Hoo-boy yeah. I've had to pay out of pocket for normal nightguards that were essential for my teeth, let alone a $400 model designed to prevent concussions -- which are out of the dental insurers' realm.
Irt's like bleaching and cosmetic dentistry (
I know I'm getting waaaaay OT here) If the insurance companies covered it, the cost of premiums would skyrocket. Insurance companies don't make money by paying claims but by not paying claims or by paying only those explicited listed in the contract. (perspective depends if you're a stockholder or the insured) As I posted before, the total cost of outfitting every player in the league with one would be $700K or the cost of one salary for a long term vet, certainly a small price to pay to keep your marbles intact so you can recognize your kids when you're 45 years old.
In that same vein, I'd like to see what kind of mouthguards are currently being used by players. There are essentially three types of mouthguards:
1) the stock mouthguard that you wear and is designed to fit every mouth. It's better than nothing but just barely.
2) The boiled mouthguard that is molded to fit the person's unique bite and usually protects pretty well. Esserntially you boil it, bite into it and hold it until it cures to fit your mouth.
3) Custom made mouthguard that is fabricated after taking an impression
and sending it to a lab. These are the most accurate and if combined with a bite can reposition the TMJ to a more favorable position lessening the chances of injury.
This dentist's design uses impressions and is designed differently but with the same intent.
End of dental lesson for today........
