If you rely on traditional Medicare health insurance, you have virtually no dental coverage. Cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures and implants are not covered.
Even if you have a Medicare Advantage plan or supplemental plan, it likely has a low annual cap on dental coverage.
If you stress about this financial gap — or are prone to stress in general — you could be in for a double whammy. Whether caused by financial anxieties, health worries or other stressors, stress can manifest in a condition known as 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.
The math of a cracked tooth
Your teeth age just like your joints do. Over decades, the enamel wears down, and the tooth structure becomes more prone to fractures. When you grind your teeth at night, you can exert hundreds of pounds of pressure per square inch on this vulnerable structure.
If you fracture a tooth while sleeping, the costs pile up immediately.
- Crowns: If the tooth can be saved, you will likely need a crown. According to general industry pricing, this procedure typically runs between $1,000 and $1,500.
- Implants: If the fracture goes below the gum line, the tooth is often unsalvageable. You are looking at an extraction followed by a dental implant. The total cost can range from $3,000 to $5,000.
An affordable solution
If you mention jaw soreness or sensitivity to your dentist, they might suggest a custom-made occlusal guard (night guard).
These are professionally molded to your bite and made of acrylic that can last for years. But they can cost $500 to $800.
Fortunately, for many mild to moderate grinders, an over-the-counter (OTC) night guard is a functional solution. They put a layer of soft plastic between your upper and lower jaw, preventing your teeth from crunching against each other.
You can find OTC night guards at pharmacies or even Walmart for as little as $20 to $30. But avoid the cheapest, bulky one-size-fits-all guards. Look specifically for boil-and-bite models. Follow the directions on the box and you’ll have a semi-custom fit that offers roughly 90% of the protection of a professional guard for about 3% of the price.
Signs you are grinding in your sleep
Because it happens during sleep, some people don’t realize they are grinding their teeth until damage is done. So know the warning signs:
- Morning headaches: Specifically a dull ache around your temples.
- Jaw soreness: Waking up with a stiff jaw or pain when you eat breakfast.
- Sensitivity: Sudden sensitivity to hot or cold drinks, often caused by hairline fractures in the enamel.
- Flat teeth: If your canines (the pointy teeth) look flattened or filed down, you may have been grinding for years.
While the drugstore version is a great financial hack, it isn’t for everyone. If you have severe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, 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. It might be shifting your bite, which can cause other expensive problems down the road.
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