No, a night guard is not typically covered by dental insurance. Night guards are usually considered an elective item and fall outside the scope of most traditional dental coverage. However, some companies may offer limited coverage for occlusal devices such as night guards if they are prescribed for specific medical purposes. It is important to check with your particular insurance company to see what type of coverage, if any, they provide for this type of device.
Contents:
Benefits of Night Guards
Having a good night guard can bring many benefits to your oral health. Not only can they protect the enamel of your teeth, they also help to reduce grinding and clenching of your jaw while sleeping, which can result in more restful sleep throughout the night. A reliable and comfortable night guard will help improve overall facial muscle relaxation, as well as helping prevent wear and tear on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) caused by constant grinding or clenching during the night.
The materials that make up modern night guards are designed with comfort in mind; their soft interior conforms to each person’s unique dental shape for increased comfort and better protection at the same time. In comparison to traditional mouth guards, modern versions are much easier to use: no boiling required. All you need is some water to activate them so you can fit it correctly into place before bedtime.
Wearing a fitted nighttime guard also helps avoid damage from excessive tooth-brushing due to its protective layer between your teeth and brush bristles. This protects against excessive wear-and-tear that could otherwise leave sensitive parts of your gums exposed during brushing or flossing activities later on in life. Wearing one consistently provides an added layer of cushioning when biting down into hard foods or snacks like ice cubes or crunchy nuts – a feature which people who grind or clench should take advantage of often.
What is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a device designed to prevent nighttime teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. It is a mouth guard made from plastic that is worn over the upper or lower teeth, depending on the severity of the condition and what kind of grinding occurs during sleep. The purpose of wearing this type of mouth guard is to protect your teeth from unnecessary wear, reduce pain, and help keep you from developing severe dental problems due to grinding your teeth at night.
Night guards can be custom fitted for an individual by their dentist or purchased pre-made in drug stores. Fitting them correctly should be done by a professional so that they fit comfortably and securely in order to properly protect your teeth throughout the night when you are asleep. Depending on the severity of nighttime grinding, dentists may recommend different types of material such as soft plastic, hard acrylic or a combination thereof.
If diagnosed with bruxism and prescribed with a night guard by your dentist, it’s important to remember that caring for them is just like caring for any other dental product such as brushing and flossing twice daily. Regular dental checkups should include assessment and cleaning of these devices every six months or more frequently if needed. This will ensure that they remain clean, fit properly and provide maximum protection against damage caused by nightly clenching or grinding while sleeping.
Types of Dental Insurance Plans
The type of dental insurance plan chosen by an individual or family will greatly impact what kind of coverage can be expected for a night guard. Traditional indemnity plans are more likely to provide some level of coverage, while certain managed care policies may not cover the cost at all. The amount of reimbursement and other details depend on specific insurer guidelines as well as policy requirements.
Indemnity plans are one option where night guards could potentially be covered, but there is still a lot to consider when making such a decision. In this type of arrangement, an insured can usually choose their own dentist and receive reimbursements based on predetermined percentages. The exact percentage varies from plan to plan, with some providing complete coverage while others only offer partial payment benefits.
Managed care plans often involve selecting pre-determined dentists within specified networks that must be used in order to receive benefits such as discounts and preventative treatments like cleaning and x-rays. Though this type of policy usually has lower premiums than traditional indemnity options due to its restriction on dentists available, they typically do not provide any form of reimbursement for night guards so it is important to read through the small print before signing up for this type of policy.
Qualifying for Dental Insurance Coverage
When it comes to applying for dental insurance coverage, most people don’t realize that there are certain criteria they must meet in order to be accepted. You must have a valid form of identification such as a driver’s license or passport. You will need to provide proof of residency and residence address in the area where you apply for dental insurance coverage. Applicants must provide proof of income and any financial assistance programs that may apply when completing the application process.
Dental insurers typically review applications from individuals and families on an individual basis to determine if they qualify for specific plans offered by their company. Some insurers require medical history information as part of the review process before approving applications. Those interested in obtaining night guards should inquire with their insurer regarding its requirements before submitting an application to ensure that they fulfill all necessary qualifications.
Ultimately, selecting the right plan is key in guaranteeing adequate protection against unforeseen oral health issues like cracked teeth or gum disease caused by poor bite alignment which is common among those who habitually clench or grind their teeth at night. A night guard may help prevent further deterioration due to grinding and clenching associated with sleep disorders and could potentially save money through reduced restorative treatments down the road. By doing research ahead of time on which plans offer night guard benefits, consumers can save themselves from future financial headaches related to tooth damage that could have been avoided with preventive care like wearing a mouth guard during nighttime hours.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Custom-made Devices?
When considering what is covered by dental insurance plans, custom-made devices are often an overlooked item. Custom-fitted dental guards created for grinding of the teeth and jaw joint pain have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to protect the user’s mouth from further damage or discomfort. Though prices may be higher than other available products on the market, paying a little extra can save you from extensive expenses down the line.
Dental insurance plans vary as far as what they cover and how much coverage there is for certain items. Therefore, it is important to do your research before opting into any plan so that you can get the most out of your money and make sure your specific needs are accounted for. Some policies will completely cover all costs associated with purchasing a custom night guard while others will only cover part of the cost or none at all.
In some cases, if a dentist believes that using a custom-made device is absolutely necessary, he/she may be able to obtain pre-authorization from an insurance provider which allows them to waive any fees associated with product acquisition. To find out more about what type of protection your current policy offers when it comes to denture items like night guards, contact customer service directly or consult with someone in human resources at work who deals with employee benefits.
Cost Considerations
One of the most important considerations when deciding whether or not to get a night guard is cost. Without insurance, these guards can be expensive. A quick internet search reveals that some models can easily exceed $200 for just one device. Fortunately, many dental insurance plans will cover part of the cost associated with this type of product. Some plans may even go so far as to cover the full price tag.
It’s important to note that each company varies in its coverage amount and plan specifics, so it is worth shopping around before making a purchase decision. Some companies also provide discounts if multiple family members are using a night guard simultaneously, which could make it even more affordable.
While buying a night guard outright may seem like an expensive commitment initially, the long-term savings gained by protecting your teeth and jaws from grinding wear should not be underestimated. A properly fitting guard is essential for optimal protection and comfort when sleeping; investing in quality up front often translates into savings down the road due to less stress on teeth and gums over time.
