teeth Guard Disadvantages
Not as Affordable As Competitors
A big part of mail-order night guards’ appeal is their affordability. Choosing Pro Teeth Guard will still save you hundreds compared to in-office options, but they’re around $10–$30 more than their mail-order competitors.No Subscription Feature
Quite a few of their competitors have subscription features, which let you pay quarterly, twice a year, or annually and get night guards delivered on a set schedule for less than buying them one at a time. Unfortunately, Pro Teeth Guard does not.
Who Is a Good Match for Pro Teeth Guard?
If you are looking for professional night guards without professional prices, Pro Teeth Guard might be the perfect choice for you. They offer multiple models and host a quiz that helps you select the best one for your bruxism. But if a low price or subscription option matters most to you, you’ll want to keep looking.
Quality
On the list of features you want in a night guard, quality is at the top. You need to feel certain it will offer the level of protection you need, remain strong enough not to break during sleep, and be comfortable to wear. Good news: Pro Teeth Guard offers very high-quality night guards.
The “pro” in Pro Teeth Guard is legit; they’re a professional dental lab that works directly with dentists.
In fact, this is where their business began. They maintain high standards for quality and customization, just as dentists would expect, whether they are making night guards for a dental office or selling them directly to the consumer. You are getting the same product as you would from a dentist, while cutting out the costs associated with a middleman.
They make their hard and ultra-thin night guards from dental-grade acrylic, while they use flexible vinyl for the soft ones. The hybrid combines the two; it has a hard acrylic outer layer and a soft vinyl inner layer. All the materials have approval for use in dental products and come from reputable industry suppliers.
Pro Teeth Guard has been in business for more than 20 years.
Founded more than 20 years ago, they started as a company that worked exclusively with dental professionals. Then, in 2012, they launched their direct-to-consumer division. Since then, they’ve delivered over 45,000 night guards directly to customers, making them one of the most experienced producers in the industry.
No matter your level of clenching and grinding, they have a model that will work for you and should last at least six months.
Their soft night guard is best for those with mild clenching and grinding since it offers some cushion, but it’s also more apt to tear. The hybrid has a strong outer layer, letting it stand up to moderate bruxism. Their strongest, the hard night guard, is great for severe bruxism.
Their ultra-thin night guard uses the same materials as the hard, but since it’s thinner, it isn’t as durable. However, it impacts your speech less, making it ideal for daytime wear. If worn correctly, and by people with the right level of bruxism, all of their night guards should last a minimum of six months, and some can keep their shape up to several years.
Affordability
Quality might be the most important feature for a night guard to have, but affordability comes a close second — even the best night guard won’t help you if you can’t afford it. Pro Teeth Guard offers big savings compared to dental offices, but not so much when up against other remote options.
In-office night guards usually cost somewhere between $300 and $1,000. Pro Teeth Guard prices start at $159.
According to their website, if you’ve recently purchased a night guard from a dentist in Southern California and paid around $400 for it, the Pro Teeth Guard lab probably made it. This gives us a good frame for how much you are saving. Their most affordable model is $159, while their most expensive is $199. This means that you are saving at least $200 compared to getting the exact same guards from a dentist.
Pro Teeth Guard lets you use your HSA or FSA funds at checkout; you can file for reimbursement, too.
To use your HSA or FSA funds at checkout, you need to have a card associated with your account. If you don’t, speak with your account administrator. You can still use your funds without one; you’ll just need to file for reimbursement. Pro Teeth Guard provides the proof of purchase you need to do so. Just make sure you do it soon after ordering, otherwise, you might miss the deadline for your account.
Although they don’t have a subscription, Pro Teeth Guard frequently offers discounts.
Subscription-based services are attractive because they reduce the cost per night guard by half or more. However, given that their products can last years and those services ship new guards every 3–6 months, Pro Teeth Guard is likely more affordable in the long run. Plus, they have a coupon code page that always has discount codes you can apply at checkout.
Convenience
Busy adults aren’t looking to complicate their lives just to get some bruxism relief. Those jam-packed schedules might even be contributing to your clenching and grinding. The good thing is, overall, Pro Teeth Guard is pretty easy to use.
The hardest part of using any mail-order night guards is the impression process.
Very few of us are experienced at taking dental impressions, and even fewer have made molds of our own teeth. It can get a little messy, and many people make a mistake or two along the way. However, this isn’t unique to Pro Teeth Guard — expect this bump in the road with all providers.
Ordering from Pro Teeth Guard is simple thanks to their night guard quiz.
Some providers leave it up to you to figure out which night guard model is best. Pro Teeth Guard walks you through it. You’ll answer a few questions about the details and severity of your bruxism as part of a diagnostic quiz, then they’ll match you with the model they think is the best fit. If you are new to the world of night guards, this helps eliminate the stressful guesswork.
Pro Teeth Guard makes and ships their products quickly.
Once you place your order, the impression kit will ship out within 1–2 days. After they get your molds back, it takes about 3–5 business days to make the night guard and ship it out. It usually takes just a couple of days to receive them since Pro Teeth Guard uses USPS First Class for all their shipments. Depending on how quickly you take and mail your molds, you could have your night guard in less than two weeks.
They keep your impressions on file for one year.
This is slightly shorter than other companies, which typically keep them on file for up to two years or convert them into digital scans to keep indefinitely. However, physical molds can dry out and degrade over time. Since Pro Teeth Guard is committed to making top-tier products, they don’t risk working with imperfect molds.
Variety
Some night guards are better for severe grinding and clenching, others are only suited to mild cases. Some are strictly for nighttime wear and others can work during the day. Good results rely on selecting the best fit for you, so it’s nice that Pro Teeth Guard provides a solid variety of options.
Pro Teeth Guard has four different models to choose from.
This makes it easy to get the right fit for your needs. Here are your options:
- Soft Night Guard: For light grinders or those who clench their teeth at night.
- Hybrid Night Guard: For moderate grinding and a combination of comfort and durability.
- Hard Night Guard: For heavy grinders with the most severe symptoms.
- Ultra-Thin Guard: For people who grind or clench their teeth during the day.
They offer options that work for both daytime and nighttime wear.
Not every provider makes night guards that work for both daytime and nighttime wear, but Pro Teeth Guard does. They’ve designed their ultra-thin night guard to be unobtrusive while still offering protection, making it great for when you’re conversing with people at work, school, or social gatherings.
Customer Experience
With mail-order night guards, you don’t get in-person assistance; everything is online or over the phone. Fortunately, Pro Teeth Guard’s availability, policies, and helpfulness give most of their customers a personalized, satisfying customer experience.
Pro Teeth Guard empowers their clients through customer education.
When people first realize they have bruxism, they are often in the dark — unsure what exactly it is, hard it starts, or how night guards can help. Then there’s the matter of night guard care and understanding which options are better for which levels of bruxism. Pro Teeth Guard has a list of resources at the bottom of their site with all the answers you need to head confidently into treatment.
If you want a robust guarantee, it’s hard to do better than Pro Teeth Guard.
Most night guard companies offer solid guarantees, but none go as far as Pro Teeth Guard. They give you 60 days to try their product, and if at any point during that period you aren’t 100% happy, they’ll give you 110% of your money back. Just contact them before the 60 days are up and return your night guard — they’ll even pay for the shipping.
Pro Teeth Guard has an impressive warranty as well.
It covers you for one year after they ship your night guard. If you manage to grind through it or clench until it cracks and breaks, you get one free replacement. They require that you send it back to them, so don’t throw your damaged guard away.
Pro Teeth Guard’s warranty doesn’t cover everything though. If you make adjustments to the guard yourself, get dental work after sending in your impressions, or your guard is damaged by pets or improper storage, you are not eligible for a free remake. You also won’t receive coverage for lost guards and guards damaged by improper sterilization.
Best Alternatives to Pro Teeth Guard
Chomper Labs ($149-$169)
Chomper Labs goes farther than most other brands to ensure quality and satisfaction. Their Perfect Fit Promise guarantees a well-fitting guard, while their 100-Day Guarantee provides full refunds within the first 100 days and their Grind-Free Warranty replaces broken guards in the first six months. They offer four different models, manufactured with various materials and varying thicknesses. They’re not the cheapest option out there, but we think their dedication to quality and customer support is well worth it.
ClearClub ($135-$155)
ClearClub is a subscription-based service, though you can also make a one-time purchase. You set the frequency of your night guard replacements to every three, four, or six months, ensuring you get your new night guards exactly as often as you need them. ClearClub stands out because they offer low prices and a variety of night guards, with five different models to choose from. They use FDA-approved, non-allergenic, latex-free, and BPA-free materials and back their products with a 60-day, 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Sporting Smiles ($90–$105)
Sporting Smiles is one of the oldest companies selling night guards and other custom dental appliances directly to consumers. But where they really stand out is their variety; they offer six different night guard models, all of them with functional differences — not just aesthetic ones. They also sell a wide variety of other products that use the same molds and help you invest in your smile. They keep your molds on file for a year and extend that time with each reorder since they digitize impressions.
Cheeky ($139)
Like ClearClub, Cheeky centers on subscriptions but lets you make a one-time purchase as well. With their subscribe-and-save feature, you pay just $54.75 per night guard. This means they have some of the lowest prices of any night guard company, and they make it even better by accepting both insurance and HSA/FSA funds. They only offer two different models, but you can customize the soft option’s thickness, and the hard night guard works for daytime wear as well.
Is Pro Teeth Guard Right for You?
Pro Teeth Guard connects everyday people with professional-grade night guards for half the price — or less — of those sold by dentists. While their prices are higher than most of their DTC competitors, few can match their quality or lifespan, making them the better value for most people.
Of course, with so many options out there, you shouldn’t make your selection just yet. Read about our top five choices for mail-order night guards to see if there might be a better fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main benefits of choosing mail-order night guards?
What you see as the main benefits will vary based on your perspective. However, we think they are their low prices, overall convenience, and the guarantees most providers offer.
Are there benefits to choosing in-office night guards instead?
Yes, mainly that you can use your insurance benefits more easily, address multiple issues simultaneously, and get direct supervision.
How much money can I save by purchasing mail-order night guards instead of in-office ones?
This depends on many factors, including the company you buy from, which model you get, and the typical cost of night guards where you live. Still, expect to save at least $120 and potentially up to $800.
Is it safe to wear night guards during the day?
Absolutely! However, you might want a different guard for daytime wear. Look for one that is rigid and thin, so it is less visible and has minimal impact on your speech. Be sure to take it out when eating or drinking anything besides plain water since day guards can stain.
How should a night guard fit?
It needs to be tight enough to remain in place without biting or sucking the guard, but not so tight that it moves the teeth. A little soreness is a normal part of the adjustment period, but if you feel genuine pain, this signals something is wrong.
Can I get night guards for the top and bottom teeth for extra protection?
You can if you feel this is right for you, but it isn’t necessary. Depending on the thickness of your guards, it could force the teeth apart enough that it hurts the jaw joint — and the goal here is to stop pain. Most people just need to wear one night guard, and usually, it’s on the upper arch to prevent tongue irritation.
How often should I clean my night guard?
You must clean it every time you use it, before putting it in and right after taking it out. Most of the time you just rinse with cold water then brush it using a soft-bristled toothbrush and mouthwash. But once a week, do a deeper clean. Always place it in its protective case when you aren’t wearing it.
What causes bruxism?
There isn’t one specific thing that causes bruxism. It can be an injury, a neurological issue, misalignment of the teeth, stress, or physical pain. There is also evidence suggesting that people with sensory processing disorders are more likely to have bruxism than the general public.
How are night guards different from sports mouth guards?
Sports mouth guards are designed to prevent impact injuries and stop the teeth from snapping together if the wearer gets hit in the head; night guards keep a small amount of space between the teeth to stop clenching and grinding. Also, mouth guards are larger, thicker, and somewhat softer than most night guards.
Can wearing a night guard cure my TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint disorders, which people often call TMJ, are highly complex. Sometimes, night guards do enough to ease the stress on the jaw joint, essentially curing the joint disorder. However, in many cases, TMJ pain is deeper than that. In these situations, the guard can lessen the pain and symptoms, but won’t be a cure.
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