Dental mouthguard: types and price

Custom-made dental splints have become an increasingly popular solution recommended by orthodontists, thanks to their versatility and the comfort they offer patients. In modern dentistry, splints are used in a wide range of situations, from protection and correction to supporting complex treatments.

Thanks to their customisation, dental aligners ensure efficiency, superior aesthetics and a high degree of treatment predictability. Furthermore, the fact that they can be customised means they adapt naturally to the shape of the teeth, without causing discomfort or irritation.

We invite you to read this article if you would like to find out how many types of dental splints there are, what the price of splints is depending on their type, and what measures should be taken for dental care.

A dental aligner is a custom-made medical device, created using a dental impression or digital scan, and used for various dental purposes. 

Depending on the orthodontist’s recommendation at DENT ESTET clinics, the mouthguard can be used to correct tooth alignment, protect teeth against grinding (bruxism), whiten teeth, or maintain the results achieved following orthodontic treatment. 

By fitting perfectly to the teeth, the dental mouthguard offers efficiency, comfort and predictable results.

Depending on the dental problem you are facing, you should be aware that there are several types of dental aligners:

• Corrective mouthguard (for teeth alignment)
• Retainer (for maintaining alignment)
• Protective mouthguard (bruxism mouthguard)
• Teeth whitening mouthguard

Corrective mouthguard (orthodontic)

The orthodontic mouthguard, also known as a corrective mouthguard, is used to align teeth and achieve a correct bite.

“The corrective mouthguard is recommended for those who wish to straighten their teeth discreetly and comfortably. The orthodontic mouthguard works gradually, through controlled movements, guiding the teeth into the correct position. As well as improving the aesthetics of your smile, the aligner also helps achieve a correct and functional bite, which is essential for long-term dental health,” explains Dr Marius Ion, a specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics at DENT ESTET clinics.

Retainer

Many patients believe that orthodontic treatment is complete once the braces, whether fixed or removable, have been removed. However, this is not quite the case. 

Once treatment with braces is complete, the retention phase begins. 

“Teeth have a natural tendency to return to their original positions. Therefore, wearing a retainer, as instructed by the orthodontist, is essential to maintain the correct alignment of the teeth and to preserve the long-term results of the treatment,” explains Dr Marius Ion.

Night guard or bruxism guard

The night guard protects the teeth against bruxism (clenching or grinding of the teeth during sleep), thereby preventing wear and tear. 

“In the first few days of wearing it, some patients say ‘my teeth hurt from the mouthguard’. However, it should be noted that this is a normal sensation, as the teeth need to adapt to the new foreign object. Furthermore, the discomfort is temporary. As we wear it, the bruxism mouthguard becomes much more pliable and comfortable,” notes Dr Marius Ion.

Teeth whitening mouthguard

The teeth whitening mouthguard is used in cosmetic dentistry treatments and is custom-made to suit each patient’s wishes and needs. It is used in conjunction with professional whitening gels, which help remove stains and discolouration from the surface of the teeth.

Thanks to its precise fit, the tray ensures even distribution of the gel and protects the gums during the procedure, reducing the risk of irritation. 

“It is a solution frequently recommended for at-home teeth whitening, under the guidance of a dentist, but professional whitening carried out in the clinic remains the foundation of the treatment, offering the fastest and most controlled results,” explains Dr Marius Ion.

The price of a dental mouthguard depends on the type of treatment for which it has been recommended (orthodontics, bruxism), the material used, and the technology involved in its manufacture. Mouthguards produced using digital scanning and customised in a dental laboratory offer a more precise fit and superior comfort, but also come at a higher cost.

The quality of the materials used, such as calibrated medical-grade plastic films or high-strength acrylic, influences both the durability of the mouthguard and its long-term effectiveness. Furthermore, the dentist’s experience and personalised recommendations for each patient are important factors in determining the final cost.

For example, at DENT ESTET clinics, orthodontic treatment using custom-made mouthguards for teeth alignment, such as Spark or Invisalign aligners, can start from 1,400 euros.

In contrast, a protective mouthguard for bruxism costs between 500 and 800 RON.

Standard mouthguard vs. custom mouthguard

A standard mouthguard is pre-formed and may be less comfortable as it does not fit perfectly over the teeth. 

A custom-made dental mouthguard, created from an impression or scan of the dental arches, offers an excellent fit, increased comfort and a longer lifespan. In the case of orthodontic mouthguards or night-time mouthguards, the custom-made option is usually recommended.

It is normal to feel a slight pressure at first, whether you are using orthodontic (active) aligners or retainers (passive).

“Many patients say they experience a feeling of discomfort at the start of orthodontic treatment or when they need a mouthguard for bruxism. However, this sensation lasts only a few days, as orthodontic mouthguards apply pressure to the teeth and gradually move them into position. This pressure is often felt with passive dental mouthguards (retainers following orthodontic treatment) as well, but over time they become looser and no longer exert pressure on the teeth,” explains Dr Marius Ion.

However, it is not normal for the pain to be severe or persistent. In such cases, a visit to the dentist’s surgery is required, with one possible solution being for the orthodontist to adjust the aligner.
 

To maintain hygiene and keep the dental mouthguard in good condition, it should be cleaned daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Use special cleaning tablets periodically; these are effervescent tablets that are placed in water, and the dental mouthguard is then immersed in the resulting solution.

Also, regardless of the treatment you are undergoing, mouthguards should be kept in a special storage case to prevent contamination or deformation.

A retainer is a passive device designed to maintain the results achieved following orthodontic treatment. 

It is recommended to wear it daily for the first 6 months, and then only at night. The total duration may vary depending on the severity of the case treated, but for long-term stability of the results, wearing it periodically is very important.

A mouthguard needs to be replaced in several situations:

• when it no longer fits securely on the teeth
• it shows cracks or visible wear
• changes in the teeth occur, preventing the mouthguard from fitting properly
• the material has warped

Night-time mouthguards or bruxism mouthguards wear out more quickly due to the forces generated during teeth grinding.

1. American Dental Association, Mouthguards & Bruxism
2. Rationale for retention following orthodontic treatment