The cost of a mouthguard will depend on the type of guard purchased. For example, custom-made boil-and-bite mouthguards that are securely fitted to create a comfortable fit typically cost around $20-50.
High-end dental mouthguards made from a mold of the teeth taken by a dentist generally cost between $250-450. Invisible mouthguards, which are thin, clear plastic molds made from 3D scans of the teeth, tend to be the most expensive type of mouthguard and can cost upwards of $500.
Additionally, any costs associated with taking the mold of the teeth or scans may incur additional fees.
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Are mouth guards covered by insurance?
In some cases, mouth guards may be covered by insurance, depending on the type of insurance policy and the reason for needing a mouth guard. Most dental insurance plans do not cover mouth guards as part of their standard coverage.
However, some medical insurance plans may provide coverage for mouth guards if they are used to treat a medical condition, such as bruxism (tooth grinding) or to protect the teeth and mouth following certain medical procedures.
Mouth guards may also be covered in certain cases of sports injuries, as some insurance plans may provide coverage for certain types of athletic injuries, including ones which require a protective mouth guard.
It is important to check with your specific insurance plan to determine if they provide coverage for the purchase of a protective mouth guard.
Is a mouth guard worth it?
Yes, a mouth guard is worth it! Mouth guards help protect your teeth, gums and other oral structures from damage during sports and other activities. Not only do mouth guards protect you from tooth damage and related dental injuries during a wide array of activities, but they can also help cushion impacts to the jaw, neck and head.
Moreover, mouth guards can be customized to ensure proper fit and safety for every individual user. Customizing a mouth guard allows for maximizing levels of safety, comfort, and efficiency during physical activity, meaning you can really reap the rewards with minimal risk.
What type of mouth guard is for clenching?
A type of mouth guard specifically designed for clenching is called a bite guard, or occlusal guard. It is designed to cover either the upper or lower teeth and can be made out of a soft or hard plastic material.
The guard helps to reduce the amount of pressure put on the teeth when you clench and relax the jaw muscles when worn. The guard also helps to protect the teeth from the potential damage that can be caused by clenching, such as chipping and wear.
Additionally, the guard can help to alleviate any jaw pain or tension caused by clenching, by evenly distributing the pressure. Bite guards often need to be custom-fitted by a dentist and should be replaced if they become worn.
How long do dental mouthguards last?
Generally speaking, a dental mouthguard will last anywhere between 1-3 years, depending on the material and wear and tear. Generally, stock or boil-and-bite mouthguards (which many people buy at discount stores or drug stores) need to be replaced more often than custom-molded mouthguards, which are specifically crafted for each person’s mouth.
If the mouthguard is stored properly and cared for on a regular basis, it should be replaced when it no longer securely fits the teeth and becomes too thin or too thick, or when it begins to tear. That being said, if a mouthguard is used in contact sports, it needs to be replaced more often, as the wear and tear will be much greater.
If taking care of the mouthguard properly, it is recommended that a professional dental mouthguard be replaced every 1-2 years or so.
Can you choke on a mouthguard while sleeping?
Yes, it is possible to choke on a mouthguard while sleeping. Although mouthguards are designed to be comfortable and safe, if it becomes dislodged and stuck in your throat, it may cause you to choke.
This is especially true if you have a weakened gag reflex from taking certain medications, have had a procedure that affects your gag reflex, or if you are dealing with an underlying medical condition such as sleep apnea.
To reduce your risk for choking on a mouthguard, make sure it is properly fitted, and if you experience any discomfort, difficulties with breathing, or are having trouble sleeping, seek medical attention right away.
Additionally, if you wear a mouthguard regularly, it is important to replace it every 3-6 months, as wear and tear can impact its fit and protection.
Is a dental guard the same as a mouth guard?
No, a dental guard is not the same as a mouth guard. A dental guard, also known as a nightguard, is a custom-made device that covers the top or bottom teeth to protect them from grinding or clenching at night.
A nightguard can also protect a person’s teeth from damage due to bruxism, or teeth grinding. A mouthguard, on the other hand, is a plastic device designed to protect the teeth, mouth and lips from sports injuries or accidental blows to the face.
Mouthguards usually don’t fit as snugly as dental guards, so they don’t provide as much protection, although they are still a good way to protect the teeth, lips and gums from injury.
Why doesn’t dental insurance cover mouth guards?
Most dental insurance policies do not cover mouth guards because they are considered to be medically unnecessary or as a self-inflicted expense. Even though mouth guards are designed to prevent dental damage, many dental insurance plans do not consider them as a necessary medical expenditure because they are generally used in a preventive manner.
Additionally, mouth guards may also be used to reduce discomfort related to teeth grinding, but since this isn’t a medical necessity, it isn’t covered by insurance. Some plans may cover mouth guards if they are needed after an injury or other medical situation.
Some athletes may also be able to get mouth guards covered if they are not pre-existing conditions. Ultimately, each dental insurance policy is different, so it is best to check with the provider in order to see what is covered.
Is a night guard considered orthodontic?
No, a night guard is not considered orthodontic. Orthodontic treatment typically focuses on straightening and realigning teeth, while a night guard is designed to help protect teeth from grinding or clenching during sleep.
Night guards are designed to fit over the upper or lower teeth and are made out of clear, soft plastic that is comfortable to wear. Although night guards are typically prescribed by a dentist, they do not typically involve any sort of orthodontic treatment.
Do dentist give you mouth guards?
Yes, many dentists offer custom-fitted mouth guards. These mouth guards provide protection for your teeth and gums when playing sports or grinding your teeth at night. Custom-fit mouth guards are specially made to fit the contours of your mouth and provide the most comfortable fit and protection possible.
Your dentist will take an impression or mould of your teeth and create a mouth guard that is custom-made for your mouth. The mouth guard should fit snugly and securely to ensure that it stays in place and provides the most effective protection.
Your dentist can also provide mouth guards that offer varying levels of protection, depending on your individual needs. Additionally, your dentist can suggest over-the-counter mouth guards, which are less expensive and can be adjusted to fit your mouth.
Do I need to get mouth guard from the dentist?
It depends on the situation. If you are looking to prevent injury while playing contact sports, your dentist may recommend that you get a custom-fitted mouth guard to protect your teeth, lips, and tongue.
Custom-fitted mouth guards offer the best protection because they are molded to the shape of your mouth and teeth to fit more securely compared to store-bought versions. They also provide more comfort by allowing you to talk and breathe more easily.
Additionally, if you have braces, a custom-fitted mouth guard is best as it will help protect your braces and other teeth from being damaged during activity.
If you have a nightly grinding habit or a chronic jaw pain condition such as TMD, a custom-fitted occlusal night guard may be what your dentist would recommend. These types of devices wear while you sleep and are designed to protect your teeth from the strain of grinding or clenching.
In some cases, your dentist may not recommend a mouth guard, depending on your specific situation. Talk with your dentist to discuss the different types of mouth guards and to determine which one is best for you.
Do I have to wear a night guard forever?
No, you do not have to wear a night guard forever. Depending on the reason you need a night guard, your dentist may only recommend you wearing a night guard for a specific amount of time. For instance, if you need a night guard because you are grinding your teeth due to stress, you may only need to wear the guard for a short period of time, until the underlying stress has eased.
On the other hand, if you suffer from bruxism, then you may be advised to wear the guard indefinitely. Ultimately, it is best to talk with your dentist to determine the best course of treatment for you.
How many times can you reuse a mouthguard?
The number of times that you can reuse a mouthguard depends on several factors, including the type of material the mouthguard is made of, the frequency and type of activities you use the mouthguard for, as well as how well you care for the mouthguard.
In general, most boil-and-bite mouthguards (made of thermoplastic material) are designed to be used for up to 12 months. On the other hand, a custom-made mouthguard (made of laminated ethyl vinyl acetate material) can last for several years with proper care and cleaning.
When reusing a mouthguard, it is important to inspect it after every use for signs of wear, tearing, or discoloration. If the mouthguard shows any signs of damage, it should be replaced immediately. It is also important to clean the mouthguard using a mild detergent or mouthguard cleaner and warm water after every use.
If you want to get the best performance out of your mouthguard, it is recommended that you purchase a new mouthguard at least once a year.
Why do mouth guards turn yellow?
Mouth guards turn yellow over time due to a combination of the oils in your mouth trapped in the material and the ultraviolet rays in sunlight. The oils and saliva in your mouth get trapped in the material and slowly degrade it.
The color of the guard also depends on the particular type and material of the mouthguard you are using. Some can break down faster than others, leading to discoloration. In addition, sunlight exposure causes colors to change through ultraviolet radiation.
Sunlight can cause the material to become brittle and even discolor. In some cases, ultraviolet light can cause the plastic to turn yellow or even brown. With consistent exposure, the mouthguard will eventually yellow over time.
To help prevent discoloration, keep your mouth guard in a protective case when not in use and avoid excessive exposure to sunlight.
Can I soak my night guard in mouthwash?
No, you should not soak your night guard in mouthwash. Mouthwash contains strong antiseptic ingredients that are too harsh for a dental appliance like a night guard. Soaking the night guard in mouthwash can damage the material, which can make it wear out sooner.
Additionally, you can also irritate your mouth by exposing it to harsh antiseptic ingredients for a longer period of time.
It is recommended to clean your night guard with toothpaste and warm water. You can brush the night guard lightly with a toothbrush, or you can soak it in lukewarm water. If you want to freshen up your night guard, you can use a specific night guard cleaner that is safe to use and does not contain harsh chemicals.
