If you have ever received a quote from the dentist for a professional mouth guard, you might have been a little shocked at the price. A mouthguard works to protect your teeth from damage due to impact or clenching and grinding, but is it really worth several hundred dollars? In this blog post, our team at East Chestermere Dental shares why professional mouthguards near you are worth the investment and compare the pros and cons of professional vs. over-the-counter dental appliances.
The Purpose of a Mouthguard
If you have a condition called bruxism, which is the clenching and grinding of your teeth during your sleep, then you will need to get a mouthguard to wear at night to protect your teeth from damage. When your teeth grind together, they can cause undue stress to each other, wearing each other down and even leading to chips and crackers. You may also wake up with headaches and jaw pain. A mouthguard cushions and protects your teeth, reducing these side effects and protecting your oral health.
Over-the-Counter Mouthguards
There are two main types of over-the-counter mouthguards in Chestermere: stock and boil-and-bite guards. Stock mouthguards are designed to fit any mouth right out of the box. It may end up fitting you well, but it will likely feel slightly uncomfortable and won’t provide the same protection as a custom-made guard.
Boil-and-bite guards work by using hot water to heat the mouthguard so you can mold it to your teeth. This kind of guard will fit your teeth better than a stock guard, but it won’t be as secure as a custom guard and will wear down much faster too.
Custom-Made Mouthguards
When you visit a dentist near you for a custom mouthguard, they will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab. The lab will create a mouthguard that perfectly fits your teeth. This will ensure optimal protection and comfort. Furthermore, when you choose to get a custom mouthguard, you can work with your dentist in Chestermere to determine if a softer or harder guard is best for your specific needs.
The Cost of Over-the-Counter vs. Custom Mouthguards
Many people choose to buy mouthguards from their local drugstore because it is much cheaper than visiting a dentist for a custom guard. However, the investment into a custom-made mouthguard is well worth it. Custom guards are the only ones that perfectly fit over your teeth, protecting them completely and providing you with optimal comfort. If you feel that you may not be able to afford a custom mouthguard, don’t rule it out quite yet. Check to see if your dental insurance covers some or all of the cost of the appliance, and speak to your dental office to see if they offer payment plans.
Visit East Chestermere Dental
If you would like to learn more about custom mouthguards and determine if they are right for you, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team of dental professionals at East Chestermere Dental. We are happy to provide you with high-quality, custom-made mouthguards to protect your teeth and ensure that you maintain optimal oral health for years to come.