Why Dental Nightguards are the Unsung Heroes You Didn’t Know You Needed (Even Though Your Insurance Thinks You Don’t)

Let’s talk about dental nightguards—those sleek, sometimes clunky, but always necessary mouth protectors. They’re kind of like that superhero you never expected to need, but once you do, you realize they’ve been saving your teeth from utter destruction every single night. The problem? Your dental insurance doesn’t seem to share this enthusiasm.

The Unseen Battle in Your Mouth

You see, while you’re blissfully dreaming of tropical vacations or mysteriously missing high school homework assignments, your teeth are engaging in an all-out, WWE-style smackdown. Grinding, clenching, gnashing—it’s a chaotic nightly showdown that you probably aren’t even aware of.

But guess what? Your teeth definitely are. Enter the nightguard, which swoops in like an invisible mouth superhero, breaking up the brawl, keeping your pearly whites intact, and saving you from needing a crown in the future (and I don’t mean the royal kind).

Now, you’d think dental insurance would be thrilled to cover this protective marvel, right? Wrong. Most insurance policies treat nightguards like that distant relative you invite to the wedding out of courtesy but secretly hope won’t come.

Why Won’t Insurance Cover It?

Insurance companies have a complicated relationship with nightguards. Maybe they think you can just DIY it with some bubble gum and hope for the best. Maybe they think your teeth are strong enough to withstand a nightly grindfest for 70+ years. Or maybe they’re just living in blissful ignorance, like a teenager who thinks gas money just magically appears.

Their reasoning, of course, is always incredibly rational: “It’s not medically necessary.” Sure, insurance, because who needs teeth after 40 anyway?

“But My Over-the-Counter Nightguard Works Just Fine!”

Let me stop you right there. Yes, that $19.99 DIY nightguard from the drugstore may look like a budget-friendly option, but here’s the truth: It’s like putting a pool noodle between your teeth and hoping it becomes a yacht. Sure, it’ll float, but your jaw will thank you if you get something a little more, uh, functional.

Plus, do you really want to wake up looking like you just chewed on a chew toy all night?

The Importance of a Properly Fitted Nightguard

Here’s why a custom nightguard is a game-changer: it’s like a mattress specifically designed for your teeth. It hugs your mouth in all the right places, offering not only comfort but long-term protection from grinding, clenching, and eventual tooth damage. A well-fitted nightguard reduces jaw pain, prevents migraines, and saves your teeth from cracking like a fortune cookie.

The thing is, the fit matters. A one-size-fits-all solution is like wearing shoes two sizes too big and hoping for the best. Except it’s your teeth. You know, the things you need for smiling, chewing, and avoiding the dreaded dental implant conversation.

Why Pay Out of Pocket?

Okay, so dental insurance isn’t going to foot the bill. Fine. But paying for a nightguard out of pocket is still a long-term investment in your dental health. A small upfront cost to avoid later complications (like thousands of dollars in restorative dental work) is more than worth it. Plus, who wants to spend their vacation fund on root canals? No one.

Think of a custom nightguard as a subscription to Goodnight, Teeth—the service you didn’t know you needed until your dentist explained just how much your teeth are struggling every night. And remember, the alternative is waking up one day with a cracked tooth and a dental bill that makes your jaw hurt even more than the grind.

Conclusion: Nightguards are MVPs

So, despite your dental insurance treating nightguards like the weird kid in the corner, they’re essential to keeping your teeth in fighting shape. And while your wallet might sigh a little at the cost, your teeth will thank you for years to come.

In the grand game of life, protecting your teeth is like protecting your future. So, bite the bullet (metaphorically, not literally—your nightguard’s got you covered there) and invest in a custom-fit nightguard. After all, your teeth deserve a good night’s sleep, too.

Even if your insurance thinks they don’t. 😄

Leave a reply