Why are grinding appliances so expensive at dentist officemouthguard or nightguard for teeth grinding?

Cost summary: The cost of custom appliances (night guards, sleep apnea splints, and retainers) is a reflection of the doctor's time, cost of materials, and laboratory fees. It also reflects time spent fitting and adjusting the appliance and the follow-up visits required to make sure that it functioning as intended.

Worth the investment: The fee for a properly designed, fabricated (with adj's included) bite splint or night guard, you are actually getting several years worth of a valuable appliance - we have patients who've worn the same splint for 15 years - it is not a glorified athletic mouthguard, and if designed and worn properly, can save you from tooth damage, gum & bone damage, as well as protecting your tm joints.

Compared to what?: If you are comparing the cost of an appliance made by a professional who spent many years learning all the intricacies of what he\she does (not to mention lab costs & overhead) and its implications compared to a mass produced store bought one, the difference should be apparent. Btw, the cost of the appliance is small compared to the savings in pain, tooth & joint destruction for those who need one.

Grinding appliance: There are different types of guards available. It is a matter of time and involvement as to the price. First there is the tm joint and facial muscle exam and diagnosis of the problem. Then the impression is taken and poured into stone. This has to be trimmed and prepared for the fabrication of the guard itself. The guard must be made and trimmed by hand then it needs to be delivered and checked.