The chronic, unconscious clenching and grinding of teeth during sleep is known as a condition called bruxism. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, then it is likely that your dentist in Fort Saskatchewan has recommended that you get a mouthguard to wear during the night as treatment. You may be wondering how much a mouthguard costs and what your options are when it comes to getting mouthguards near you. In this blog post, our team at Fort Smiles Dental Centre breaks down the types of mouthguards available to you and the costs associated with each.
Why Are Mouthguards Recommended?
Mouthguards are considered one of the best forms of treatment for bruxism because they stop your teeth from grinding and clenching against each other and causing pain, sensitivity, headaches, and more. In general, there are two main options for mouthguards in Fort Saskatchewan, over-the-counter mouthguards and custom-made mouthguards purchased from a dentist near you.
Over-the-Counter Mouthguards
Over-the-counter mouthguards are typically one-size-fits-all and can be found at your local grocery or convenience store. These stock mouthguards cannot properly fit in everyone’s unique mouth and are often uncomfortable while providing inadequate protection. The other over-the-counter option for mouthguards is boil-and-bite mouthguards. These are boiled in hot water and then pressed against your teeth to make a mold and fit snugly in your mouth.
Over-the-counter mouthguards are the cheapest option, ranging from $15 to $30; however, they are not considered very useful when it comes to protecting your teeth and overall dental health. In fact, these mouthguards can actually damage your jaw and teeth further.
Custom-Made Mouthguards From the Dentist
At Fort Smiles Dental Centre, we make custom mouthguards for our patients who are suffering from bruxism. Investing in a custom-made mouthguard comes with advice and recommendations from a dental healthcare professional familiar with your symptoms and who knows the best way to alleviate them.
When you come into our dental clinic for a custom-made mouthguard, our dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental laboratory where your personalized mouthguard will be manufactured. This mouthguard will perfectly fit your unique mouth structure, providing you with optimal comfort and protection. Custom-made mouthguards are fairly expensive, with costs ranging from $300 to $800. This price is based on the professional-grade materials and labor involved in creating your mouthguard.
What Causes Bruxism?
There are many causes for bruxism; genetic, physical, and psychological factors can all contribute to this disorder. Some of the most common causes are medications, sleep disorders, and stress and anxiety. Mouthguards are an excellent investment when you suffer from bruxism because they stop you from grinding your teeth against each other and causing harm to your tooth enamel and overall health. Custom-made mouthguards can be tailored in thickness to accommodate the level of bruxism that you suffer from.
Are Custom-Made Mouthguards Covered by Dental Insurance?
Depending on your dental insurance, they may cover a portion of the cost for a custom-made mouthguard. Speak to your dental team to see if they can contact your insurance company and get a pre-approval before you move forward with the creation of your custom mouthguard.
The Bottom Line
You must consult with our dentist at Fort Smiles Dental Centre to ensure that you get the best possible treatment for your oral health condition. While the cost of a high-quality mouthguard can be high, it is well worth the investment.
