Services
Dental Services
Custom Night Guards in Bethesda, MD
Protect Your Smile with a Custom-Made Night Guard from 1 Bethesda Dental Center.
Drugstore guards cost less, but they're bulky, wear through fast and can shift your bite. Our dentists make a guard from an impression of your teeth, so it fits snugly, stays in place all night and lasts for years. Right now a custom night guard is $399 (regularly $800), and we'll check what your insurance covers. We're inside Bethesda Metro Center, steps from the Red Line.
Signs you’re grinding at night?
Most people who grind or clench their teeth (bruxism) do it in their sleep without knowing. Common signs include:
Jaw pain, soreness or tightness when you wake up
Morning headaches, especially around the temples
Teeth that look flat, chipped, cracked or worn down
New tooth sensitivity
A partner hearing you grind at night
Clicking or pain in the jaw joint (TMJ)
Occasional grinding may do little harm, but chronic grinding can wear down enamel, crack teeth and strain your jaw. If any of these sound familiar, a quick exam can tell whether a night guard would help.
Custom vs. drugstore night guards
A night guard is a thin appliance worn over your teeth while you sleep. It keeps your upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other, protecting enamel and easing strain on your jaw muscles.
Custom night guards are made from an impression of your teeth. They fit precisely, feel thinner, stay in place all night and cover every grinding surface.
Over-the-counter night guards are boil-and-bite or one-size-fits-most guards sold at drugstores. They can work short term, but they’re bulkier, loosen as they wear and may not fully protect your teeth.
If you grind regularly, a custom guard is the more comfortable and protective long-term option.
How much does a night guard cost?
A custom night guard is regularly $800. For a limited time, it’s $349 at 1 Bethesda Dental Center, including your consultation, impression and fitting. Drugstore guards cost less up front but usually need replacing within months; a custom guard typically lasts 3–5 years with proper care.
Does insurance cover night guards?
Some dental plans cover part of a night guard, often under “occlusal guard” benefits. We’re in-network with Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, UnitedHealthcare and more, and we’ll check your benefits before treatment. No insurance? CareCredit, payment plans and our in-house membership plan (15–25% off treatment) are available.
How we make your guard
Consultation: Your dentist examines your teeth and jaw and confirms whether a night guard is right for you.
Impression: We take an impression of your teeth, and a dental lab makes a guard from durable, high-quality material.
Fitting: We fit and adjust your guard for comfort, then show you how to wear and clean it.
Visit us at Bethesda Metro Center We’re at 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite B-005, right at the Bethesda Red Line station. Call or book online.
FAQ
How do I know if I need a night guard?
How long does a custom night guard last?
How do I clean my night guard?