By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you've been searching for a custom night guard in Australia, you've likely come across both Bruxident and NewSmile. Both are legitimate options, and both promise dentist-quality results without the dentist price. But the differences between them â in cost, process, materials, and guarantees â matter a lot when you're choosing something you'll wear every single night.
This guide breaks down exactly how they compare, so you can make an informed decision without second-guessing yourself at checkout.
Bruxident is an Australian dental laboratory based in Perth, Western Australia. They've been supplying custom dental appliances to dental clinics â including prosthodontists, periodontists, and oral maxillofacial specialists â for over a decade. Their consumer arm brings that same lab-grade manufacturing to Australians at home, without the dental appointment overhead.
Bruxident offers several night guard variants under the BRUXI brand:
Pricing runs from AU$149 to AU$235 depending on the guard type. All guards are made with non-allergenic, BPA-free, latex-free materials with a hard outer layer and softer inner lining. Bruxident's process involves an at-home impression kit â you take your own impressions, return them to their Perth lab, and receive your finished guard within one to two weeks.
NewSmile is a digital-first dental appliance company available across Australia. Rather than relying on physical impressions, NewSmile uses a 3D scan process â you visit a participating scan clinic, have your teeth digitally scanned, and NewSmile fabricates your night guard from the precise digital model.
This matters for accuracy: 3D scans eliminate the human error that can occur when taking putty impressions at home, which is one reason why fit consistency tends to be higher.
NewSmile AU pricing:
Every order includes free shipping across Australia and a 30-day fit guarantee. If the guard doesn't fit correctly within 30 days, NewSmile will remake it. That's more than four times the coverage window Bruxident offers with their 7-day policy.
You can order your NewSmile night guard here: NewSmile Custom Night Guard Australia
| Feature | Bruxident | NewSmile AU |
|---|---|---|
| Price (single) | AU$149 â AU$235 | AU$169 |
| Subscription price | Not available | AU$129 |
| Impression method | At-home impression kit | 3D digital scan |
| Turnaround | 1â2 weeks (post mail-back) | Ships as soon as production is complete |
| Guarantee | 7-day money back | 30-day fit guarantee |
| Shipping | Included | Free Australia-wide |
| Materials | BPA-free, latex-free, hard/soft combo | BPA-free, MMA-free, acrylic-free, latex-free, phthalate-free |
| Based in | Perth, WA | Australia (national) |
The biggest practical difference between these two brands is how your teeth get measured.
Bruxident sends you a physical impression kit. You mix putty, bite into trays, and mail the hardened impressions back to their Perth lab. It works â dental labs have used this method for decades. But accuracy depends heavily on how well you take the impression at home, and there's no redo if the impressions distort slightly in transit.
NewSmile's 3D scan process removes that variable. A digital scan captures every contour of your teeth in seconds, and that data is used to mill or fabricate the guard with precision. The fit tends to be more consistent, which matters when you're wearing something every night for months on end.
Neither approach is wrong â but for Australians who have experienced poorly-fitting guards before, the 3D scan pathway is worth considering.
Bruxism â teeth grinding and jaw clenching â affects an estimated more than 3 million Australians at some point in their lives. Many don't know they grind until a dentist flags flattened cusps, or until they start waking with jaw pain and headaches.
Left untreated, bruxism can cause:
A custom night guard acts as a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Unlike generic chemist mouthguards â which sit loosely and often cause gagging â a custom-fitted guard distributes grinding force evenly and holds its position throughout the night.
For more on which guard type is right for different bruxism patterns, see our guide to Bruxism Mouth Guards in Australia: Custom vs Chemist.
A dentist-fabricated night guard in Australia typically costs between AU$600 and AU$1,200 â plus the consultation fee, multiple appointments, and the wait. For something most dentists recommend replacing every 12 to 18 months with heavy grinding, that adds up quickly.
The real value of online custom guards â whether Bruxident or NewSmile â is that they bring lab-grade protection down to a price that makes annual replacement realistic.
At Bruxident's price range of AU$149âAU$235 per guard, yearly replacement costs between AU$149 and AU$235. At NewSmile's subscription rate of AU$129 per cycle, replacing your guard every six months works out to AU$258 per year â with the advantage of always wearing a fresh, well-fitted guard.
NewSmile's subscription model makes the most sense for consistent grinders. Bruxident's one-off pricing suits occasional wearers or those who want to try a custom guard before committing to a routine.
For a full breakdown of what you should expect to pay, see: How Much Does a Night Guard Cost in Australia? 2026 Price Guide
Bruxident is a solid choice if:
NewSmile makes more sense if:
Ready to stop grinding and start sleeping better?
NewSmile Australia's custom night guard is made from your 3D scan for a precise fit â AU$169 single or AU$129 on subscription with free shipping Australia-wide.
Yes. Bruxident is a family-run dental laboratory based in Perth, Western Australia. They have been supplying dental clinics across WA for over 10 years and offer direct-to-consumer night guards through their website.
You visit a participating scan clinic near you, where a dental professional takes a quick 3D digital scan of your teeth. That scan is sent directly to NewSmile's fabrication team, and your custom night guard is made to match your exact bite. You never handle impression putty.
Bruxident offers a 7-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied within seven days of receiving your guard, they will work to make things right. NewSmile offers a 30-day fit guarantee, which covers a longer assessment window.
With regular nightly use, a custom night guard typically lasts 12 to 18 months for moderate grinders, or 6 to 12 months for heavy grinders. Signs it needs replacing include visible thinning, cracking, or a noticeably looser fit.
Yes, significantly. Chemist boil-and-bite guards are not custom-fitted to your bite, which means they often sit imprecisely, disrupt sleep, and don't distribute grinding forces effectively. A custom guard built from your actual dental dimensions provides proper coverage and comfort throughout the night.
Yes. NewSmile offers a subscription at AU$129 per cycle, compared to AU$169 for a one-time purchase. The subscription ensures you regularly replace a worn-down guard â which is important for maintaining protection, as the guard material thins with extended grinding use.
In most cases, yes â but you should inform your dentist or the provider before ordering. A 3D scan captures the precise profile of your current dental structure, including crowns, so a custom guard can be made to accommodate your specific situation. Always check with a dental professional if you have significant restorative work.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you've been searching for a custom night guard in Australia, you've likely come across both Bruxident and NewSmile. Both are legitimate options, and both promise dentist-quality results without the dentist price. But the differences between them — in cost, process, materials, and guarantees — matter a lot when you're choosing something you'll wear every single night.
This guide breaks down exactly how they compare, so you can make an informed decision without second-guessing yourself at checkout.
Bruxident is an Australian dental laboratory based in Perth, Western Australia. They've been supplying custom dental appliances to dental clinics — including prosthodontists, periodontists, and oral maxillofacial specialists — for over a decade. Their consumer arm brings that same lab-grade manufacturing to Australians at home, without the dental appointment overhead.
Bruxident offers several night guard variants under the BRUXI brand:
Pricing runs from AU$149 to AU$235 depending on the guard type. All guards are made with non-allergenic, BPA-free, latex-free materials with a hard outer layer and softer inner lining. Bruxident's process involves an at-home impression kit — you take your own impressions, return them to their Perth lab, and receive your finished guard within one to two weeks.
NewSmile is a digital-first dental appliance company available across Australia. Rather than relying on physical impressions, NewSmile uses a 3D scan process — you visit a participating scan clinic, have your teeth digitally scanned, and NewSmile fabricates your night guard from the precise digital model.
This matters for accuracy: 3D scans eliminate the human error that can occur when taking putty impressions at home, which is one reason why fit consistency tends to be higher.
NewSmile AU pricing:
Every order includes free shipping across Australia and a 30-day fit guarantee. If the guard doesn't fit correctly within 30 days, NewSmile will remake it. That's more than four times the coverage window Bruxident offers with their 7-day policy.
You can order your NewSmile night guard here: NewSmile Custom Night Guard Australia
| Feature | Bruxident | NewSmile AU |
|---|---|---|
| Price (single) | AU$149 – AU$235 | AU$169 |
| Subscription price | Not available | AU$129 |
| Impression method | At-home impression kit | 3D digital scan |
| Turnaround | 1–2 weeks (post mail-back) | Ships as soon as production is complete |
| Guarantee | 7-day money back | 30-day fit guarantee |
| Shipping | Included | Free Australia-wide |
| Materials | BPA-free, latex-free, hard/soft combo | BPA-free, MMA-free, acrylic-free, latex-free, phthalate-free |
| Based in | Perth, WA | Australia (national) |
The biggest practical difference between these two brands is how your teeth get measured.
Bruxident sends you a physical impression kit. You mix putty, bite into trays, and mail the hardened impressions back to their Perth lab. It works — dental labs have used this method for decades. But accuracy depends heavily on how well you take the impression at home, and there's no redo if the impressions distort slightly in transit.
NewSmile's 3D scan process removes that variable. A digital scan captures every contour of your teeth in seconds, and that data is used to mill or fabricate the guard with precision. The fit tends to be more consistent, which matters when you're wearing something every night for months on end.
Neither approach is wrong — but for Australians who have experienced poorly-fitting guards before, the 3D scan pathway is worth considering.
Bruxism — teeth grinding and jaw clenching — affects an estimated more than 3 million Australians at some point in their lives. Many don't know they grind until a dentist flags flattened cusps, or until they start waking with jaw pain and headaches.
Left untreated, bruxism can cause:
A custom night guard acts as a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Unlike generic chemist mouthguards — which sit loosely and often cause gagging — a custom-fitted guard distributes grinding force evenly and holds its position throughout the night.
For more on which guard type is right for different bruxism patterns, see our guide to Bruxism Mouth Guards in Australia: Custom vs Chemist.
A dentist-fabricated night guard in Australia typically costs between AU$600 and AU$1,200 — plus the consultation fee, multiple appointments, and the wait. For something most dentists recommend replacing every 12 to 18 months with heavy grinding, that adds up quickly.
The real value of online custom guards — whether Bruxident or NewSmile — is that they bring lab-grade protection down to a price that makes annual replacement realistic.
At Bruxident's price range of AU$149–AU$235 per guard, yearly replacement costs between AU$149 and AU$235. At NewSmile's subscription rate of AU$129 per cycle, replacing your guard every six months works out to AU$258 per year — with the advantage of always wearing a fresh, well-fitted guard.
NewSmile's subscription model makes the most sense for consistent grinders. Bruxident's one-off pricing suits occasional wearers or those who want to try a custom guard before committing to a routine.
For a full breakdown of what you should expect to pay, see: How Much Does a Night Guard Cost in Australia? 2026 Price Guide
Bruxident is a solid choice if:
NewSmile makes more sense if:
Ready to stop grinding and start sleeping better?
NewSmile Australia's custom night guard is made from your 3D scan for a precise fit — AU$169 single or AU$129 on subscription with free shipping Australia-wide.
Yes. Bruxident is a family-run dental laboratory based in Perth, Western Australia. They have been supplying dental clinics across WA for over 10 years and offer direct-to-consumer night guards through their website.
You visit a participating scan clinic near you, where a dental professional takes a quick 3D digital scan of your teeth. That scan is sent directly to NewSmile's fabrication team, and your custom night guard is made to match your exact bite. You never handle impression putty.
Bruxident offers a 7-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied within seven days of receiving your guard, they will work to make things right. NewSmile offers a 30-day fit guarantee, which covers a longer assessment window.
With regular nightly use, a custom night guard typically lasts 12 to 18 months for moderate grinders, or 6 to 12 months for heavy grinders. Signs it needs replacing include visible thinning, cracking, or a noticeably looser fit.
Yes, significantly. Chemist boil-and-bite guards are not custom-fitted to your bite, which means they often sit imprecisely, disrupt sleep, and don't distribute grinding forces effectively. A custom guard built from your actual dental dimensions provides proper coverage and comfort throughout the night.
Yes. NewSmile offers a subscription at AU$129 per cycle, compared to AU$169 for a one-time purchase. The subscription ensures you regularly replace a worn-down guard — which is important for maintaining protection, as the guard material thins with extended grinding use.
In most cases, yes — but you should inform your dentist or the provider before ordering. A 3D scan captures the precise profile of your current dental structure, including crowns, so a custom guard can be made to accommodate your specific situation. Always check with a dental professional if you have significant restorative work.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder affects an estimated 5–12% of Australians at any given time, with many sufferers not realising that their nightly teeth grinding (bruxism) is the primary driver of their jaw pain, headaches, and disrupted sleep. If you wake up with a sore jaw, tight temples, or a dull ache behind your ears, a custom night guard may be the most effective — and most affordable — intervention available.
This guide explains how TMJ pain develops, what the research says about night guards, and how to choose the right custom guard in Australia in 2026.
The temporomandibular joints are the two hinge-and-glide joints that connect your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull, just in front of each ear. They are among the most complex joints in the body — responsible for every chewing, speaking, and yawning movement.
TMJ disorder (also called TMD) is an umbrella term for pain and dysfunction in this joint complex. Common causes include:
When you grind your teeth during sleep, the muscles around the jaw exert forces of 250–600 newtons — far exceeding the 70 newtons typical of normal chewing. Over time, this repetitive overloading inflames the joint, wears cartilage, and triggers the characteristic morning jaw pain and stiffness that characterises TMD.
The short answer: yes, for most bruxism-related TMJ cases. The Australian Dental Association recognises occlusal splints (the clinical term for night guards) as a first-line conservative treatment for bruxism and related TMD symptoms.
How they work:
A 2022 review published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation found that stabilisation splints (hard night guards) produced significant reductions in jaw pain scores compared to controls, particularly for patients whose TMD was primarily bruxism-driven.
Night guards do not cure structural joint damage or disc displacement — if your TMD has a mechanical/structural component, you should consult an orofacial pain specialist or maxillofacial surgeon. But for the vast majority of Australians whose jaw pain traces back to overnight grinding, a properly fitted night guard is the most evidence-backed conservative intervention available.
Not all night guards are equal — and the choice matters for TMJ sufferers in particular.
| Type | Material | Best for TMJ? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft | EVA / silicone | Light grinders only | Comfortable but compressible material can actually trigger more clenching in heavy grinders |
| Hard (acrylic) | PMMA acrylic | Moderate to heavy grinders | The gold standard for stabilisation splints; reduces EMG muscle activity most effectively |
| Dual-layer / hybrid | Hard outer + soft inner | Most TMJ patients | Comfort of soft with protective properties of hard; suits most patients |
For TMJ-related jaw pain, a dual-layer or hard guard is generally recommended over a soft-only guard. NewSmile's custom night guard uses a dual-layer construction — firm enough to prevent grinding damage, with a comfortable inner layer that doesn't irritate sensitive gums.
This is where many Australians are surprised. A dentist-made occlusal splint typically costs:
Private health insurance (Extras cover) may partially reimburse an occlusal splint under dental item code 963 — check with your fund, as rebates typically range from AU$100–$300 depending on your level of cover.
The key question isn't just upfront cost — it's also replacement cadence. Most night guards need replacing every 1–3 years depending on grinding severity. A subscription model (like NewSmile's AU$129/guard plan) locks in a lower replacement price, which matters if you're a heavy grinder who goes through guards faster.
Most online night guard brands in Australia — including Smilepath, Spartan Guards, and others — still rely on at-home putty impressions. You squeeze rubber putty into a tray, bite down, wait for it to set, and post it to a lab. This approach works, but it has drawbacks:
NewSmile AU uses a digital 3D scan process — you book a scan at a participating Australian clinic, the digital file is submitted directly to our lab, and your custom guard is fabricated to precise tolerances. No putty. No mess. More accurate.
This matters for TMJ patients in particular, because a poorly fitting guard can actually worsen jaw alignment and aggravate TMD symptoms. Precision fit is non-negotiable.
| Brand | Price | Impression Method | TMJ Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| NewSmile AU | AU$169 / AU$129 sub | Digital 3D scan | Dual-layer; precise fit; good for TMJ |
| Smilepath AU | AU$175+ | At-home putty | Soft/hard/hybrid options available |
| Smileflex AU | AU$319–$399 | At-home putty | TGA-registered; dual-layer; high-end option |
| Spartan Guards AU | AU$199–$287 | Digital scan or putty | NSW lab; 14-day guarantee |
| Dental clinic | AU$600–$1,200 | In-chair impression | Best for complex structural TMD |
If your TMD is primarily bruxism-driven (waking with jaw pain/soreness, morning headaches, worn enamel), a custom online guard is a clinically appropriate and significantly more affordable starting point before committing to expensive dental treatment.
Protect your jaw from TMJ pain overnight — starting from AU$169.
NewSmile's custom night guard is made from your digital scan for a precise fit — no putty, no gag reflex. Ships as soon as production is complete.
A custom night guard is appropriate for most bruxism-related TMJ pain, but there are situations where you should consult an orofacial pain specialist or dentist before purchasing online:
You may also want to consider whether your existing retainer is providing any occlusal protection — in most cases, a standard Essix retainer is too thin to function as a bruxism guard, and a dedicated night guard is needed if you grind.
No — a night guard manages the primary trigger (grinding/clenching) but doesn't repair structural damage or disc displacement. For most bruxism-driven TMD, it is the most effective conservative treatment available and significantly reduces symptoms over time.
Most people notice a reduction in morning jaw soreness within 2–4 weeks of consistent nightly use. Full adaptation and maximum symptom relief typically occurs over 4–8 weeks as the jaw muscles and joints adjust.
For TMJ-related bruxism, a hard or dual-layer (hard outer, soft inner) guard is generally preferred. Soft guards can trigger more clenching in heavy grinders, potentially worsening TMJ symptoms. A dual-layer guard offers the best of both: protective rigidity with comfortable fit.
Dentist-made occlusal splints cost AU$600–$1,200. Online custom night guards range from AU$169 (NewSmile AU) to AU$399 (Smileflex). Private health insurance Extras may cover part of the cost under dental item 963.
No — a standard Essix retainer is too thin to function as a bruxism guard. Using a retainer for grinding will damage it quickly and provides minimal joint protection. A purpose-built custom night guard is required.
Yes — most Extras health funds cover occlusal splints under item 963. Rebates typically range AU$100–$300 depending on your fund and level of cover.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you have finished orthodontic treatment and are shopping for a replacement retainer or a custom night guard, you have likely come across both Smilefy and NewSmile. Both are legitimate options for Australians who want a lab-quality dental appliance without paying dentist prices. But they differ considerably on price, the ordering process, and product range.
Here is a thorough, side-by-side breakdown so you can decide with confidence.
Price is usually the first thing people compare, so let us start there.
| Product | Smilefy | NewSmile AU |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Retainer (single) | AU$199 | AU$169 |
| Retainer (subscription) | Not listed | AU$129/month |
| Night Guard — Light | AU$259 (LiteShield) | AU$169 |
| Night Guard — Heavy | AU$269 (IntenseArmor) | AU$169 |
| Night Guard (subscription) | Not listed | AU$129/month |
| Delivery | Free | Free |
The verdict on price: NewSmile is AU$30 cheaper on a single retainer and AU$90–$100 cheaper on a single night guard compared to Smilefy. For a pair of products — a retainer and a night guard — you would save over AU$150 with NewSmile.
Smilefy sends you a physical impression kit (AU$35 additional) so you can take putty moulds of your teeth at home. You post the impressions back and the lab fabricates your appliance from the physical mould. This is a well-established method, though it depends on the quality of your at-home impression — if the mould is unclear, delays can occur.
NewSmile operates differently in Australia. Rather than a home impression kit, NewSmile AU uses digital scans taken at a local clinic near you. You book a quick scan appointment, the 3D digital file is transmitted directly to the lab, and your appliance is fabricated from precise digital measurements. Digital scanning eliminates the variability that can come with DIY putty impressions, and many patients find it more comfortable than doing impressions at home.
Both approaches result in a custom-fit appliance — but the scan-based workflow is considered the more clinically accurate method.
Both Smilefy and NewSmile produce Essix-style clear plastic retainers — the thin, transparent type that fits over your teeth like an aligner. These are the most common type of replacement retainer used after orthodontic treatment.
Smilefy describes its materials as "top-tier" and markets itself as "Made in Australia." NewSmile uses BPA-free dental-grade thermoplastic material. In practice, the fit quality of a custom retainer comes down largely to the accuracy of the scan or impression. With NewSmile's digital scan workflow, there is less room for human error compared to a home putty impression.
For Australians wanting a replacement retainer that fits precisely, explore the NewSmile AU retainer range.
Smilefy offers three night guard variants:
NewSmile offers a single custom night guard at AU$169 (single) or AU$129/month, designed to address bruxism and jaw clenching. For most Australians with mild to moderate grinding, a custom-fitted guard at AU$169 is a significantly better value proposition than spending AU$269 on Smilefy's heavy variant.
You can explore NewSmile's night guard on the NewSmile AU night guard page.
For the majority of Australians — particularly those replacing an existing retainer or managing mild-to-moderate bruxism — NewSmile delivers comparable quality at a lower price with a more accurate fabrication process.
Get a custom night guard or retainer from AU$129/month
NewSmile Australia uses digital scans for a precise fit — no messy putty, no home impressions. Retainers from AU$129/month, night guards from AU$129/month.
Yes. A dentist-made retainer in Australia typically costs AU$300–$700 depending on the clinic and location. Smilefy at AU$199 and NewSmile at AU$169 are both considerably more affordable with a custom fit.
No. NewSmile AU is a scan-based service — you visit a local clinic for a quick digital scan, which is used to fabricate your retainer or night guard. This is distinct from services that use home putty impression kits.
Yes. Night guards are appropriate for anyone experiencing teeth grinding or jaw clenching (bruxism), regardless of orthodontic history. Retainers, however, are generally prescribed after orthodontic treatment — consult your dentist if you are unsure which appliance is right for you.
A well-maintained custom night guard typically lasts 1–3 years depending on grinding severity. Heavy grinders may wear through a guard in under 12 months. See our guide to bruxism mouth guards in Australia.
For heavy grinding, a hard acrylic or dual-laminate guard is typically recommended. See our full comparison of the best night guards in Australia for 2026.
NewSmile is one of several online-first dental appliance brands serving Australia. For a broader view of the market, read our full comparison of Australian retainer brands.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
Pro Teeth Guard comes up frequently in Australian searches for custom night guards. It is well-reviewed in the US market, appears on sleep health publications, and its pricing is comparable to other online dental labs. The problem is straightforward: Pro Teeth Guard explicitly does not ship to Australia. Their website states "We only ship within the USA & Canada."
This guide explains what Pro Teeth Guard actually offers, why Australians cannot order from them, and which local alternatives match or beat what they provide.
Pro Teeth Guard is a US-based online dental lab that has been producing custom night guards since 2012. They are operated by a dental lab technician and manufacture all guards in San Diego, California. The brand has received recognition from US sleep publications including Sleep Foundation and Tuck.
Their product range includes four types of custom night guards:
They do not offer retainers. Their process uses a traditional physical impression kit: customers receive putty trays, take impressions at home, and mail them back for fabrication. This is the standard model used by most US online dental labs.
Pricing in US dollars runs from USD$169.99 for a soft guard to USD$209.99 for a hard guard. At current exchange rates, that converts to approximately AU$260–AU$321 before any additional international shipping — if they shipped internationally, which they do not.
No. Pro Teeth Guard's shipping policy is clear: "We only ship within the USA & Canada. All prices are in US Dollars."
There is no practical workaround using a parcel forwarding service. The impression kit must be mailed to their San Diego lab and back. Round-trip international forwarding would add weeks to the turnaround time and additional postage costs, making the process impractical even before factoring in customs duties on dental appliances.
Australians who find Pro Teeth Guard through sleep or wellness publications are looking for the right thing — a custom-fitted night guard at a reasonable price — but need to find it from a supplier that actually serves the Australian market.
| Feature | Pro Teeth Guard | NewSmile AU |
|---|---|---|
| Ships to Australia | No — USA & Canada only | Yes |
| Price (single guard) | USD$169.99–$209.99 (~AU$260–AU$321) | AU$169 |
| Subscription / repeat price | Not available | AU$129 |
| Impression method | Physical putty kit (mail-in) | Digital scan — no putty required |
| Guard types | Soft / Hybrid / Hard / Ultra-thin | Custom thickness to prescription |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty on cracks/breaks | Remake guarantee on fit issues |
| Money-back | 60-day, 110% of purchase price | Satisfaction guarantee |
| Retainers available | No | Yes |
The core appeal of Pro Teeth Guard — a custom-made guard from a dental lab, without a dentist visit, at a fraction of clinic pricing — is exactly what NewSmile AU offers. The difference is that NewSmile actually ships to Australia and has built a process suited to the local market.
NewSmile AU uses a digital scanning method, meaning there are no putty trays, no messy impressions to take, and no kit to mail back. This is a meaningful improvement on the traditional process and removes the most common point of friction with at-home dental lab services.
NewSmile AU guards are priced in Australian dollars: AU$169 for a single guard, or AU$129 on subscription. There are no currency conversion surprises, no international shipping fees, and no customs considerations.
Because NewSmile operates in the Australian market, customer support and the full ordering process are structured for Australian customers. You are not navigating a US-centric process from overseas.
Unlike Pro Teeth Guard, which only makes night guards, NewSmile AU also offers custom clear retainers. If you grind your teeth and also need retention after orthodontic treatment, you can order both from the same provider.
Get a custom night guard in Australia — no putty, no dentist visit
NewSmile AU custom night guards start from AU$169 single or AU$129 on subscription. Digital scan process, ships within Australia.
Regardless of which guard you order, correct daily care makes a significant difference to longevity and hygiene. The most effective method is an ultrasonic cleaner — these use high-frequency sound waves to dislodge debris and bacteria from the guard's surface without abrasive scrubbing. Petal's ultrasonic cleaner and cleaning pods are designed specifically for dental appliances and are used by Australian customers alongside their NewSmile guards.
No. Pro Teeth Guard ships to the USA and Canada only. Their website explicitly states international shipping is not available. Australians need to use a supplier that services the Australian market, such as NewSmile AU.
No. Pro Teeth Guard custom night guards require individual fabrication from a dental lab impression — they are not an off-the-shelf product that can be stocked in a warehouse. They are not available through Amazon Australia or any other Australian retail channel.
Online custom night guards in Australia range from AU$169 to AU$400 depending on the provider and guard type. NewSmile AU starts at AU$169 for a single guard, with a subscription option available from AU$129. Dental clinic pricing for a comparable custom guard typically ranges from AU$400 to AU$900 or more.
No. NewSmile AU is a scan-based service. Customers complete a digital scan rather than using physical putty impression trays. This eliminates the most common point of friction with at-home dental lab services.
For heavy or severe grinding (bruxism), a hard acrylic guard or dual-layer construction (hard exterior, softer interior) is generally recommended. A dental professional can advise based on the severity of your grinding. If your guard shows significant wear within months of normal use, that is a signal you may need a harder material.
A custom-fitted guard fabricated from a digital scan of your teeth provides a significantly more accurate fit than a boil-and-bite. The fit affects both comfort and protective function — a loose guard can shift during sleep, reducing its effectiveness. Custom guards also tend to last considerably longer than boil-and-bite options at comparable total cost over time.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
It’s one of the most common questions we hear from Australians: “Do I need a retainer or a night guard?” The confusion is understandable — both are custom-fitted clear appliances worn in your mouth at night, and from a distance they look nearly identical. But they are built for completely different problems, made from different materials, and using the wrong one won’t just fail to help — it could actually cause harm.
This guide cuts through the confusion with a plain-English breakdown of what each appliance does, who needs which, and when you may need both.
A retainer is a custom-fitted dental appliance designed to maintain the position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. After braces or clear aligners straighten your teeth, the surrounding bone and connective tissue need time to stabilise. Without a retainer, your teeth will gradually drift back toward their original positions — a process called relapse.
The most common type for adults is an Essix retainer, a clear, vacuum-formed tray that fits snugly over your teeth. Essix retainers are typically made from thinner, more flexible material (around 0.75mm–1mm) because their job is gentle, sustained pressure — not impact absorption.
A retainer does not protect against grinding. If you wear a retainer while grinding at night, you risk cracking the material, accelerating tooth wear, and waking up with a broken retainer — or broken teeth.
NewSmile AU offers custom Essix retainers from AU$169 per arch (single) or AU$129 per arch on subscription. Scanned digitally — no putty, no impression trays.
A night guard (also called a bruxism guard or occlusal splint) is a custom-fitted dental appliance designed to absorb and redistribute the force of teeth grinding and clenching. Bruxism — the clinical term for chronic teeth grinding — affects an estimated 8–31% of the population, and most sufferers do it entirely unconsciously during sleep.
The key difference in construction: a night guard is significantly thicker than a retainer (typically 2mm–3mm for a standard guard, up to 4mm for a hard guard designed for heavy grinders) and made from a harder, more impact-resistant material. The thickness provides a buffer between your upper and lower teeth, preventing direct enamel-on-enamel contact during grinding episodes.
A night guard does not hold your teeth in alignment after orthodontic treatment. Wearing only a night guard after braces will result in gradual tooth movement over time.
NewSmile AU offers custom night guards from AU$169 (single) or AU$129 on subscription. Lab-fabricated to your exact digital scan.
| Feature | Retainer | Night Guard |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Maintain tooth position | Protect against grinding/clenching |
| Material thickness | 0.75mm–1mm | 2mm–4mm |
| Material hardness | Flexible/semi-rigid | Hard or dual-laminate |
| Prevents tooth relapse | Yes | No |
| Protects against grinding | No | Yes |
| Absorbs bite force | Not designed for this | Yes |
| NewSmile AU price | AU$169 / AU$129 sub | AU$169 / AU$129 sub |
This is one of the most dangerous dental myths circulating in online forums. No — a retainer cannot substitute for a night guard.
Here is why: the thin, flexible material of an Essix retainer is not designed to withstand the mechanical forces of bruxism. The average grinding force during sleep ranges from 250–600 newtons — significantly higher than normal chewing forces. An Essix retainer will crack, warp, or fracture under this load.
Beyond device failure, there is a more serious risk: a cracked retainer creates sharp edges that can lacerate your gums and cheek tissue. Fragments can become ingestion hazards. And critically, wearing a broken retainer provides zero protection for your enamel.
If you grind and need retention, the correct solution is to wear both — worn at different times or prescribed by your dentist to layer for specific bite mechanics.
Many Australians genuinely need both appliances. This is more common than most people realise — orthodontic patients who also have bruxism face both problems simultaneously.
The most common approach is to alternate wear:
The key point: never try to get both functions from a single device. A retainer used as a night guard will fail. A night guard, while thicker, does not provide the same precise tooth-position maintenance as a purpose-built retainer.
Because bruxism happens during sleep, most people don’t realise they grind until symptoms accumulate. Common indicators include:
If three or more of these apply to you, speak with your dentist about bruxism. A custom night guard is the first-line recommended intervention in Australian clinical guidelines.
Protect your teeth from grinding — without the dentist markup.
NewSmile AU custom night guards are lab-fabricated to your exact digital scan — no putty, no mess, no dentist visit required. Starting from AU$169, or AU$129 on subscription.
Australian research aligns with international data: bruxism affects approximately one in eight adults, with higher rates in urban populations exposed to chronic work and lifestyle stress. The condition is more prevalent in women than men, and peak incidence occurs between ages 25 and 44.
Despite high prevalence, awareness of custom-fitted night guards remains low in Australia. Many Australians default to pharmacy boil-and-bite guards — which, while better than nothing, provide uneven bite coverage and degrade quickly under heavy grinding. A custom-fitted guard distributes force evenly across all tooth surfaces and typically lasts 2–5 years with proper care.
If you are unsure which to prioritise, here is a simple decision framework:
NewSmile AU offers both:
Custom Essix Retainer — from AU$169
Custom Night Guard — from AU$169
No. A retainer is designed to hold your teeth in position after orthodontic treatment, not to protect against the mechanical forces of grinding. Using a retainer as a night guard will cause it to crack or warp and provide no protection for your enamel.
Not reliably. Night guards are thicker and made from harder material designed for impact absorption, not precision tooth positioning. Some orthodontists and dentists do prescribe combination appliances, but these are custom-fabricated for that specific purpose. Off-the-shelf night guards should not be relied upon for retention.
A custom night guard from a dental clinic in Australia typically costs AU$300–AU$800 or more. Online custom night guards like those offered by NewSmile AU start from AU$169 for a single guard or AU$129 on subscription — lab-fabricated to a digital scan of your teeth.
Custom Essix retainers in Australia range from AU$150–AU$500+ through a dentist. NewSmile AU offers custom retainers from AU$169 per arch, or AU$129 on subscription, using digital scanning technology.
Yes — regardless of which aligner brand you used, you will need to wear a retainer after treatment to maintain results. Without retention, teeth will gradually drift back toward their original positions.
You should not wear both simultaneously unless specifically prescribed by your dentist. The standard approach for people who need both is to alternate — using the night guard on nights when grinding is present and the retainer on calmer nights — or to consult with a dentist about a dual-layer protocol.
The best night guard is a custom-fitted one fabricated from a precise scan of your teeth. Custom guards — like those from NewSmile AU — distribute bite force evenly and last significantly longer than boil-and-bite alternatives available at Australian pharmacies.
References
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you wore SmileDirectClub aligners in Australia, you likely received a letter — or simply visited their website to find it dark — and realised the company had vanished. No customer service. No retainer replacements. No explanation of what to do next.
This guide covers exactly what happened to SmileDirectClub in Australia, what it means for your teeth, and the best options available right now to protect the smile you worked for.
SmileDirectClub launched in Australia as part of its global expansion, operating physical SmileShops in major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The model was straightforward: customers visited a SmileShop or used a home kit to get their teeth scanned, then received clear aligners and retainers delivered to their door — all without seeing a dentist in person.
At its peak, SDC was one of the largest direct-to-consumer aligner companies in the world, serving patients across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Hundreds of thousands of Australians became customers.
Before its collapse, SmileDirectClub also attracted the attention of Australian regulators. In 2022, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) took action against the company over concerns related to its business conduct, resulting in significant legal and reputational costs that contributed to its financial deterioration.
SmileDirectClub filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States on 29 September 2023, citing nearly AU$1.4 billion in accumulated debt. The pandemic-era surge in at-home treatment had led the company to over-expand aggressively. When demand normalised after 2021, revenue fell every year — but the cost structure remained. There was no coming back.
On 9 December 2023, the company announced it was shutting down permanently. Operations ceased globally on the same day, including in Australia. All customer support was terminated. Retainer orders in progress were cancelled without refund. Approximately 1.8 million customers worldwide — including all Australian patients — were left without access to the SDC retainer system or ongoing support.
SmileSet later acquired certain SDC technology assets, but it does not operate in Australia and does not service former SDC customers directly.
Teeth drift. That is the biological reality of orthodontic treatment, and it happens regardless of whether you used aligners, braces, or any other method. Once active treatment ends, teeth begin to shift back towards their original positions — a process called orthodontic relapse.
Without consistent retainer wear, the extent of relapse depends on how long since treatment ended, the severity of the original misalignment, and individual bone density and genetics. Some people notice movement within weeks; others within months. Nobody is exempt.
The critical point is that SDC retainers are not proprietary. They are standard Essix-style clear retainers — a thermoplastic material moulded to the precise shape of your teeth. Any provider who manufactures custom Essix retainers can replace them, provided they work from an accurate record of your current tooth position.
If your teeth have already shifted since you stopped wearing your SDC retainer, a replacement retainer will hold your teeth at their current position — it will not move them back. For significant relapse, you would need to consult a dentist or orthodontist before ordering a new retainer.
Australians who need to replace their SDC retainer have three main pathways:
A dentist can take digital scans of your current tooth position and manufacture a custom clear retainer in-clinic or through a dental laboratory. This is the most personalised option but typically the most expensive — custom retainers from a dental practice range from AU$300 to AU$600 per arch, and many Australians report extended waiting times for appointments.
Several online providers now offer custom retainers through a digital scan intake — meaning you visit a participating dental or optical clinic for a 3D scan, and the retainer is fabricated from that digital record and posted to you. This option typically costs a fraction of the in-clinic price while still producing a fully custom, lab-grade retainer.
For a comprehensive comparison of the options currently available, see our guide to the best custom retainers in Australia for 2026.
Available from pharmacies, these are not a substitute for a custom retainer. They do not replicate the precise fit of your teeth, they degrade quickly, and they cannot maintain the specific tooth positions achieved during aligner treatment. We would not recommend this option for anyone who completed aligner treatment.
NewSmile Australia offers custom clear Essix retainers made from a 3D digital scan — the same professional-grade scan technology used by orthodontic labs across Australia. There are no putty moulds, no messy home kits, and no lengthy wait for a dentist appointment.
For former SmileDirectClub customers, this is the most direct like-for-like replacement. Here is what the process looks like:
| Option | Price per retainer | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Single purchase | AU$169 | One-off replacement |
| Subscription | AU$129 | Ongoing protection — best for active retainer wearers |
Dentists typically recommend replacing your retainer every 12–18 months, or sooner if it develops cracks, cloudiness, or a poor fit. For former SDC customers who have been without a retainer for any period of time, ordering promptly is critical to prevent further relapse.
If you also grind your teeth at night — a condition called bruxism — you may benefit more from a custom night guard than a standard retainer. Night guards are thicker and designed to absorb grinding forces while also maintaining tooth position. NewSmile AU night guards are also AU$169 single / AU$129 subscription.
For a full breakdown of retainer costs across all Australian providers, see our 2026 AU retainer price guide.
Don't let your SDC results slip away — replace your retainer today.
NewSmile Australia offers custom Essix retainers from AU$129, made from a 3D digital scan. No dentist appointment required. Ships as soon as production is complete.
If your teeth have not shifted noticeably since you finished treatment, you can proceed with a scan-based replacement retainer without a prior dental consultation. The 3D scan will capture your current tooth position, and the retainer will hold that position going forward.
If you have noticed visible shifting — teeth that look different from the end of your SDC treatment — it is worth having a dentist assess the degree of relapse before ordering a replacement retainer. A retainer can only hold teeth where they are; it cannot undo movement that has already occurred.
For a step-by-step guide to the replacement process, see our article on how to replace a retainer in Australia without a dentist visit.
No. SmileDirectClub permanently shut down all global operations, including in Australia, on 9 December 2023. The company is no longer taking orders, processing retainer replacements, or providing customer support.
No. SmileDirectClub no longer manufactures or ships any products. However, SDC retainers are standard clear Essix-style retainers, and any Australian provider working from a digital scan of your teeth can produce a compatible replacement.
Online providers such as NewSmile Australia charge AU$129–AU$169 per retainer. Dental practices typically charge AU$300–AU$600 per arch. See our full AU retainer price guide for a complete breakdown.
No. A replacement retainer will hold your teeth at their current position, not move them back. If you have experienced significant relapse, you will need to consult a dentist or orthodontist to assess treatment options before ordering a retainer.
Most custom clear retainers last 12–18 months with daily use and proper care. Factors that shorten lifespan include grinding, inconsistent cleaning, and exposure to heat. Wearing your retainer only at night (as most people do post-treatment) typically extends its usable life.
Yes. NewSmile ships to addresses across Australia, including regional and rural areas, as soon as production of your retainer is complete.
Not necessarily. If you clench your jaw while sleeping — even without noticeable grinding sounds — a night guard provides better long-term protection for your teeth and may be more appropriate than a standard retainer. Many people clench unconsciously during sleep without realising it. If you wake with jaw soreness or headaches, a custom night guard is worth considering.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
Losing, breaking, or simply needing to replace a retainer in Australia has never been easier — or more complicated. There are now at least six credible online brands offering custom clear retainers without a dentist appointment, and several more clinic-based options. The price range is wide, turnaround times vary considerably, and not every brand operates in every state.
This guide compares every major custom retainer brand available to Australian consumers in 2026, scored on: price, scan process, material quality, turnaround, and customer support.
After orthodontic treatment — whether that was braces, clear aligners, or Invisalign — your teeth will gradually shift back toward their original positions without a retainer. Without consistent wear, noticeable shifting can occur within weeks or months of finishing treatment.
The choice between brands matters because fit quality directly determines effectiveness. A poorly fitting retainer won't maintain your smile. In Australia, most dentists charge between AU$300 and AU$600 for a single custom Essix retainer. Online scan-based alternatives start from significantly less, using the same 3D scanning technology your dentist uses.
Price: AU$169 per set (upper and lower) | AU$129/set with subscription
Process: Scan-based — no moulds, no putty
Material: BPA-free Essix-style clear plastic
Ships: As soon as production is complete
NewSmile uses a digital 3D scan at any participating provider, meaning retainers are built from precision dental-grade data — not a DIY mould. The subscription pricing at AU$129 per set is where NewSmile stands out — useful given how often retainers get lost, broken, or worn down. The retainer is a clear Essix style, the same type most orthodontists fit post-treatment.
Order Your NewSmile Retainer →
Price: From approximately AU$149 per set
Process: Scan-based
Jawology is one of the more established Australian retainer brands using scan-based intake. Pricing is competitive with NewSmile's single-set rate, but NewSmile's subscription brings ongoing costs down to AU$129. For a full head-to-head, see our NewSmile vs Jawology Australia review.
Price: See au.mymofosmile.com for current pricing
Material: Ultra-thin 0.75mm retainer
MYMOFO has built a following around their 0.75mm retainer, thinner than most alternatives. Some users prefer the reduced bulk; others find the material less durable. Verify current AU pricing directly as it has varied.
Price: See smileie.com.au for current pricing
Process: Scan-based (select providers)
Smileie operates in the Australian market with a clear retainer offering and positive customer service coverage. See our full Smileie vs NewSmile Australia review.
Price: Obtained through your Invisalign orthodontist — costs vary
Process: Requires original Invisalign treatment records
Vivera retainers are made by Align Technology and are only available through your treating orthodontist. They're not available to the general public independently. If you didn't do Invisalign, this option isn't open to you. See our Vivera vs NewSmile Australia comparison.
Price: Typically AU$300–$600+ per set
Turnaround: 1–2 weeks (lab outsourcing)
Most dental practices outsource retainer fabrication to the same labs used by online providers — meaning product quality is often equivalent. The dentist's real value-add is clinical consultation, rarely needed for a straightforward retainer replacement.
| Brand | Price (AU) | Scan-Based | Subscription | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NewSmile | $169 / $129 sub | Yes | Yes | Best overall value |
| Jawology | From ~$149 | Yes | No | Established AU brand |
| MYMOFO Smile | See site | Yes | No | Ultra-thin preference |
| Smileie | See site | Yes | No | Mid-range AU option |
| Vivera | Via orthodontist | No | No | Post-Invisalign only |
| Local Dentist | $300–$600+ | Often | No | Complex cases only |
Australia's leading online retainer brands have moved to 3D scanning — the same technology used in professional dental clinics. Digital scans produce more dimensionally accurate retainers than traditional putty impressions, which can distort during handling and shipping. NewSmile uses scan-based intake only.
Most quality online retainers use BPA-free clear thermoplastic similar to Essix materials. Thickness typically ranges from 0.75mm to 1.0mm. Thinner retainers are less noticeable but may wear out faster with heavy grinding. For patients with bruxism, a thicker retainer — or a dedicated custom night guard — is the better choice.
Retainers typically need replacing every 12–24 months, sometimes sooner with grinding or inadequate cleaning. A subscription model like NewSmile's AU$129/set saves meaningfully over multiple replacement cycles.
Retainer longevity depends on consistent cleaning. The most common reason for premature replacement is bacterial build-up, discolouration, and odour — all preventable with the right approach.
The most effective method is ultrasonic cleaning. A Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner combined with Petal Cleaning Pods removes bacteria and biofilm from the retainer surface in minutes without scrubbing. This is significantly more effective than soaking alone and far gentler on the plastic long-term.
Ready to Replace Your Retainer?
NewSmile offers precision scan-based Essix retainers for AU$169 per set — or AU$129 with a subscription. No dentist visit required.
Online scan-based retainers in Australia typically start from AU$129–AU$169 per set. NewSmile charges AU$169 for a single set or AU$129 with a subscription. Dentist-made retainers usually cost AU$300–AU$600+ per set.
For straightforward replacements, yes. Both use Essix-style clear retainers produced by dental labs. Scan-based online retainers like NewSmile are generally more accurate than mail-in impression moulds.
Yes. NewSmile uses scan-based intake — you attend a quick scan appointment, and your retainers are fabricated from the digital records. No dental consultation needed for a standard retainer replacement.
Most clear Essix-style retainers last 12–24 months with daily wear and proper cleaning. Consistent ultrasonic cleaning extends retainer life considerably.
NewSmile is the top-ranked custom retainer brand in Australia for 2026. At AU$169 per set (or AU$129 with a subscription), it offers precision scan-based fit and the best ongoing value.
A retainer holds your teeth in their post-treatment position. A custom night guard is thicker and designed to absorb grinding pressure — some people need both.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you have been grinding your teeth at night and searching for a solution, you have probably come across both the SOVA 3D Night Guard and NewSmile Australia. Both carry TGA recognition, both ship to your door, and both promise to protect your enamel from bruxism. But they work in very different ways — and once you understand those differences, the right choice becomes clear.
SOVA 3D night guards are an over-the-counter product sold at pharmacies and chemists across Australia, including Chemist Warehouse and Priceline. They use a boil-and-bite process: you heat the guard in hot water until it softens, then bite down to create a rough impression of your teeth. The material is a thin, flexible thermoplastic designed to be low-profile and less bulky than traditional guards.
Because SOVA 3D guards are manufactured in a standard size and shaped at home, they are not custom-made to your dental anatomy. The fit depends entirely on how accurately you complete the boil-and-bite process at home, and many users find the result uneven. The thin material also has a finite resistance to heavy grinding; people with moderate to severe bruxism often wear through them relatively quickly.
SOVA 3D guards cost [check current pharmacy price] at most Australian stockists. They are a convenient, low-barrier starting point for people who grind occasionally, but they are not engineered to the same standard as a guard fabricated in a dental laboratory from precise measurements.
NewSmile AU night guards begin with a 3D digital scan — there are no impression kits, no messy putty trays, and no dental appointments required. You visit a participating scan partner who captures a precise digital record of your teeth. That scan is sent directly to our dental laboratory, where technicians fabricate a night guard built specifically around your unique bite geometry.
The finished guard uses dental-grade hard/soft laminate material — a hard outer shell that absorbs grinding force, with a softer inner layer that sits comfortably against your enamel. This is the same category of material used by dentists when they prescribe a custom occlusal guard, available at a fraction of the in-chair price.
NewSmile AU night guards are priced at AU$169 for a single guard or AU$129 on a subscription, and we ship as soon as production is complete.
| Feature | SOVA 3D | NewSmile AU |
|---|---|---|
| Price | [check current pharmacy price] | AU$169 single / AU$129 subscription |
| Fit Type | Boil-and-bite (approximate) | Fully custom from 3D digital scan |
| Material | Thin flexible thermoplastic | Dental-grade hard/soft laminate |
| TGA Status | TGA-listed | TGA-listed |
| Process | Home boil-and-bite, no scan | Scan-only — no dental visit, no putty |
| Custom-made | No | Yes — lab-fabricated to your anatomy |
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is Australia's regulatory body for medical devices and therapeutic products. When a product is TGA-listed or TGA-registered, it means the manufacturer has submitted evidence that the product meets safety and quality standards for its intended use. Both SOVA 3D and NewSmile AU fall within TGA's regulatory framework for dental appliances.
What TGA recognition does not tell you is whether a product fits your teeth correctly. TGA approval is a safety threshold, not a measure of clinical effectiveness for your individual bite. A boil-and-bite guard and a precision-fabricated custom guard can both be TGA-compliant while delivering very different outcomes for someone with genuine bruxism.
For people who grind with moderate to severe force, fit is the primary clinical variable. Custom fabrication from a 3D digital scan eliminates the fit variable in a way that boil-and-bite cannot replicate.
SOVA 3D may suit you if: you grind mildly or occasionally, you need a travel backup guard, or your budget is tight right now. It is a genuine product that offers some protection.
NewSmile AU is the better choice if: you grind regularly or have been told by a dentist that you have bruxism, you have experienced jaw soreness or headaches on waking, or you want a guard that will last and hold up to real grinding pressure. At AU$169, a custom NewSmile guard is a fraction of the cost of an in-chair custom guard, with no appointment required thanks to our scan-only process.
Get a Custom Night Guard Made From Your 3D Scan
NewSmile AU night guards start at AU$169 — custom-fabricated from a digital scan, no dental visit needed. We ship as soon as production is complete.
Rinse your guard with cool water immediately after removing it each morning. For a thorough clean, the Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner uses high-frequency sound waves to lift biofilm and debris from every surface — including the contoured inner fit surface. Pair it with Petal Cleaning Pods for a complete clean without abrasive chemicals that could degrade the guard material. Store your guard in its ventilated case away from direct sunlight when not in use.
SOVA 3D night guards are TGA-listed in Australia, meaning they meet basic safety requirements as a therapeutic device. TGA listing confirms regulatory compliance for their category but does not indicate clinical superiority over other TGA-listed guards, including custom-fabricated options like NewSmile AU.
SOVA 3D night guards are sold at Australian pharmacies and chemists. Pricing varies by retailer — check the current price at your local Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, or similar stockist. For comparison, NewSmile AU custom night guards start at AU$169 single or AU$129 on subscription.
SOVA 3D uses a boil-and-bite process at home, producing an approximate fit. A custom night guard from NewSmile AU is fabricated in a dental laboratory using measurements from a 3D digital scan of your teeth, producing a guard that fits your precise dental anatomy. For regular bruxism, that precision makes a meaningful clinical difference.
No. NewSmile AU's process is entirely scan-based — you visit a scan partner for a 3D digital scan and we fabricate your custom guard in our dental laboratory. There is no traditional dental appointment and no waiting room. Your guard ships as soon as production is complete.
NewSmile AU uses a 3D digital scan process only — no impression kits or putty trays. The digital scan is used to custom-fabricate your night guard in our dental laboratory.
Rinse your night guard with cool water each morning. For a thorough clean, use the Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner with Petal Cleaning Pods to remove biofilm effectively without damaging the material. Store the guard in its ventilated case, out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you've finished orthodontic treatment — whether with braces, Invisalign, or another aligner system — your orthodontist almost certainly told you the same thing: wear your retainer, or your teeth will shift. The problem is that replacement retainers from a dental practice can cost AU$300–$600 per set, which makes the growing category of online custom retainers in Australia genuinely appealing.
Two brands that come up regularly in Australian forums and social feeds are Smileie and NewSmile. This article breaks down how each brand works, what you actually get for your money, and which one makes the most sense depending on your situation.
NewSmile AU's process is fully digital from start to finish. You visit a participating scan partner to have a 3D digital scan taken of your teeth — no putty, no messy home moulds, and no extended dental appointment. The scan data is submitted directly to NewSmile's lab, where your custom retainer is fabricated to the precise contours of your current smile.
Once production is complete, we ship as soon as production is complete — straight to your door anywhere in Australia.
Smileie (smileie.au) is an Australian brand focused specifically on clear retainers for post-orthodontic maintenance. Based on publicly available information, the brand positions itself as an accessible, at-home retainer replacement option. We encourage readers to check their website directly before ordering.
| Feature | NewSmile AU | Smileie AU |
|---|---|---|
| Single retainer (pair) | AU$169 | [INSERT SMILEIE PRICE] |
| Subscription | AU$129 per cycle | [INSERT SMILEIE PRICE] |
| Night guard option | Yes — from AU$169 | Not currently listed |
| Process | Digital 3D scan | Verify on their website |
| Material | Dental-grade Essix | Not independently verified |
NewSmile AU retainers are made from dental-grade Essix plastic — the same category of material used by orthodontists in clinical practice. Essix-style retainers are known for their clarity, their snug fit against tooth enamel, and their ability to resist staining with proper care. Because each retainer is custom-fabricated from your individual 3D scan data, the fit is specific to your smile rather than approximated from a general mould.
Smileie appears to focus specifically on clear retainers for post-orthodontic maintenance. That's a legitimate niche.
NewSmile AU offers both the custom clear retainer and a custom night guard. This matters for Australians who grind or clench their teeth — you can order both from the same brand using the same scan data.
The most effective cleaning method for clear retainers is an ultrasonic cleaner with dedicated retainer cleaning pods — the Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner combined with Petal Cleaning Pods removes biofilm without damaging the plastic. Rinse your retainer immediately after removal, store it in a protective case, and keep it away from heat sources.
Orthodontic treatment in Australia typically costs between AU$4,500 and AU$9,000. Teeth are well documented to shift after orthodontic treatment, particularly in the first two years. A AU$169 retainer replaced every one to two years is a straightforward way to protect an investment that cost many times more.
Replace or Upgrade Your Retainer With a Scan-Based Custom Fit
NewSmile AU clear retainers start at AU$169 — custom-made from a digital scan, no dentist visit needed. Subscribe for AU$129 and get replacements as your smile needs them.
Yes — Smileie (smileie.au) is an Australian brand offering clear retainers for post-orthodontic maintenance. We recommend visiting their website directly to confirm current pricing and their ordering process before purchasing.
NewSmile AU charges AU$169 for a single order (upper and lower pair) or AU$129 per subscription cycle. Dental practice retainers typically cost AU$300–$600 or more per set.
NewSmile AU's process uses a 3D digital scan taken at a participating scan partner — there is no traditional dental appointment, no putty, and no impressions required. The scan captures the precise shape of your teeth, which is used to fabricate your custom retainer.
Yes. In addition to the clear retainer, NewSmile AU offers a custom night guard for people who grind or clench their teeth.
NewSmile AU retainers are made from dental-grade Essix clear plastic — the same category of material used in professional orthodontic practice.
Most orthodontists recommend replacing clear plastic retainers every 12–24 months, depending on wear frequency and maintenance. A subscription plan allows predictable budgeting for regular replacements.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
Teeth grinding — clinically known as bruxism — affects millions of Australians, and the market for protective mouth guards has never been more crowded. Two names that come up regularly are Happy Sleep (happysleep.au) and NewSmile Australia. Both are accessible, both are positioned as alternatives to expensive dentist-made guards — but they work very differently.
This article breaks down exactly how each option compares on fit, materials, process, price, and long-term value so you can make an informed decision for your smile and your sleep.
Happy Sleep is an Australian-designed, clinically-backed product developed with A/Prof. Dr Jack Gerschman. It uses a soft, flexible silicone construction. For mild-to-moderate grinders looking for a readily available, locally produced option, it has genuine appeal.
NewSmile AU takes a different approach entirely. Every night guard is fabricated specifically for your mouth using data from a digital 3D scan taken at a participating location near you. Your guard matches the precise contours of your bite — no dental visit to a specialist required.
| Feature | Happy Sleep | NewSmile AU |
|---|---|---|
| Price | [INSERT HAPPY SLEEP PRICE] | AU$169 single / AU$129 subscription |
| Fit Type | Soft silicone; clinically-backed | Truly custom — made from your 3D scan |
| Process | Direct purchase online | Digital 3D scan at participating location |
| Material | Flexible silicone | Dental-grade hard or dual-laminate acrylic/EVA |
| Dental Visit Required? | No | No — scan only |
| Durability | Silicone; may degrade with heavy grinding | Designed to last years with proper care |
| Origin | Australian-made and designed | Telehealth model serving Australian customers |
Happy Sleep's pricing is listed at [INSERT HAPPY SLEEP PRICE] — visit happysleep.au for current pricing.
NewSmile AU's night guard starts at AU$169 for a single guard, or AU$129 on a subscription. Dentist-made custom guards in Australia can cost AU$500–AU$900 or more. NewSmile AU sits in between: genuinely custom-fitted precision at a fraction of the in-chair price.
Bruxism protection depends heavily on how well your guard fits. A guard that does not sit flush against your teeth can cause jaw soreness, fail to distribute grinding force evenly, and become loose during the night. NewSmile AU guards are built from a digital 3D scan of your own mouth — every millimetre matches your unique bite geometry.
Soft and flexible silicone can be comfortable for lighter grinders. However, for moderate-to-heavy bruxism, softer materials can actually encourage more grinding. Silicone also tends to show wear more quickly under sustained grinding pressure.
Hard and dual-laminate night guards are the standard recommendation for moderate-to-severe bruxism. A hard outer surface resists the wear caused by grinding, while a softer inner layer maintains comfort. This is the material type used in dentist-fabricated guards.
For your NewSmile AU night guard, use the Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner and Petal Cleaning Pods for a thorough clean. Rinse with cool water after each use and store in the ventilated case — away from heat.
Ready for a Custom Night Guard Built from Your Own Scan?
NewSmile AU night guards start at AU$169 — custom-fitted from a digital 3D scan, no dental visit required. Designed to last years, not months.
Yes. Happy Sleep is an Australian brand with clinical advisory backing and is a legitimate option for mild-to-moderate grinders. However, for chronic or heavy bruxism, a scan-based custom guard like NewSmile AU offers more effective and durable protection.
No. NewSmile AU operates on a scan-only model. You visit a participating scanning location for a digital 3D scan — no specialist dental visit required.
Dentist-fabricated custom night guards in Australia typically cost AU$500–AU$900 or more. NewSmile AU offers a scan-based night guard from AU$169 single or AU$129 on subscription.
With proper care, a NewSmile AU night guard is designed to last for years. The dental-grade hard or dual-laminate material is significantly more durable than soft silicone alternatives.
Soft guards can be comfortable for light clenchers, but for moderate-to-heavy grinding, dental professionals recommend hard or dual-laminate guards. Hard acrylic resists wear more effectively and does not encourage additional grinding.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
Retainers are an essential part of any orthodontic journey — without one, teeth can shift back toward their original position faster than most people expect. In Australia, what you pay for a retainer depends heavily on where you get it and what type you choose, with prices ranging from AU$129 to well over AU$600. This guide covers every retainer type available in Australia, what each costs, and how to make the smartest choice for your situation.
| Retainer Type | Approximate Cost (AU$) | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Custom clear (Essix) — online, e.g. NewSmile | AU$169 single / AU$129 subscription | 6–12 months per set |
| Custom clear (Essix) — dental clinic | AU$300–AU$600 per set | 6–12 months per set |
| Hawley retainer (wire) — dental clinic | AU$400–AU$700 per retainer | 3–10 years |
| Vivera (Invisalign brand) — clinic | AU$500–AU$900 for 4 sets | 6–12 months per set |
| Fixed/bonded retainer — clinic | AU$300–AU$600 to fit | 5+ years (ongoing maintenance) |
Note: Clinic prices are indicative ranges — your dentist or orthodontist will provide a personalised quote based on your case and location.
Clear Essix retainers are thin, vacuum-formed plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. They're virtually invisible when worn, comfortable for overnight use, and easy to remove for eating and cleaning.
There are two ways to get a custom clear retainer in Australia: through a dental clinic or through an online provider. Both options produce a retainer made from a precise mould of your teeth — the difference is in how that mould is captured and what you pay for it.
Through an online provider like NewSmile, the process begins with a digital scan at a participating clinic — no lengthy appointments, no repeat visits. Your custom retainer is then manufactured and shipped directly to your home. The NewSmile custom clear retainer starts at AU$169 per set, or AU$129 on subscription — a significant saving compared to the clinic route.
Hawley retainers consist of a moulded acrylic plate that sits against the roof of your mouth, combined with a wire that runs across the front of your teeth. They're more robust than clear plastic retainers and can last anywhere from three to ten years. At an Australian dental clinic, a Hawley retainer typically costs between AU$400 and AU$700 per retainer.
If you completed your orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, your treating provider may recommend Vivera retainers. Australian pricing typically ranges from AU$500 to AU$900 for a set of four through your treating clinic. For a full comparison, see our Vivera vs NewSmile Australia guide.
A fixed or bonded retainer is a thin wire bonded directly to the back surfaces of your teeth. The initial fitting cost in Australia generally falls between AU$300 and AU$600. Fixed retainers require periodic checks and occasional repairs.
An online provider like NewSmile operates differently. You attend a brief digital scan appointment at a participating clinic, your measurements are sent to the lab, and your finished retainer arrives at your door. At AU$169 per set — less than half the typical clinic price — it's a straightforward saving with no reduction in the quality of the end product.
Use a subscription plan. NewSmile's subscription option brings the per-set cost down to AU$129 — a saving of AU$40 per order.
Clean your retainer properly. The most effective cleaning method is ultrasonic — the Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner used with Petal Cleaning Pods keeps retainers in significantly better condition for longer. Never use a toothbrush.
For a full breakdown of how replacement ordering works in Australia: how to replace your retainer in Australia.
Need a Custom Clear Retainer? NewSmile Starts at AU$169
Order via digital scan at a participating clinic — no lengthy dentist appointment needed. Subscription plan available at AU$129 per set.
A custom clear (Essix) retainer in Australia costs between AU$169 and AU$600 depending on where you get it. Online providers like NewSmile offer custom clear retainers from AU$169 per set, or AU$129 on a subscription plan. Dental clinics typically charge between AU$300 and AU$600 per set for the same type of retainer.
For most patients, yes. Custom clear retainers ordered online are made using the same dental-grade materials and manufacturing processes as those produced through a dental clinic. The difference is in how measurements are captured — online providers use a digital scan taken at a participating clinic — and in the delivery model.
Medicare does not cover orthodontic retainers in Australia. Some private health insurance policies with extras cover may contribute toward the cost of retainers obtained through a registered dental provider. Online retainers may not attract a health fund rebate under all policies.
Clear Essix retainers typically last between 6 and 12 months with regular nightly use. Hawley wire retainers can last 3 to 10 years with proper care. Lifespan is significantly affected by cleaning habits.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
Bruxism — teeth grinding and clenching during sleep — affects an estimated one in eight Australians, and many go years without realising the damage accumulating on their teeth. Driven by greater awareness of sleep health and the convenience of ordering online, the Australian custom night guard market has grown significantly since 2023. This guide compares every major brand available to Australians in 2026, breaks down what you should actually look for, and helps you find the right fit for your bite and your budget.
Not every night guard is worth your money — or your teeth. When evaluating brands for the Australian market, several factors matter far more than price alone.
The Australian custom night guard space has several credible players competing for your business. Below we cover NewSmile, Smilepath, Smileflex, and Spartan Guards — all of which operate with scan-based ordering — as well as dentist-made guards for those who prefer an in-person route. If you are considering over-the-counter chemist guards, our bruxism mouth guard guide covers those separately.
NewSmile is a strong front-runner for Australians who want a genuinely custom night guard without the cost of a dental clinic. The process is straightforward: you book a digital scan at a participating location, your impressions are processed by a dental lab, and your guard is delivered to your door.
Pricing is clear. A single set of the NewSmile night guard starts at AU$169, making it one of the more competitively priced custom options in Australia. Subscribers pay AU$129 per set — a saving of AU$40 each time you replace your guard.
Pros: Upfront pricing; subscription plan offers real ongoing savings; Australia-wide delivery.
Cons: One primary thickness option, which may not suit extremely heavy grinders who need a thicker hard-acrylic guard.
Smilepath is an Australian-operated brand that offers custom night guards alongside their aligner products. Like other reputable providers in the AU market, they use a digital scan process rather than at-home impressions. Their involvement of dental professionals in the review process is a point of differentiation they promote.
Pricing for Smilepath night guards is not always displayed upfront. Visit smilepath.com.au directly to check current rates before committing.
Pros: Australian brand with local dental oversight; established presence in the AU orthodontic space.
Cons: Pricing is less transparent upfront compared to some competitors.
Smileflex positions itself around flexible, comfortable custom dental guards. They offer a scan-based ordering process for Australian customers and focus their product line on guards that prioritise comfort during sleep.
Check smileflex.com.au for current pricing before making a decision.
Pros: Focus on comfort-oriented flex material; scan-based process consistent with AU market standards.
Cons: Limited information on thickness options for heavy grinders.
Spartan Guards is an Australian brand that has built a presence in the sports and dental guard space. Their branding leans toward durability and performance.
Pricing and specific product details are best confirmed directly with the brand. Visit spartanguards.com.au for current offerings and rates.
Pros: Australian brand with a focus on durability.
Cons: Consumer-facing educational content on their night guard range is more limited than larger competitors.
Having a night guard made at your local dental clinic remains an option for Australians who want the reassurance of an in-person consultation. The cost typically ranges from AU$300 to AU$600 or more. For a detailed comparison of costs and outcomes, read our dentist vs online night guard Australia guide.
| Brand | Price (single) | Subscription | Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| NewSmile AU | AU$169 | AU$129/set | Digital scan |
| Smilepath AU | Check site | Check site | Digital scan |
| Smileflex AU | Check site | Check site | Digital scan |
| Spartan Guards AU | Check site | Check site | Check site |
| Dentist-made | AU$300–AU$600+ | N/A | In-clinic |
The right guard depends on how severely you grind and what you find comfortable enough to wear consistently — because a guard you never wear offers no protection at all.
Soft guards tend to be the most comfortable for new wearers and are well-suited to light grinders and clenchers. The downside is that some grinders actually clench harder against soft material.
Hard acrylic guards are more rigid and durable. They are generally recommended for moderate to heavy grinders.
Dual-laminate guards combine a soft inner layer for comfort with a hard outer layer for durability — often considered a middle-ground option.
For a thorough look at why custom beats chemist for most Australians, see our bruxism mouth guard guide.
A custom night guard is an investment. The best cleaning method is an ultrasonic cleaner — the Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner used with Petal Cleaning Pods breaks down biofilm and debris at a microscopic level without any abrasive action. Never scrub your night guard with a toothbrush. Store in a ventilated case and keep it away from heat.
Ready to Stop Grinding? Get a Custom NewSmile Night Guard from AU$169
Ordered via digital scan at a participating clinic — no dentist appointment needed. Subscription saves AU$40 per set.
The best night guard in Australia in 2026 is a custom-fitted guard ordered via digital scan. For most Australians, this means choosing between online providers like NewSmile, Smilepath, Smileflex, or Spartan Guards, or having one made at a dental clinic. NewSmile stands out for price transparency and its AU$129 subscription option.
Custom night guard prices in Australia range considerably. Online providers typically charge between AU$100 and AU$300 per guard, with NewSmile starting at AU$169 for a single set (AU$129 on subscription). Dentist-made guards from a dental clinic generally cost AU$300 to AU$600 or more.
Yes. Several Australian providers allow you to order a custom night guard by booking a digital scan at a participating scanning location — no ongoing dentist relationship is required. NewSmile, Smilepath, and Smileflex all operate this way in Australia.
Most custom night guards last between one and two years with proper care. Heavy grinders tend to wear through their guards faster — some may need replacement closer to the twelve-month mark.
