Docs can you explain, is there a cheaper alternative to a dental night guard?

Not really: A professionally fabricated bruxism appliance will help in minimizing the wear and tear on your teeth, jawbone, and tmj. It is a minimal expense compared to what it would cost to restore broken down teeth with crowns. If you are in pain because of grinding, you do want relief, correct? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...

OTC: There is a doctor's night guard available in the drug store. You need to place it is boiling water to soften it, then place it in your mouth and mold it to your teeth. This can still be rather bulky compared to custom fabricated dentist's night guards. But this can be an indicator that it does relieve your pain.