Bite splint

Cost of bite splint - cost coverage

Both tension and headaches and back pain can be caused by jaw problems. Often, an incorrect bite is also the cause, meaning that the upper and lower jaw do not close in the ideal position. This causes tension in the jaw, facial, and head muscles, leading to a type of headache known as tension headache, felt mainly in the forehead and temple area but can also radiate to the neck and even to the back.

A night guard can usually provide quick relief in these cases. It is also successfully used when you grind your teeth and experience jaw discomfort as a result. This mostly nocturnal prolonged stress and excessive pressure lead to painful tension, and the grinding of the molars causes increased tooth wear. This is visible through clear grinding marks on the teeth.

In this case, dentists will recommend functional therapeutic occlusal splints. They prevent nocturnal teeth grinding in a simple way. In addition, their uncomplicated and painless application brings quick success. If you regularly experience tooth, jaw, or headaches, or frequently wake up with a tense neck or jaw area, you should discuss this with your dentist. In a conversation, the dentist will first clarify when and where the pain occurs. This is followed by an examination of the teeth, gums, and jawbone.

Cost of bite splint.

Different dental problems can be discreetly and inconspicuously corrected with dental splints. Typically, a bite splint is covered by health insurance. This includes both the fabrication of the splint by the dentist and the material costs. For individuals with statutory health insurance, the health insurance fund usually covers the entire cost of the splint. Costs beyond these standard benefits, such as functional diagnostics or potentially higher-quality splints, must be covered by the patient. However, those who only require a simple, non-adjusted bite splint can confidently forego the elaborate diagnostic procedures.

Bite splint: Frequently asked questions (FAQ).

What types of bite splints are there?

The costs depend on the material used and the necessary diagnostic procedures. There are soft and hard occlusal splints. In addition, non-adjusted splints, called mini plastic splints, or adjusted splints are used. A non-adjusted night guard is worn during the night as a simple plastic cover over the row of teeth, effectively preventing the wear of tooth surfaces.

Even if a dental splint is necessary for the treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), the costs for the elaborate diagnostic procedure are often covered by statutory health insurance if a corresponding diagnosis is made. For patients suffering from severe and persistent teeth grinding (bruxism), a medical prescription is also possible. However, those who require or desire a splint that deviates from the standard usually have to make at least a co-payment. As a patient, you should definitely clarify this with your health insurance before starting the treatment.

How often can one claim a new dental splint?

It is necessary for the creation of a custom night guard that its medical necessity is justified by your dentist. Ideally, such a dental guard can last for several years. However, severe bruxism may require the guard to be replaced after only a few months.

If a new bite splint is needed after only one year, there are still good chances of cost coverage by the statutory health insurance. However, problems can arise if a splint lasts less than a year. In such cases, health insurance companies usually request further information from the treating dentists. If necessary, a second opinion from a dental practice designated by the health insurance company may be requested. If the diagnosis is the same, the costs will be covered.

Additional services that may be medically beneficial but are not listed as standard benefits by statutory health insurance funds cannot be provided by health insurance funds in general. These special services must be paid for as a personal contribution. Clarification about the respective insurance conditions can be obtained by consulting your health insurance fund. However, a number of private dental supplementary insurances fully or partially cover the costs.