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Cost of shield for teeth grinding

freeasabird
freeasabird Posts: 197 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
in Health & beauty MoneySaving
My dentist says he can make me a shield to stop me grinding my teeth but it will cost me approximately £100 to £150.00. He does NHS work but he will ony do this type of work privately. As he increasingly does less and less on the NHS I'm wondering whether I should go to a totally private dentist who might be better. He says my teeth are ok but I had to tell him about the teeth grinding even though I have the classic lacerations on my tongue and I have a habit of chewing tongue during the day.What would I expect to pay for a shield privately?

Comments

  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,116 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    The cost you've been given is pretty typical for a private charge.

    If he did do it on the NHS, then as a lab made item, it would be a Band 3 treatment, and cost £198!!!!
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • freeasabird
    freeasabird Posts: 197 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    Toothsmith wrote: »
    The cost you've been given is pretty typical for a private charge.

    If he did do it on the NHS, then as a lab made item, it would be a Band 3 treatment, and cost £198!!!!

    Thank you Toothsmith. I'll get him to do the shield and check out a couple of private practices for the future. :)
  • Reggie_Rebel
    Reggie_Rebel Posts: 5,036 Forumite
    Before you do that, try a sports mouth guard they are a lot cheaper. You may not get on with it but if you do all well and good
    It's taken me years of experience to get this cynical
  • donteatthat
    donteatthat Posts: 359 Forumite
    Soft gum shield are not much cop for grinders, they can even make the problem worse.
    Get the correct appliance made.
    Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you are usually right.
  • Teerah
    Teerah Posts: 1,794 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Reggie_Rebel wrote: »
    Before you do that, try a sports mouth guard they are a lot cheaper. You may not get on with it but if you do all well and good

    Now why do you suppose bite guards exist if sports mouthguards do the same job? :rolleyes:
This discussion has been closed.
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