By Joanna M.
Bruxism affects an estimated 8–10% of adults and can cause significant damage without intervention. The solution most dentists recommend is a custom night guard. At-office pricing often runs $400–$800 — which is where mail-order custom night guard companies come in.
Two of the most searched options in 2026 are NewSmile and Remi. This comparison breaks down both products across every dimension that matters for bruxism sufferers.
How Custom Mail-Order Night Guards Work
Both NewSmile and Remi use the same general approach: you order an impression kit, take putty impressions of your teeth at home, mail them to a dental lab, and receive a custom guard fabricated to your exact bite. The differences come down to material thickness, material type, pricing structure, and customer support.
NewSmile vs Remi: Side-by-Side Comparison
Material and Thickness
NewSmile night guards are fabricated from dental-grade hard acrylic or dual-laminate material (hard outer shell, soft inner lining). For moderate-to-heavy bruxers, the dual-laminate option provides both comfort and durability against grinding forces.
Remi night guards use a soft, flexible thermoplastic material. Soft guards are better for light grinding and clenching but can be chewed through quickly by moderate-to-heavy bruxers. Many dentists advise against soft guards for heavy grinders.
Winner for bruxism: NewSmile, for moderate-to-heavy grinding. Remi's soft material suits light clenching.
Pricing
NewSmile: View current night guard pricing →
Remi: [INSERT REMI PRICE] per guard, typically offered as part of a subscription model. Remi's subscription approach can work well if you go through guards quickly but can feel like a forced commitment if your guard holds up fine.
Turnaround Time
Both companies typically deliver finished night guards within 2–3 weeks of receiving your impressions.
Guard Types Available
NewSmile offers night guards alongside its retainer products. You can order both using a single set of impressions, protecting both your enamel and your orthodontic results simultaneously. See NewSmile retainers for the full lineup.
Who Should Choose What
- Light grinders/clenchers: Remi's soft guard may be sufficient and more comfortable initially
- Moderate-to-heavy grinders: NewSmile's harder material options provide meaningfully better protection and durability
- Bruxism patients who also need retainers: NewSmile lets you order both from the same impression set
Signs You're a Heavy Bruxer
- Flattened, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Worn-down tooth enamel exposing deeper layers
- Jaw muscle tenderness or locking
- Dull headache originating in the temples most mornings
- Your partner reports loud grinding sounds during sleep
Stop Grinding. Protect Your Teeth.
NewSmile custom night guards are fabricated from dental-grade material — the same protection your dentist would recommend, without the office visit price tag.
Can I Wear My Retainer as a Night Guard?
No. Retainers are not designed to absorb grinding forces and will crack or distort quickly. Bruxism patients should wear a dedicated night guard and keep the retainer for its intended purpose. If you need both, NewSmile retainers and night guards can be ordered together from the same impression set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a soft or hard night guard better for bruxism?
For moderate-to-heavy bruxism, a hard or dual-laminate night guard is generally recommended by dentists. Soft guards can be worn through quickly by heavy grinders.
How long does a custom night guard last?
A well-made hard or dual-laminate night guard typically lasts 3–5 years for moderate grinders. Heavy grinders may need replacement every 1–2 years.
Can I wear my retainer instead of a night guard?
No. Retainers are not designed to withstand grinding forces and will crack or distort quickly if used this way.
Does NewSmile offer remakes if the night guard doesn't fit?
Yes. NewSmile offers remakes if impressions don't meet quality standards or if the finished guard has a fit issue. Contact support to initiate the process.
