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What’s a fair quote for a custom night guard?
Night guards for clenching can vary in price, but I’m not sure what a quote should include to make the comparison meaningful. Is the guard custom-fitted from dental impressions or a scan, and are fitting or adjustment visits included? I’d also want to know how the dentist recommends handling replacement if the guard wears down.
Would an over-the-counter guard be a reasonable lower-cost alternative in some cases, or do clenching symptoms and the findings at an exam affect whether a custom one is recommended?
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4 replies
For the wear-and-replacement part, does the quote say whether a worn guard is replaced at the full new-guard price or covered by a warranty? It’s worth checking what that warranty excludes, too. Those terms could make two similar upfront quotes quite different over time.
An over-the-counter guard might be a reasonable temporary option for some people, but pain, signs of tooth damage, or a poor fit can change what’s appropriate. A dentist’s exam matters here: the lower price alone doesn’t show whether an OTC guard is suitable or a custom one is recommended.
Along with the guard itself, does the quote include the initial impressions or scan and a follow-up visit to adjust the fit? Those can be separate charges, so a fabrication-only quote may not cover the full fitting process.
Along with the fitting details, the quote should name the guard’s design and material. A hard acrylic guard and a softer style aren’t interchangeable, so it’s worth asking why that design fits the dentist’s findings and comparing prices for the same kind of guard.