Night Guard Cost: Custom Versus Pharmacy
Published by The Seoul Dental Clinic · Meet the dentists
A pharmacy guard is cheap and ready to use, while a custom guard is made from impressions of your own teeth. The Seoul Dental Clinic does not publish a night guard price, so the cost is quoted after examination. A TMJ splint is listed separately at ₩600,000, and your dentist can explain which is relevant to you.
Custom or pharmacy: the main differences
| Pharmacy guard | Custom guard | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is made | Mass-produced; sometimes shaped by heating | Made from impressions or scans of your teeth |
| Fit | General; may feel bulky or loose | Designed for your bite |
| Examination first | No | Yes, your dentist checks your teeth and jaw |
| Cost | Lower, set by the shop | Quoted after examination at this clinic |
| Suits | Short-term trial or travel | Ongoing use and specific jaw problems |
No night guard price is published by the clinic. The cost is given after examination.
Why the price is quoted after examination
A guard is not just a piece of plastic. Its shape, thickness and material depend on how you grind or clench, which teeth you have, and whether you have jaw pain. The dentist decides this after looking at you, so a fixed number would be a guess.
We would rather tell you honestly that the price comes after the examination than quote a figure that may not match your case.
Signs you may want to ask about one
Waking with a sore jaw
Tightness or aching on waking can be linked to clenching or grinding.
Worn or chipped teeth
A dentist can see wear patterns that suggest grinding.
Headaches
Some headaches are associated with jaw tension. A dentist can help you work out whether this applies.
A partner hears grinding
Sleep partners often notice the noise before you do.
Night guard or TMJ splint
A night guard mainly protects teeth from wear. A TMJ splint is designed to address jaw joint problems and is listed at ₩600,000 in the published price list. Your dentist will tell you which, if either, fits what they find.
Jaw botox is a separate option listed at ₩90,000 to ₩150,000. It is a different treatment and not a replacement for a guard, and whether it is suitable is a clinical decision.
Getting one made
Examination
The dentist checks your teeth, bite and jaw and asks about your symptoms.
Impressions or scan
Your teeth are recorded so the guard can be made to fit.
Fitting
The guard is checked in your mouth and adjusted if needed.
Care and review
You are told how to clean and store it, and when to come back if something feels wrong.
If you are in Korea for a short time
Tell the clinic how long you will be here. A custom guard involves at least two steps, and the dentist can tell you if the schedule is workable. If not, ask whether a simpler short-term option makes sense until you are home.
Looking after a guard
Rinse the guard after each use, brush it gently with a soft brush and store it in a ventilated case. Keep it away from heat, which can warp it, and from pets, which tend to chew it.
Bring it to check-ups so the dentist can see wear and fit. A guard that has worn through or no longer fits well should be reviewed.
If your symptoms do not improve, tell your dentist. A guard treats the effects of grinding, but it does not tell you why you grind, and other factors such as stress and sleep may need attention.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a night guard here?
There is no published price. It is quoted after examination.
Is a pharmacy guard safe?
It may be used short term, but it is not fitted to you. Ask a dentist if you have jaw pain or tooth wear.
Is a TMJ splint the same thing?
No. A TMJ splint is a different appliance, listed at ₩600,000.
Does insurance cover it?
Cover depends on your policy. The clinic can give you itemized documents.
English-speaking dentists in Seongnam
The clinic was founded by two brothers trained at Seoul National University who direct it together. Three further dentists hold Ministry of Health and Welfare specialist certifications. Full credentials →
Dr. Hyun Sung Park
Clinic Director
- Co-founder and joint clinic director
- DDS, Seoul National University School of Dentistry
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Dept. of General Dentistry, SNU Dental Hospital
- Microendodontics Programme, SNU
- Course completion, UCLA, USA
- Member, UPenn Endodontics Study Club, USA
- Certified Invisalign Provider
- Osstem Implant AIC Programme
- Member, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
Dr. Hyeonjoon Park
Clinic Director
- Co-founder and joint clinic director
- DDS, Seoul National University School of Dentistry
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Dept. of General Dentistry, SNU Dental Hospital
- Affiliate Associate Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
- Certified Invisalign Provider; leads orthodontic treatment
- Course completion, UCLA, USA
- Member, UPenn Endodontics Study Club, USA
- Member, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
- Member, Seoul Prime Orthodontic Study Club
Dr. Yu Jin Kim
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry (Ministry of Health and Welfare)
- Johns Hopkins University, USA
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Osaka University Dental Hospital, Japan
Dr. Min Ji Choi
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Conservative Dentistry
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry
- Internship and residency, Jeonbuk National University Dental Hospital
- Master’s degree in Conservative Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University
Dr. Jin Young Choi
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry
- Clinical training, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Canada
- Master’s degree, Kyungpook National University Graduate School of Dentistry
- BA in English Language and Literature, Korea University
Ask a question or request a consultation
Message us or call +82-31-757-1525. Tell us what you need and we will explain the next step in English.