Hey guys,
My dentist says I've been grinding my teeth pretty bad in my sleep and recommends a custom fitted splint. The cost involved though is $5-600 which seems excessive for what is effectively a fitted mouth guard.
Anyway just wondering if anyone has good experiences with cheaper ones from chemists, online etc or should I just reluctantly part with my dough for the dentist's version.
Cheers
I had to get one for the same reason. Small cracks showing in teeth probably due to grinding / clenching whilst asleep. Thankfully my low-frills health insurance covered half of it under "preventative dental". I think it was pretty much bang on $600, plus I got a cool 3D printed model of my teeth. Priceless.
You can get them for around $300 online here in Sydney - look in your search engine. Well that was the price 5 months ago.
Kissing can be a bit awkward with the splints on so be prepared.
I've been using my current one for almost 2 years (due to bruxism) and I'm happy with it. Not only teeth protection but I also noticed a reduction in neck pain. I got the dentist's one. I remember the quote was around $600 but I have dental cover so I paid something like $150. Anyway, with proper care it can last many years so I think it's well worth it in the long-term.
I've gone for the cheap alternative with just the moldable ones from amazon. They're probably not as comfortable as the dentist ones, I had an orthodontic plate as a teen and it was much thinner. The cheap ones are softer, so I manage to chew through one every couple months, but they come in a box of 6-10.
Every couple of years I order a new box at $20-30. I'm not a dentist but this seems to do the job for me. You could always ask your dentist for their opinion; they might give you a good reason to get their ones instead.
Hi Shane
I have been wearing a splint for the last six years. I have had bad bruxing and grinding - I could even see the wearing down of my teeth. Since wearing them, I still grind and can see how badly I've worn down the occlusal splints (night guard) and am grateful to have purchased it.
Mine was $450 from Pacific Smiles Dental that many years ago so I think $500-600 is reasonable.
A family member recently cracked one of her molars - she has a nightguard but did not wear it due to it being uncomfortable. After cracking the molar, she is now trying to wear them more religiously.
Ultimately - highly recommend. The cost of fixing the damage is much higher than preventing.
EDIT* I can't comment on other versions from the chemist as I have never tried them. The above is my experience from the night guard made by my dentist. I'm due for a replacement in maybe another few years. 9-10 years of use for $450 is not bad.