Real life: Mouthguard for teeth grinding

[amothea]

Hi,

I was hoping for advice on whether or not I should pay 157 dollars for a dentist custom fit night guard or try an off the shelf night guard? Has anyone on my flist had experience with either?

I'd appreciate any and all help,
Thanks!

Comments

[harrigan]

Several years ago, at my dentist's recommendation (also for grinding), I bought an off-the-shelf one, used it nightly for about a month, and haven't had any problems since.

[amothea]

Which version did you buy??? And you only used it for one month?

[harrigan]

I don't remember the version -- it cost about $30 US, give or take. (It was one that you soaked in boiling water initially to soften it to mold it to your teeth - or something like that?) I had planned to use it indefinitely; no one had suggested it might only be temporary. But for some reason I no longer recall, I stopped using it unexpectedly (maybe spending the night away from home?) and didn't have any discomfort, so I decided to leave it out until I did have problems again.

[amothea]

Maybe wearing it temporarily reminded your jaw not to grind anymore?

[eponin10]

My husband needed one. He tried an off the shelf one and it fit awful. The custom one is much, much better.

[whizzy]

I used to work at a lab that made stuff like crowns and dentures and mouthguards. The custom type is going to be way more comfortable. If you know you need one and intend to wear it long-term, go custom.

[amothea]

Thanks for the advice. I do plan on wearing one long term.

[anodyna]

FWIW, 157 dollars seems like a great price for a custom night guard. The quotes I've gotten from dentists in my area are more like $400-500. :O

I haven't used either myself, but a friend who uses the over-the-counter ones told me hers only last about 2 months before she bites all the way through them, and she wished she could afford to go back to the one from her dentist. I'm sure a lot depends on how bad your nighttime grinding/clenching problem is, though!

[amothea]

The estimated cost is actually 850, my insurance covers the majority of the cost. I guess I'm just shocked at how expensive it is considering how much it saves from future dental damage which costs a hell of a lot more to fix. I guess I'd put mouth guards down under preventative care.

[gwendolynflight]

I've chewed through 3 of the thinner type of mouthguard, so go for the thicker kind if given a choice. Or at least ask your dentist about it. You'll get used to the extra bulk, and not be able to chew through it.

[amothea]

This is a very good point.