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| | | Clenching or grinding your teeth at night wears down the enamel and can lead to cracks, cavities, gum soreness and other wear-related problems. A night guard is a plastic device worn in the mouth while sleeping to soften the impact of clenching or grinding. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Some people get relief using a football mouth guard for $3 -$10 from a sporting goods department or store. However, many people find these to be too big, bulky and uncomfortable.
- Order-it-yourself night guards start around $15 -$25, but can cost up to $80 -$150. These range from a boil-and-bite type that is softened by hot water to adapt it to your mouth; to a "custom" guard in which you use a kit to make your own dental impression, then mail that to the manufacturer.
- Costs for having a dentist custom-fit a night guard vary from $200 -$600 with an average price of $300 -$400, but can go as high as $800 -$1,100. This process typically includes an initial office visit to make impressions of both the upper and lower teeth as well as a return visit to fit the fabricated night guard in your mouth. A night guard from a dentist is usually smaller and more closely fitted than over-the-counter or mail-order models.
- If there are symptoms of grinding and wear, many (but not all) dental insurance policies will cover most of the costs of having a dentist provide a night guard. Dental insurance does not usually cover over-the-counter or mail-order models.
What should be included: | - Bruxism is the official name for grinding, gnashing or clenching your teeth at night; the MayoClinic.com provides an overview of bruxism and treatment guidelines.
- A night guard can be placed on either the top or bottom. If placed on top, the guard cushions the lower teeth and vice versa. Whether a guard is fitted to the top or bottom jaw may depend on the amount and type of dental work in the teeth--and some dentists have a preference for either the upper or lower position. Most night guards fill the whole mouth; but some fit over the front teeth and keep the back teeth from touching.
Discounts: | - Dental college clinics may offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty; check DentalSite.com for school locations.
Shopping for a night guard: | - Over-the-counter night guards are available from most drug stores, or from Amazon.com.
- To find a dentist, check with the American Dental Association for members in your area. If you have dental insurance, the insurance company will list approved dentists. EHow.com gives tips for finding a good dentist.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated November 2007 |
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Recent Posts |
| Amount: $600.00 |
Night Guard
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| Posted by: a user in Saugus, MA. | Purchased: July, 2009 |
| Type: Custom |
| Keep them away from pets!! My daughter and I were not told it cost me $600 a piece and my dog ate them both. What really annoyed me was that my dentist threw away the molds (impressions) that I paid for. He wants me to pay all over again. I think that is a gouge! |
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| Amount: $486.00 |
Night Guard
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| Posted by: a user in bridgewater, NJ. | Purchased: September, 2009 |
| Type: Custom |
| For about 2 years my dentist kept advising me to get one of these anti-bruxism splints. I kept disregarding; thinking it's a waste. But, recently, I had to get fillings on my teeth (occlusal surfaces too) due to grinding the teeth. So, I then got the dentist-made orthotic splint, for $486 and 2 visits (1 for making the impressions/molds that they sent away to dental lab; the other for fitting.) Dental insurance did not cover it! They should, since bruxism is a condition that can cause problems. My problem is that constant wearing this at nights sometimes feels that my bite is changing; dont know why. |
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| Amount: $500.00 |
night guard
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| Posted by: Blue Eyes in Richmond, VA. | Purchased: July, 2009 |
| Type: custom |
| same story - dog ate guard after 4 months. Insurance paid for it, but only 1 every 4 years. Lab destroyed the mold - why? For 1/2 price, lab will use previously made mold used for bleaching. |
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| Amount: $18.00 |
Night Guard
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| Posted by: Mommyjessa in Orange, CA. | Purchased: August, 2009 |
| Type: OTC |
| Our dentist said our 14 yr. old son was grinding his teeth. He recommended getting him fitted for a night guard. Getting one from our dentist was too expensive. Bought an over-the-counter one that you boil and fit. Works great. Saved $! |
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