Nightguards, also known as mouthguards or dental guards, are oral appliances worn over the teeth during sleep. They help protect the teeth from damage caused by grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism. But with costs ranging from $100 to $1,000 or more, many people wonder – are nightguards expensive?
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding and clenching of the teeth. It typically happens during sleep, but some people also have daytime bruxism. Estimates suggest 15-30% of adults grind their teeth at night. Bruxism can lead to symptoms like:
- Headaches and jaw pain
- Tooth damage, chips, and cracks
- Worn down tooth enamel
- Increased tooth sensitivity
While teeth grinding can happen for a variety of reasons, stress and anxiety are common triggers. Other causes include sleep disorders, an abnormal bite, and genetics. Teeth grinding may worsen with age as well. Without treatment, it can result in tooth loss over time.
What Do Nightguards Do?
Nightguards help prevent the painful symptoms of bruxism and damage to the teeth. Worn over the upper or lower teeth, they create a barrier between the chewing surfaces. This prevents grinding and clenching from wearing down the teeth. Nightguards may also keep the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in proper alignment and reduce muscle strain in the jaw.
There are three main types of nightguards:
- Custom-fit: Made uniquely from a mold of your teeth
- Custom-fit online: Molded at home using impression kits
- Boil-and-bite: Formed by softening and biting into the plastic
Custom options tend to be the most comfortable and effective at preventing bruxism damage. However, they also come at the highest cost compared to online or boil-and-bite alternatives.
Costs of Custom Nightguards from a Dentist
Getting a custom nightguard made by your dentist is the gold standard. It involves having dental impressions taken of your teeth, which are used to create a model for fabricating the guard. This results in the most accurate and comfortable fit.
Custom nightguards from a dentist typically cost:
| Nightguard Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Hard acrylic resin | $300 – $500 |
| Soft silicone or thermoplastic | $500 – $1,000+ |
| Total Average Cost | $600 |
Hard acrylic resin is less expensive but more prone to breakage over time. Thermoplastic and silicone materials cost more but tend to be more durable and last longer. Total fees vary based on your location, specific dental office, and materials used. Expect to spend $300 to over $1,000 for a custom nightguard from your dentist.
Factors Influencing Custom Nightguard Cost
Several factors impact the total price of a custom nightguard:
- Materials: Harder, acrylic resins are cheaper than softer, more durable silicone and thermoplastic
- Technician fees: Fees for taking impressions and fabricating the guard
- Dentist fees: Costs for evaluations and checkup appointments
- Insurance coverage: Amount covered, if any. Few plans cover nightguards.
- Office location: Cost of living and overhead expenses in your area
You may be able to reduce the price by choosing a basic acrylic nightguard. However, this comes with a tradeoff in durability and wearable lifespan.
Online Custom Nightguards
Online custom nightguards are a lower cost alternative to in-office dental guards. You take dental impressions at home using provided impression kits, then mail them to a dental lab. The impressions are used to create custom-fit nightguards that get shipped directly to your door.
Popular options for online custom nightguards include:
- Spark Aligners
- J&S Dental Lab
- Sentinel Custom Dental Lab
Online nightguards range from $199 to $349 on average. Benefits include:
- Significant cost savings over in-office guards
- Convenient home impressions
- Fast turnaround time
Potential drawbacks include having to take good impressions on your own. Ill-fitting guards may need to be remade. Your dentist also can’t evaluate your bruxism at initial appointments. However, online guards can still offer an affordable custom-fit option for protecting your teeth.
| Online Provider | Cost |
|---|---|
| Spark Aligners | $199 |
| J&S Dental Lab | $299 – $349 |
| Sentinel Custom | $249 – $279 |
| Average Cost | $249 – $349 |
Boil-and-Bite Nightguard Cost
Boil-and-bite nightguards are inexpensive, ready-made mouthguards that you mold at home. They are the most affordable option, typically ranging from $20 to $40 per guard.
You soften the plastic by boiling it in hot water, then bite down to create impressions of your teeth. The plastic cools and hardens into shape. While cheaper than custom-fit, the impressions are less accurate so the guard can feel bulky or loose.
You can buy boil-and-bite guards over-the-counter at most drugstores and retail chains like CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Target. Brands include:
- DentaLoc
- DenTek Comfort-Fit
- Dr. Save Custom
- Plackers GrindNoMore
Benefits of boil-and-bite guards include:
- Low cost and immediate availability
- Can provide temporary relief of symptoms
- Let you test wearing a nightguard before investing in custom
Downsides are less protection, poorer fit, and shorter lifespan. But for initial trial use or infrequent bruxism, boil-and-bite can offer an inexpensive short-term option before pursuing more advanced custom guards.
Dental Insurance Coverage
Unfortunately, many dental insurance plans provide little to no coverage for nightguards and mouthguards. Less than 30% of plans cover any amount, with partial coverage limited to a few hundred dollars at most.
Nightguards fall under “elective” procedures rather than necessities in dental insurance. Policies view them as a means to prevent possible issues versus treating existing dental problems. However, some factors that may improve chances for coverage include:
- Prior tooth damage from bruxism
- TMJ disorders requiring stabilization
- Recommendation from dentist for preventative need
Talk to your dentist and insurance provider to check on any potential coverage for a custom nightguard. But otherwise expect to pay most or all costs out-of-pocket. Using a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) can help offset the expense.
Tips for Affording a Nightguard
Nightguards can seem expensive compared to other dental treatments. But given the costs of restorations and dental work from tooth damage, they are an economical investment for your long-term health. Here are tips for making nightguards more affordable:
- Choose harder acrylic instead of softer silicone or thermoplastic materials
- Buy boil-and-bite for short-term use before custom-fit options
- Consider an online provider for lower prices on custom guards
- Use dental discount plans and exclusive offers to save on costs
- Pay with a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA)
- Ask your dentist about any discounts or payment plans available
Shopping around for the best deals can help you find a nightguard that fits your coverage and budget.
Are Nightguards Worth the Cost?
Despite the potential price tag, nightguards remain a worthy investment considering the risks and expense of untreated teeth grinding and clenching. Damaged teeth can require extensive treatments like crowns, implants, and root canals over time.
The benefits provided by nightguards include:
- Protect teeth from cracking and excessive wear
- Prevent chipping or fracturing of fillings and dental work
- Reduce jaw pain and headaches from bruxism
- Improve alignment of bite and TMJ function
- Lower risk of tooth loss in the future
For optimal protection, dentists recommend replacing nightguards about every 2 years depending on wear. While cheaper boil-and-bite guards may need replacing more frequently, custom-fit options tend to last longer.
Looking at the big picture, quality nightguards are an affordable way to defend your oral health. Stopping bruxism damage before it escalates saves money over time. Although not cheap, nightguards are wise insurance against the high costs of complex dental treatments down the road.
Talk to Your Dentist
If you notice symptoms of teeth grinding or jaw pain, talk to your dentist about nightguards. They can recommend the best options and pricing for your needs. Be sure to ask:
- Whether a custom or boil-and-bite nightguard is recommended
- Which materials provide the most durability and value
- What payment and insurance options are available
Addressing bruxism early with a nightguard can help minimize permanent damage and expenses. While often considered expensive, protecting your teeth is an excellent investment in your health.
In summary, while nightguards range from $100 up to $1,000 or more, they provide an economical safeguard against the high costs of dental repairs. Their customized fit, durability, and effectiveness at preventing serious tooth damage make nightguards a wise investment for managing bruxism and saving money long-term.
