The Jaw Directory

Night Guard vs. Splint: What's the Difference?

Store-bought, custom and stabilization splints, with published price ranges.

Colgate explains that store-bought night guards come one-size or boil-and-bite, while a custom guard is ordered by a dentist from an impression and made in a lab. Pearl separates a basic night guard ($300 to $600) from a custom TMJ stabilization splint ($800 to $2,500) that includes follow-up adjustments. Both ranges are published estimates.

Published November 2, 2026. Not medical advice.

A person placing a clear dental tray over their upper teeth
Photo: Diana Polekhina on Unsplash

This site lists providers, prices and published cost figures only. It is not medical advice. Talk with a licensed provider about your health.

Store-Bought, Custom, Or Splint

  • Over-the-counter guards. Colgate describes one-size-fits-all guards and boil-and-bite guards you soften and bite into and online guards made from dental impressions, which it says do not always fit perfectly. It says these are typically cheaper than custom guards.
  • Custom night guards. Ordered by your dentist from a professional impression and made in a lab, then fitted at a follow-up visit (Colgate).
  • Stabilization splints. Pearl describes these as custom made for TMJ, with multiple follow-up adjustments, and says some people manage with a night guard while others need a splint.
An empty dental chair and equipment in a bright exam room
Photo: Atikah Akhtar on Unsplash

Published Price Ranges

TypePublished rangeSource
Basic night guard$300 to $600Pearl (FAQ, May 2026)
TMJ stabilization splint$800 to $2,500Pearl (FAQ, May 2026)

Published estimates, not prices we verified. No Western North Carolina dentist we checked posts a night guard or splint price on its own site, so we are calling to ask.

Questions To Ask

  • Is this a night guard or a stabilization splint?
  • Does the price include the impression, the fitting and follow-up adjustments?
  • Will you bill dental insurance? Pearl says occlusal guards are usually a dental major benefit.

More in Questions to Ask Before You Book.

Common Questions

What is the difference between a night guard and a TMJ splint?

Pearl describes a basic night guard as protecting teeth from grinding, and a TMJ stabilization splint as custom made with multiple follow-up adjustments.

How much does a custom night guard cost?

Pearl's FAQ puts a basic night guard at $300 to $600 and a TMJ stabilization splint at $800 to $2,500. These are published estimates; ask the provider for its own price.

Are store-bought night guards cheaper?

Colgate says over-the-counter and online guards are typically cheaper than custom night guards.

Sources