If you rely on traditional Medicare health insurance, you have virtually no dental coverage. Cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures and implants are not included.
Regardless of whether you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a supplemental plan, it likely has a low annual limit on dental coverage.
If you’re stressed about this financial gap – or stressed in general – you may be in for a double whammy. Whether it’s due to financial worries, health concerns or other stressors, stress can manifest in a condition called bruxism – teeth grinding.
For retirees, the combination of brittle aging enamel and nighttime grinding is a recipe for dental damage. A split molar can cost as much as a luxury vacation, but it can be prevented for a fraction of the cost.
math of broken teeth
Your teeth age just like your joints. Over decades, the enamel wears away and the tooth structure becomes more prone to fracture. When you grind your teeth at night, you can put hundreds of pounds of pressure per square inch on this vulnerable structure.
If you lose a tooth while you sleep, the costs add up quickly.
- Crown: If the tooth can be saved, you will probably need a crown. According to typical industry pricing, this procedure typically runs between $1,000 and $1,500.
- Implants: If the fracture goes below the gum line, the tooth often cannot be saved. You are looking at a dental implant followed by an extraction. The total cost can range from $3,000 to $5,000.
an affordable solution
If you mention jaw pain or sensitivity to your dentist, they may suggest a custom-made occlusal guard (night guard).
These are professionally molded to your needs and made from acrylic that can last for years. But they can cost anywhere from $500 to $800.
Fortunately, for many light to moderate grinders, an over-the-counter (OTC) night guard is a functional solution. They place a layer of soft plastic between your upper and lower jaw, preventing your teeth from hitting each other.
You can find OTC night guards at pharmacies or even Walmart for $20 to $30. But avoid the cheapest, bulky, one-size-fits-all guards. Look specifically for boiling and cutting models. Follow the instructions on the box and you’ll have a semi-custom fit that provides about 90% of the protection of a professional guard for about 3% of the price.
Signs You’re Grinding in Your Sleep
Because this happens during sleep, some people do not realize they are grinding their teeth until damage is done. So know the warning signs:
- Morning Headache: Mild pain, especially around your temples.
- Pain in jaw: Waking up with stiffness or pain in the jaw when you eat breakfast.
- Sensitivity: Sudden sensitivity to hot or cold beverages is often caused by a hairline fracture in the enamel.
- flat teeth: If your canines (pointed teeth) appear flat or tilted downwards, you may have been grinding for years.
While the drugstore version is a great financial hack, it’s not for everyone. If you have severe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, braces, or loose teeth, consult your dentist before using an OTC night guard.
Additionally, if a store-bought guard causes you pain after a few nights, stop using it. This may be changing your bite, which can lead to other costly problems in the future.