Mouthguards, also known as mouthguards or mouth protectors, are dental devices that cover the teeth and protect the teeth, tongue, gums, and cheeks against injuries caused by conditions such as teeth grinding or sports. Mouthguards can be purchased over the market or can be custom-fitted by a dental professional. Most sports mouthguards are custom designed because top teeth protrude more than lower teeth, posing a greater risk of injury. In other circumstances, such as when a person has braces, the dentist may also recommend a lower mouthguard.
In the United States, mouthguards can cost anywhere from $100 to $700 or more, depending on the style, material, and other parameters. Prices varies depending on the dental expert and in different cities throughout the United States and other countries. Some dental health insurance policies pay for a portion or all of the cost of custom-fitted mouthguards obtained from a dentist. Patients should check with their insurance company because health insurance plans differ. Payment arrangements are available at several dental clinics. If possible, people can utilize monies from their health savings accounts to pay for custom-fitted and over-the-counter mouthguards.
How much is a mouth guard from dentist?
If you’ve been diagnosed with bruxism, your dentist will almost certainly suggest a night guard as a treatment option. But how much does it cost to hire a night guard? Night guards, mouth guards, and splints are available for a variety of diseases and symptoms. Custom fit mouthguards from an online vendor, custom fit mouthguards from your dentist, or over-the-counter mouth guards from a drug store are the three options for mouth guards. A mouthguard purchased from an online shop often costs $100 to $200, a mouthguard obtained from a dentist costs $300 to $800, and an over-the-counter guard costs $15 to $30. The cost of a mouth guard is determined on where you get it and the severity of your bruxism.
Can a doctor prescribe a mouth guard?
Bruxism is the term used by dentists and medics to describe the habit of grinding or clenching one’s teeth at sleep. Because bruxism occurs while you sleep, you have little control over it, and it can be harmful. Grinding or clenching your teeth can wear them down over time.
In many circumstances, a dentist will recommend a night guard to help protect your teeth. This therapy strategy, however, could be hazardous in some situations. Why? Knowing a little about night guards for bruxism can help you grasp this problem.
Can you ask your dentist for a mouth guard?
Teeth grinding overworks your jaw muscles, causing soreness in the morning. Bruxism, if left untreated, can wear away tooth enamel to the point where porcelain crowns or other tooth restorations are required to restore your smile.
The sooner you get a night guard to preserve your mouth, the greater your chances of avoiding costly dental operations and daily discomforts are.
How Does a Night Guard Protect Teeth?
A night guard is a detachable appliance that forms a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing you from biting down or clenching your jaw as you sleep.
Your dentist should take dental impressions during your initial session and send them to the lab where your dental guard will be produced. Your night guard will be waiting for you when you return to the office.
Your dentist may make minor adjustments to the fit of your night mouth guard so that you can breathe and sleep comfortably while wearing it.
How Will I Benefit From Wearing a Mouth Guard?
Aside from preventing nagging pains, discomfort, and waking up your partner, a sleeping mouth guard will save you money in the long run by avoiding costly restorative dentistry.
The stresses put on your teeth by bruxism can wear down enamel and potentially lead to tooth loss if left untreated. A dental night guard is substantially less expensive than a dental bridge or implant.
If you’re fed up with waking up in discomfort, talk to your dentist about having a teeth grinding guard.
After your first night wearing a dental night guard, you might be amazed at how rested you feel. Teeth grinding is a difficult habit to break, especially if you’re stressed. Thankfully, a night guard keeps your smile safe while you sleep, allowing you to maintain good oral hygiene.
Can you buy night guards over-the-counter?
An over-the-counter night guard or sports guard can be purchased at your local drugstore or online. A pharmacy-bought night guard is better than nothing, but it won’t last nearly as long and won’t relieve symptoms as efficiently as a personalized night guard made from an impression of your mouth. The disadvantages of over-the-counter night guards, in my opinion, exceed any potential benefits.
- They’re big and massive Nightguards sold over the counter are a one-size-fits-all solution. As your dentist, I can guarantee you that no two mouths or teeth are alike in size or shape. These night guards are big and don’t fit properly, making it difficult to close your mouth, which can lead to further jaw pain and stiffness.
- When patients bring me their over-the-counter night guards, I see that the “boil-and-bite” type can’t get a proper fit and don’t suction to the teeth. They tend to pop right out, so they wind up on your pillow rather than in your mouth at night.
- They can cause extra damage – If your night guard isn’t properly aligned, you risk injuring or breaking your teeth by grinding on it.
- They have a short shelf life Over-the-counter night guards have a short shelf life. They usually last 1-3 months before starting to break down. I consider it a poor investment because they cost between $30 and $50 each time (and are likely to fit incorrectly, causing more problems).
Although custom night guards are more expensive up front, their longevity, success rate, and protective features make them well worth the money. Every night, I put on a personalized night guard, and it’s still going strong after five years!
- We make your night guard based on the form and placement of your teeth, and we make sure the points of contact between your top and bottom teeth are perfect when you come to our office. We can also shave down any bulky areas so you may sleep peacefully with your lips closed. Our top goal at our Anderson Township dental office is ensuring that your night guard is comfortable and fits precisely. If it isn’t comfy, you are unlikely to wear it.
Many people profit from the procedure in addition to the protection of their teeth. Nightguards allow you to sleep with your mouth slightly open, yet give you something to bite on so that your mouth doesn’t open entirely. Because of this placement, night guards are generally effective in reducing mild snoring and sleep apnea. It is not a replacement for any doctor-prescribed sleep apnea treatment, and you should always consult your medical doctor with any sleep-related concerns. Your family members may have a better night’s sleep if you wear an unique night guard!
How long does it take to get used to a mouthguard?
The following is a list of some of the benefits and drawbacks of using a dental night guard to avoid teeth clenching throughout the night.
Pro: It protects the teeth from damage
By softening the impacts of clenching while sleeping, a dental night guard protects the teeth from harm. This cushion barrier protects teeth from chipping and wearing down, two of the most prevalent problems related with teeth clenching.
Pro: It helps prevent jaw pain and headaches
Because clenching one’s teeth at night puts a lot of strain on the jaw, many persons who clench their teeth will experience different amounts of jaw pain. This jaw pain can develop to chronic headaches and even migraines, making it difficult for individuals to function throughout the day.
Pro: It helps support a good night’s sleep
Wearing a night guard will allow them to get a better night’s sleep because many people who clench their teeth at night will wake themselves up when they are clenching. Because night guards are designed to keep one’s muscles relaxed when sleeping, they take the majority of the force of clenching.
Con: Getting used to wearing the guard
It can take a few weeks for patients to get used to wearing a night guard. It is recommended that you put it in your mouth around 10 minutes before bedtime to get acclimated to the sensation of the dental gadget. Even though some people may be tempted to skip wearing it at night, it is critical to do so in order to avoid the troubles that come with teeth clenching.
How do I stop grinding my teeth at night without a mouthguard?
If the grinding is caused by a sleeping condition, addressing it may help to minimize or eradicate the habit.
Caffeine-containing foods and beverages, such as colas, chocolate, and coffee, should be avoided or limited.
- Avoid chewing on pencils, pens, or anything else that isn’t food. Chewing gum causes your jaw muscles to become accustomed to clenching, increasing your chances of grinding your teeth.
- Refrain from clenching or grinding your teeth. If you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth during the day, place the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This exercise helps you relax your jaw muscles.
- Hold a warm towel against your cheek in front of your earlobe at bedtime to relax your jaw muscles.
What can I use instead of a mouthguard?
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Bruxism is a dental condition that can occur when a person is sleeping. Bruxism, often known as teeth grinding, can cause chipped, worn-down teeth, inflamed gums, and other jaw issues.
A mouth guard is one of the more frequent bruxism treatments, however there are many alternative and advanced therapies available. Consider these three other options to discuss with your dentist if mouth guards are uncomfortable or do not assist.
An occlusal splint is a treatment that is comparable to a mouth guard. While wearing a mouth guard protects your teeth from harm, it does nothing to help you stop grinding your teeth.
The sophisticated design of the occlusalsplint will assist in repositioning the jaw muscles, preventing bruxism from occurring while you sleep. A mouth mold is used by a dentist to construct an occlusal splint. The mold is produced around the patient’s teeth and can be made with either the top or bottom set of teeth.
For patients seeking mouth adjustments, an occlusal splint is a good option. You may grind your teeth if they are out of alignment or if you have an overbite or underbite. While your body learns the right jaw and tooth positioning to avoid grinding, the splint will protect your teeth from further harm.
An occlusal splint is treated similarly to a mouth guard. The splint is usually in the shape of a clean plastic mold that may be brushed and soaked in water to remove germs and bacteria.
The majority of the time, bruxism is caused by stiff jaw muscles rather than the teeth themselves.
Jaw movements frequently cause damage to the teeth. Botox injections are one technique to help relax stiff jaw muscles.
Botox has a wide range of applications outside of cosmetic surgery, and it is frequently used to treat muscle disorders. An injection into the jaw muscle relaxes the muscle and prevents the clenching actions that are common in bruxism.
Botox does wear off after a while, so your dentist may recommend that you have it done again every few months. Because of the Botox treatment, your body will automatically learn not to clench the jaw muscle over time.
Biofeedback therapies are another approach to assist train your jaw to cease clenching. A tiny electrode records jaw action while you sleep as part of the biofeedback treatment for bruxism.
When the technology detects jawbonestightening, the biofeedback technology can trigger a response. Vibration or sound will be used to alert your body to stop the action. The device is usually attached behind the ear or on the back of the head when you go to sleep at night.
Through the use of indications, biofeedback trains the body to quit clenching its jaw. With or without the biofeedback gadget, you will eventually stop your jaw from clenching during sleeping. The length of time it takes to treat the illness is determined by a number of factors.
Depending on how long you grind your teeth and how your body reacts to the treatment, it could take weeks or months. A doctor can evaluate the input and make any modifications. For example, you may clench on one side of your mouth more than the other and require additional jaw adjustments on that side.
The bruxism will fade away over time. Biofeedback and occlusal splints can be coupled to give protection and treatment at the same time.
Can you choke on mouthguard?
If the mouth guard does not fit properly, it will not provide enough protection. It’s risky to use a mouth guard that doesn’t grip your teeth tightly. It has the potential to come off in the middle of the night and suffocate you. These mouth guards are constructed of a softening substance that softens when boiled.
Do OTC mouth guards work?
The effectiveness of an over-the-counter mouthguard for sleeping or sports is determined by a number of factors, including:
- The sort of force used on your face and the quantity of force used (i.e., sticks, pucks, elbows)
It may be preferable to use an over-the-counter mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding or injury than to use no protection at all. However, because OTC mouthguards are not custom-fit, if you shift your jaw while sleeping and remove the mouthguard, your teeth are no longer protected.
You could break the mouthguard or bite through the plastic if you bite down hard enough, leaving your mouth and teeth exposed. A custom-fit mouthguard from a dentist may be a comfortable alternative for your mouth and teeth if you have a propensity of grinding your teeth.
Is a custom night guard worth it?
If you have bruxism, which is when you grind your teeth or clench your jaw subconsciously while sleeping, your dentist may recommend that you wear a nightguard. Wearing a nightguard, at the at least, can help mitigate the damage that continual grinding and clenching causes to your teeth. This, however, presents you with a new dilemma: you must choose between a store-bought nightguard and a custom-made nightguard.
Grinding and clenching your teeth on a regular basis can cause major damage to your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to cracks and fractures, necessitating root canals, crowns, and bridges, among other procedures, all of which are costly and often painful dental procedures.
Regardless of whether you purchased store-bought or custom-made mouth guards, they both do a good job of safeguarding your teeth.
Now the question is which of the two is more dependable and comfortable to wear.
A custom-made nightguard is typically ten times the price of one purchased in a store. Even with the higher price tag, they are still well worth the money.
While store-bought nightguards are robust and effective at preventing teeth from grinding against each other, they aren’t particularly comfortable to wear. Although this mouthguard is made of thin materials to make it more acceptable for nighttime wear, it is still far too thick to not interfere with your sleep quality.
They’re also constructed of a plastic that you bite into to create the shape. You can only image how “comfortable” it will be to wear one.
Custom-made nightguards, on the other hand, are produced in a laboratory using an actual mold of your teeth. The fact that it is personalized alone implies that custom made mouth guards fit and feel so much better.
However, the customization extends even further. If your bruxism is more severe than others, the dentist may suggest making the nightguards thicker. They can also make it thinner if your situation isn’t as serious.
Finally, custom-made nightguards relieve jaw tension and encourage better jaw muscle alignment, which helps to reduce teeth clenching and grinding throughout the day.
They are, of course, far more expensive. This is especially true when you realize that most dental insurance plans do not cover the fees. When all of the benefits are considered, it’s evident that custom-made nightguards are the best alternative.
When it comes to bruxism, don’t forget to look into different bruxism treatment methods.
Stress reduction, dietary or pharmaceutical changes, and correcting dental alignment concerns have all been shown to aid with bruxism.