Night guard - $475.00 Ouch!

[mrsboz]

I am in need of a night guard. It is so expensive. Does anyone know how I can get one cheaper? Thx.

 

[amcnj]

I know they sell "do it yourself ones", some that you even mail the mold to get the finished product, online, and I have seen guards for sale at stores. But I have no experience with them so don't know if they are really comparable in quality and if they hold up well.

 

[mrsboz]

I have used the ones that you buy at the store for years. They are no longer doing the job. The dentist said that I have fractures becuase they aren't working properly and I have to get a "real" one. I can't believe how expensive they are and insurance doesn't cover it. I was wondering if anyone knew if you shopped around or something liek that if they are cheaper.

 

[nalajms]

Have you tried negotiating with your dentist? Or call around. It's going to be around that price.

Do you have a medical flexible spending account? If not, can you enroll in one in the fall through an employer? Then you can pay for it in Jan and have deducted from your paycheck monthly.

If you have health and dental, a potentially "free" way is if you have sleep apnea. Insurance would cover for what is essentially a mouth guard with some latches on the side that can be come a fancy snore guard. My dentist said I could pay $150 for the "take home sleep apnea test machine" and everything else would be covered by health insurance. DH got one, and it really does stop the snoring... when he's wearing it

 

[Arielle22]

I paid that amount for my night guard back in the late 1980s when I first got it. Since it hasn't broken, I consider it a good investment. My sister just got one for around $700.

DH uses a generic one he got at the drug store. It seems to be working for him but my grinding was worse than his.

 

[taymaesmom]

I've been luck with the otc ones, have you tried a different brand than the one your using? I switched 2 years ago to the smaller one and was much happier and in less pain than with the larger ones that completely covered my upper teeth.

Also recently had a tooth removed that I had cracked due to clenching, the difference in my mouth is night and day, I can't believe how much of a difference it made. I have not woken up in pain or had a massive headache since I had it removed (back wisdom tooth that had broken through). I wish I had done it years ago.

 

[momof1princess]

OP, I know it's a lot of money; but, I guarantee you, it is absolutely worth every penny! 19 years ago, I got one for TMJ-I was taking FOUR soma (muscle relaxers) per day just to function, my jaws hurt so bad, and I'm a teeth grinder too, which made it worse. My ENT (who diagnosed my TMJ) sent me to an orthodontist, who made what they call a TMJ splint (looks like a regular, orthodontic retainer), and he instructed me to wear it as frequently as possible for the first few weeks, then only at night. Within a month, I was completely off the muscle relaxers, and haven't needed one since! I don't know what I'd do without my splint! It's held up amazingly well-never had a minute's trouble out of it! Without a doubt, it was the best $250 I've ever spent! Good luck!

 

[ImDMous]

Mine was about $150. It's essentially an Invisalign tray for the top teeth only that she made herself in the office. My dentist showed me three different options and this was the mid price. I don't have any surface wearing problems, so if you're a grinder, invisilign probably won't stand up to that.

 

[BLAZEY]

I have one I wear that was custom made from the dentist. I can't recall how much it cost, as it was covered by my dental insurance. My jaw doesn't hurt like it did before I got it.

 

[kidshop]

I use the plackers disposable ones. They last longer than 3 days for me. It might be worth a try to test different brands, this one is really small but does a great job. Very comfortable too.

 

[meowser]

I was quoted $600 for my last one which surprised me since my previous ones had been ~$200. Even though my insurance doesn't cover it, the dentist office submitted it anyway. And for some reason that reduced my bill to $200 which is what I was charged.

 

[DianeV]

Our dentist told us if you cant get the ones made specially for you then don't use anything at all. I told him my husband has been using the OTC ones and he said they do more harm than good. I am not sure if he was trying to sell us on the custom one but he did say if you don't want that don't use at all...

 

[Brancaneve]

I live in California and have Kaiser insurance. I heard that Kaiser is the only medical insurance company that covers the cost of the guard. They sent me to a specialist and I was given an $800 one that has helped me immensely. I would see your doctor instead of your dentist and try that route. Good luck!

 

[amylevan]

Our dentist told us if you cant get the ones made specially for you then don't use anything at all. I told him my husband has been using the OTC ones and he said they do more harm than good. I am not sure if he was trying to sell us on the custom one but he did say if you don't want that don't use at all...

It's funny cuz our dentist is the opposite. He suggests using the cheaper OTC ones to save money and even suggested going that route to make sure I would wear one religiously before he would fit me for a specially made..

 

[Puffy2]

a zillion years ago I had one made for me by the dentist. I broke it in half with clenching. My dentist said in amazement while looking at the pieces "Geezz!"

He recommended the over counter bite guards that people use in sports as a replacement. Worked fine, more comfortable and a zillion dollars cheaper.

 

[DisneyHardin]

My husband has one that was $350 from our dentist.

 

[findmewdw]

I use the plackers disposable ones. They last longer than 3 days for me. It might be worth a try to test different brands, this one is really small but does a great job. Very comfortable too.

I love these, too. I have been using these for about 6 months. They last longer for me. I normally use one for a few weeks without any problem. They are comfortable and seem to do the job.

 

[ceecee]

I work at a dental office, We recommend OTC first. Plackers Grind No More usually can be found at Meijer. The custom made ones we make are not nearly that much and they can try getting it covered by medical insurance, some cover. They need to write a narrative telling why you need it. I would get a second opinion. The job of an appliance is to keep you from grinding or cletching at night, the Plakers can be worn for months and come 10 to a box for $14. Worth a try.

 

[mrsboz]

Thanks for your replies everyone. I have used the over the counter ones for years. I just switched dentists and she said that my teeth are cracking because the OTC ones aren't working. My last dentist said that I needed a cavity adn I felt funny about it so I switched dentists and she said that I didn't need a cavity at all. I just think $475. is crazy for a nightguard. that is the discount price if you don't have insurance. I think I might try the kids orthodontist and see what they charge.

 

[MOOOOM!!]

Have you consulted your dental insurance. I got one and it only cost me 70.00 with my insurance. I think if the doctors office bills it right it can be covered under insurance. They billed mine with the diagnosis Bruxism and it was covered.