Heres everything to know before ordering a direct-to-consumer, custom-made night guard.
Khosrork/Getty Images
Some people are teeth-grinders; Im a teeth-clencher.
Before long, the back of my mouth was full of fillings.
Photo:Khosrork/Getty Images
And then I cracked those.
(Who isnt?)
He told me that it wouldnt prevent me from clenching, but should help with the pain and molar-cracking.
That was roughly 15 years ago, and Ive been wearing custom night guards ever since.
Ive stuck with it because when I dont wear one (e.g.
Unfortunately, night guards dont last forever, and even with dental insurance, they can be pretty pricey.
After doing some research, I ordered one.
First and foremost, talk to your dentist.
Compare costs.
Custom-made DTC night guards typically cost between $90 and $200.
Consider the convenience factor.
(To clarify: it was not a free sample product from the company.)
But more about that in a minute.
The same day, the company also sent an email with instructions, including an extremely helpful step-by-step video.
The process is pretty straightforward.
(Unless you have an exceptionally tiny mouth, use the standard-size tray.)
(It helps to have a towel handy.)
Eight weeks into wearing my new night guard, I havent encountered any problems.
