Dental Tourism for a Night Guard
4th Feb 2025
Has your dentist recommended a night guard for teeth grinding, but the cost seems too high? You’re not alone. Many people are turning to dental tourism as a way to save money on dental care, including night guards.
Getting a night guard abroad can be much cheaper, but it’s important to know the pros and cons before deciding. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know—costs, risks, and alternatives—to help you make the best choice for your needs. Let’s explore if dental tourism is right for you or if there’s a better option closer to home.
What is Dental Tourism?
Dental tourism involves traveling to another country for dental care, often to save money or access treatments that may be too expensive or unavailable at home.
Why Do People Choose Dental Tourism?
Many people choose dental tourism to save money on procedures like dental implants, veneers, teeth whitening, and custom night guards. In some countries, the cost of these treatments is significantly lower, even after accounting for travel and accommodation expenses.
Popular Dental Treatments Abroad
- Dental implants
- Veneers
- Teeth whitening
- Custom night guards
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
Why Consider Dental Tourism for a Night Guard?
Getting a night guard through dental tourism is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning to ensure success.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Research and Choose a Destination or Clinic
Start by researching popular dental tourism destinations and clinics. Look for reputable clinics with good reviews, clear pricing, and experience in making custom night guards.
Step 2: Book an Appointment and Plan Your Travel
Once you’ve chosen a clinic, contact them to schedule an appointment. Coordinate your travel plans, including flights, accommodation, and transportation to the clinic. It’s also a good idea to check visa requirements and ensure you have any necessary travel documents.
Step 3: Get an Impression and Fitting for the Night Guard
Get an Impression for the Night Guard at your appointment. The dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create a custom-fit night guard. This process is quick and painless, typically taking only 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Receive the Finished Product
After the impression is taken, the clinic will create your night guard. This process usually takes a few days, so plan to stay in the area until your night guard is ready. During this time, you may have a follow-up appointment to ensure a proper fit.
Estimated Timeline
- Research and booking: 1–2 weeks (depending on availability).
- Travel and appointments: 3–7 days (for the impression, fitting, and receiving the night guard).
Popular Destinations for Dental Tourism
Dental tourism has become a popular choice for people seeking affordable and quality dental care. Some countries stand out as top destinations, offering reliable services at a fraction of the cost compared to the United States or other high-cost regions.
Here’s an overview of the best options for dental tourism:
Mexico
Mexico is a popular choice for U.S. residents due to its proximity, affordability, and excellent dental care. Cities like Tijuana, Cancun, and Los Algodones (known as the "Dental Capital of the World") are famous for modern clinics and skilled dentists. Many specialize in custom night guards with quick turnaround times and great savings.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica combines affordable dental care with the chance to enjoy a tropical vacation. The capital, San José, is home to highly-rated clinics offering custom night guards using state-of-the-art equipment and English-speaking staff.
Thailand
Thailand is a top destination for dental tourists from Asia, Australia, and beyond. Cities like Bangkok and Phuket are known for advanced dental facilities and skilled professionals. Night guards and other treatments are affordable, with the added bonus of being in a beautiful travel destination.
Hungary
Hungary is Europe’s leading dental tourism spot, with Budapest offering world-class care at much lower prices than Western Europe. Hungarian clinics are highly regarded for their expertise in dental prosthetics, including custom night guards.
Turkey
Turkey has become a major hub for dental tourism in Europe and the Middle East. Cities like Istanbul and Antalya offer high-quality dental services at competitive prices. Many clinics are equipped with modern technology and English-speaking staff, making it easy for international patients to get custom night guards and other treatments.
Cost Comparison: Local vs. Dental Tourism
The biggest reason many people turn to dental tourism for a night guard is the potential for significant cost savings. In the United States, a custom night guard can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on the dentist and the materials used.
In contrast, the cost of getting a similar night guard abroad can be significantly lower, even when you factor in travel and accommodation expenses.
Below is a comparison of average costs:
| Location | Cost of Custom Night Guard |
|---|---|
| United States | $500–$1,500 |
| Mexico | $93–$167 |
| Costa Rica | $189–$260 |
| Thailand | $101–$216 |
| Hungary | $103–$186 |
| Turkey | $61–$161 |
Source: https://www.whatclinic.com/dentists/
Potential Savings
Depending on the destination, you could save anywhere from $200 to $1,000 on your night guard compared to local prices. Countries like Mexico and Turkey often offer the most affordable options for those seeking significant cost advantages.
Note: if you're making the trip solely to get a night guard, it doesn't make sense, but if you're planning it as part of a vacation trip, you can get meaningful savings.
Factors to Consider
While the cost savings can be significant, don’t forget to account for:
- Travel Expenses: Flights, accommodations, and meals.
- Time Investment: Time off work and time spent traveling.
- Follow-Up Costs: Potential adjustments or replacements after you return home.
If planned carefully, dental tourism can provide a high-quality, affordable solution for a custom night guard while also allowing you to enjoy a trip to a new destination. However, it’s essential to weigh these costs against the convenience of local options.
Note: Travel and accommodation costs are estimates and can vary based on individual preferences and market fluctuations.
Related Articles:
- Why Are Mouth Guards So Expensive?
- How Much Does A Night Guard Cost?
- Night Guard From Dentist: Is It Worth It?
Quality and Safety Considerations
When considering dental tourism for a night guard, ensuring quality and safety should be a top priority. While the cost savings can be appealing, a poorly made or ill-fitting night guard can cause more harm than good.
The Importance of High-Quality Materials
A custom night guard should be made from durable, safe materials that protect your teeth and withstand nightly use. Low-quality materials can wear down quickly, become uncomfortable, or even cause allergic reactions.
Before choosing a clinic, confirm the type of materials they use and ensure they meet international safety standards.
Tips for Finding a Reputable Dentist or Clinic:
-
Look for Accreditation and Reviews
Choose a clinic that has proper accreditation or certifications from recognized dental organizations. Online reviews and testimonials from previous patients can provide valuable insight into the clinic’s reputation and quality of work. -
Ask About Materials and Fitting Techniques
Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about the materials they use for night guards and the techniques they follow for taking impressions. A professional clinic should have no problem explaining their process and providing reassurance about the durability and fit of their products. -
Verify Their Follow-Up Policy
Since follow-up care might not be feasible after returning home, ask about adjustments or guarantees. Some clinics offer warranties or remote assistance to address any issues after you leave.
Potential Risks and Challenges
While dental tourism can be a cost-effective option for getting a night guard, it’s important to understand the potential risks and challenges that come with it. Being prepared can help you make an informed decision and avoid unexpected issues.
Follow-Up Care
One of the biggest challenges with dental tourism is the lack of access to follow-up care once you return home. If your night guard needs adjustments for a better fit, you may need to visit a local dentist, which could add to your overall cost.
Before choosing a clinic abroad, ask about their follow-up policies. Some offer warranties or remote support to address post-treatment concerns, but this isn’t always guaranteed.
Logistical Challenges
Traveling for dental care comes with its own set of logistical hurdles, such as:
Travel Delays or Complications: Flight cancellations or unexpected issues can disrupt your plans.
Language Barriers: Communicating with dental staff might be challenging in countries where English isn’t widely spoken. Consider clinics with English-speaking staff or bring a translator.
Time Constraints: You may need to stay longer than expected for fittings or adjustments, which could impact your budget and schedule.
Hidden Costs
While dental tourism can save money upfront, hidden expenses can quickly add up:
Travel and Accommodation: Flights, hotel stays, meals, and transportation can significantly increase the total cost.
Unexpected Expenses: These could include emergency dental visits, additional procedures, or changes to travel plans.
Local Adjustments: If the night guard requires fixing or remaking, this might need to be done by a local dentist, negating some of the cost savings.
Quality Concerns: Without proper research, you may end up with a clinic that uses subpar materials or lacks skilled professionals.
Alternatives to Dental Tourism
If traveling for a night guard isn’t the best option for you, there are easier alternatives to consider.
Over-the-Counter Night Guards
These are pre-made or boil-and-bite guards you can buy at a pharmacy or online. You soften them in hot water, then bite down to shape them to your teeth.
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to find
- Ready to use right away
Cons:
- May not fit well since they aren’t custom-made
- Less durable and may wear out quickly
- Might not be as comfortable
Custom-Fit Night Guards Online
With this option, you order an impression kit, make a mold of your teeth at home, and send it back. A custom night guard is then made and shipped to you.
Pros:
- More affordable than getting one from a dentist
- Custom fit for better comfort
- Convenient—you don’t have to leave home
Cons:
- Takes longer since you need to wait for shipping
- No in-person adjustments if needed
Both options are simple and budget-friendly compared to dental tourism. If you need a quick fix, an over-the-counter guard might work, but for better comfort, a custom-fit night guard could be the better choice.
Related Articles:
Conclusion
Dental tourism can help you save money on a night guard, but it also comes with extra costs, travel hassles, and follow-up care concerns. While it might work for some, it’s not always the easiest option for something as simple as a night guard.
There are more convenient choices. Over-the-counter night guards are affordable and easy to find, but they may not fit well. Ordering a custom-fit night guard online gives you a better fit without needing to visit a dentist or travel.
Before making a decision, think about what works best for your budget, comfort, and convenience. The right night guard should be easy to get and work well for you.
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
