Do i have to get a fitted night guard from my dentist? i was told that a fitted night guard from my dentist will cost almost $400, with insurance likely covering none of it. i don't have that kind of money available. i've seen night guards you can buy at

Good : Good morning: unfortunately, a night guard by any other name is not the same. If you are dealing with clenching and grinding, then a properly fabricated night guard by a qualified dentist is your best bet. The night guard sold at the store for 25 dollars is usually a sports guard that is meant to protect the teeth from a direct blow. It is usually made of a soft material, and will actually encourage your grinding, clenching habit. As a last resort, you might want to buy that guard just so you do not destroy your teeth any further. However, it is better that you save your money and go to a prosthodontist, which is the specialist in this arena, for a properly made guard. Best writhes, dr. Zev kaufman.

You've : You've already answered your own question.. Store bought products are not the same as a professionally fabricated and fitted appliance. The need for the night guard is most likely due to your clenching, grinding, and possible TMJ pain. Excessive grinding and clenching can over time cause major problems with your dentition, including periodontal bone loss and loss of tooth structure, fractured teeth, etc. You are asking if spending a higher fee now is not necessary. Imagine the damage that can occur to your teeth if you take responsibility for your own care, and how much it may cost in the future to correct that mistake. A store bought appliance can never replace the quality, fit, and assurance that a professionally fabricated appliance can give you. You cannot go wrong spending a bit more now to prevent major restorative care in the future.

Occassionally : Occassionally one can get away with a generic store bought night guard. However, self diagnosis and treatment is often not only hazardous but costly. Sometimes one can do more damage than good. Do you want to take the chance? Try to put things in proper perspective and what your priorities are. Then you can make an intelligent decision for yourself what to do.

Short : Short terms use of a store bought nightguard can be okay, but they generally are bothersome, and people end up not using them. If there is any way to come up with the money for the dentist fitted nightguard, i would go for it. A professionally made nightguard can save you money later on broken teeth and jaw problems associated with grinding your teeth at night.

Yes: Fitted night guard will work well if you get over the counter night guard , it can cause TMJ issues if you are a clincher and a grinder this is a good investment if you break a tooth, it will cost you a lot more.

Dentist made 4 sure!: While over the counter mouth guards are ok at best, a dentist fabricated mouth guard is by far superior in every way. The cost of repairing the damage done without this appliance can far exceed the fee to have one made. Dental insurance is not the answer to dental problems- it's designed to be an aid. The power is in your knowledge and for you to be proactive with that knowledge!

Attrition: If you have major attrition, wear, fractures, you need to wear a guard or bitesplint. Let the appliance take the brunt of your bruxism. Custom guards, especially when done with anatomy versus flat plane, and with occlusion factors addressed, are most ideal.