Or book an appointment and spend hundreds with a dentist?

This post breaks it all down.

You'll learn exactly when a store-bought guard is fine…
And when a custom, dentist-designed mouthguard becomes non-negotiable.

Let’s make it simple.

1. What Causes Jaw Pain and Why It Matters

Jaw pain usually comes from one of three culprits:

• Nighttime clenching or grinding (bruxism)
  
  
• TMJ disorders (joint or muscle issues)
  
  
• Misaligned bite or poor posture
  

Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away.

It spreads—to your head, neck, sleep, and sometimes digestion.

You need to find the root cause.
 And your choice of mouthguard depends on it.

2. Store-Bought Mouthguards: What Are They?

They're the boil-and-bite guards you find at CVS or Amazon.

You boil it, bite it, shape it, and wear it at night.

Pros:

• Cheap (under $50)
  
  
• Easy to find
  
  
• Quick solution
  

Cons:

• One-size-fits-most (aka: poor fit)
  
  
• May worsen your alignment
  
  
• Don’t last long
  

They’re a band-aid, not a solution.

3. What Is a Dentist-Designed Mouthguard?

It’s custom-built based on your teeth, jaw, and bite.

A dentist takes a mold (or 3D scan) of your mouth.
Then sends it to a lab to build a high-precision guard.

Benefits:

• Perfect fit for your bite
  
  
• Even pressure distribution
  
  
• Long-lasting and safe for TMJ
  

It doesn’t just protect—it treats.

 

4. How Can You Tell Which Type You Need?

Here’s how I decided for myself.

If you…

• Have mild jaw tension but no chronic pain → try store-bought.
  
  
• Wake up with pain, popping, or headaches → go custom.
  
  
• Feel worse after using a store-bought guard → upgrade fast.
  
  
• Have a diagnosed TMJ issue → dentist-made only.
  

Trust your body.
 If it’s sending alarms, don’t ignore them.

5. Can a Store-Bought Guard Actually Make Things Worse?

Yes.

Bad fit = uneven bite = more tension.

I tried a cheap guard once.
Woke up with more jaw pain than before.
My dentist told me it actually shifted my bite.

Don’t learn the hard way.

6. How Long Does Each Type Last?

• Store-bought: 3–6 months, max
  
  
• Custom-made: 2–5 years (if maintained)
  

Cheap guards wear out fast.

And the more you grind, the faster they die.

7. How Much Does a Dentist Mouthguard Cost?

Anywhere from $300–$1,000+ depending on:

• Where you live
  
  
• Your dentist
  
  
• Insurance coverage
  

But it’s cheaper than surgery, pain meds, or jaw injections.

8. Do Insurance Plans Cover It?

Sometimes.

If it’s for medical reasons (like TMJ), you may get partial coverage.
If it’s labeled as “dental protection only,” you’re likely out of pocket.

Ask your provider directly.

9. Are There Any Middle-Ground Options?

Yes.

Reviv Mouthguard sits right in the sweet spot.

It’s not a boil-and-bite.
It’s lab-made using your own impressions—but without the dentist markup.

For more on cost-effective solutions, see our blog post: [Internal Link: The Best Mouthguard for TMJ Pain: A Buyer’s Guide]

10. When Is Jaw Pain a Symptom of Something Bigger?

Persistent pain can signal:

• TMJ disorder
  
  
• Airway restriction
  
  
• Poor spinal posture
  
  
• Sleep apnea
  

A mouthguard might help—but it’s only part of the puzzle.

Get checked if pain lingers.

11. How Does the Fit Impact Your Recovery?

A poor-fitting guard causes micro-strain.

A good one relaxes your jaw instantly.

Mine felt like going from walking on gravel… to memory foam.

12. What’s the Role of Jaw Alignment?

Your jaw sits at the intersection of posture, breath, and bite.

If it’s misaligned, your muscles overcompensate.

Custom guards are shaped to correct that.
 Store-bought ones? Not even close.

13. What Materials Are Used in Each?

• Store-bought: cheap thermoplastic
  
  
• Custom: medical-grade acrylic or dual-laminate
  

One warps with heat.
 The other holds up for years.

14. Can Mouthguards Help With Headaches?

Yes, if jaw clenching is the trigger.

The right mouthguard stops overnight tension.
That means fewer tension headaches and better mornings.

For more on TMJ-related headaches, see: [Internal Link: The Relationship Between TMJ, Headaches, and Migraines]

 

15. What About Athletes With Jaw Pain?

If you play contact sports and grind your teeth?

You need a custom dual-purpose mouthguard.

Otherwise, you’re risking jaw trauma on top of bruxism.

16. How Do I Know My Guard Fits Right?

Quick test:

• Does your jaw feel more relaxed after wearing it?
  
  
• Are your teeth evenly cushioned?
  
  
• No morning soreness?
  

If not—it’s likely wrong for you.

17. What Happens If You Don’t Use Any Guard?

Simple.

You grind your enamel away.

Pain becomes chronic.
Teeth flatten.
Fillings crack.
TMJ issues escalate.

Prevention is cheaper than repair.

18. How to Clean and Maintain Your Mouthguard

• Rinse daily with cool water
  
  
• Clean weekly with non-alcoholic mouthguard cleaner
  
  
• Store in a dry, ventilated case
  

Never use boiling water.

19. What’s the Best First Step?

Try a Reviv Mouthguard.

It gives you dentist-level precision at a fraction of the price.
Plus, you skip the appointment and get it shipped to your door.

For more on fitting one at home, see: [Internal Link: What Is a TMJ Mouthguard and How to Fit It Correctly]

20. How Do I Track My Progress?

Keep a jaw pain journal.

• Rate your pain each morning (1–10)
  
  
• Note any headaches or clicking
  
  
• Record how the guard feels after use
  

Your mouth speaks—track what it says.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a sports mouthguard for jaw pain?
No. Sports guards are for impact, not alignment. Wrong tool.

2. Do over-the-counter guards help with TMJ?
They might relieve some pain short-term—but not long-term TMJ correction.

3. How long should I wear a mouthguard each night?
All night, unless your dentist says otherwise.

4. Is grinding worse than clenching?
Both are harmful—grinding damages enamel, clenching strains muscles.

5. Are there natural ways to stop jaw clenching?
Yes—meditation, posture correction, magnesium, and habit reversal.

6. Can I wear a mouthguard with braces or dental work?
You’ll need a custom one. OTC guards won’t work.

7. Is it safe to buy mouthguards online?
Yes—if you choose a reputable brand like Reviv.

8. What if I still have pain with a mouthguard?
You may need a re-fit or deeper TMJ evaluation.

9. Can kids use mouthguards for jaw pain?
Yes, but pediatric dental supervision is recommended.

10. Does a better mouthguard improve sleep?
 Absolutely—less tension = deeper rest.

Final Thoughts: Dentist-Designed vs Store-Bought Mouthguard for Jaw Pain

Choosing between a dentist-designed versus store-bought mouthguard for jaw pain depends on your symptoms, goals, and budget.

If you want fast relief and don’t have major issues—try a quality OTC option.

But if you want long-term healing and serious results?

Get a dentist-made one—or go straight to a Reviv Mouthguard.

Click here to order yours now:
👉 Buy Reviv Mouthguard