Does Dental Insurance Cover Night Guards?

June 20, 2021 · Ashely Notarmaso

Short answer:

Typically only when a dentist provides and bills for it. Sentinel Mouthguards doesn’t accept or bill dental insurance, and most plans won’t reimburse lab-direct purchases. If you’re buying from us, the smoothest route is FSA/HSA using our itemized receipt (and a Letter of Medical Necessity LMN  if your plan asks).

Part of our Night Guard Cost & FSA/HSA hub. For prices, receipts, and LMNs, see the Night Guard Cost & FSA/HSA Guide.

TL;DR

• Coverage through dental insurance tends to apply when a dentist prescribes, fabricates, and bills for an occlusal guard.

• Lab-direct purchases (like Sentinel) are usually not reimbursed by dental plans.

• Best path with Sentinel: Pay with FSA/HSA → submit our itemized receipt (attach a Letter of Medical Necessity if your plan requests it).

• Want insurance to contribute? Get your guard through your dentist.

Why plans usually cover dentist-billed, not lab-direct

Dental insurance is designed to reimburse treatment performed by your provider. Night guards billed by a dentist may be considered when:

• A clinical exam documents bruxism/TMJ-related need.

• The guard is prescribed, fitted, and adjusted by the dentist.

• The claim follows plan rules (pre-auth, frequency limits, etc.).

By contrast, when you buy lab-direct, there’s no provider claim coming from a treating dentist. Most plans don’t allow members to submit a receipt from a laboratory or retailer for this device.

If you want to use dental insurance

Choose one of these paths:

A) Insurance route
Get your guard through your dentist. Ask about: pre-authorization, expected coverage, copay, and any replacement/repair limits.

B) Sentinel route (most readers here):
Use FSA/HSA funds. We’ll provide an itemized receipt; some plans may request a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) signed by your dentist.

→ See: Night Guard Cost & FSA/HSA Guide
→ Get help: Itemized receipt (instructions) and LMN template (links below)

Quick comparison

Sentinel Mouthguards does not accept or bill dental insurance.

What to ask your dental plan (if you’re considering the dentist route)

Use these exact questions when calling your insurer:

1. Is an occlusal guard for bruxism considered a covered benefit on my plan?

2. Do I need pre-authorization?

3. What are the frequency limits (e.g., one every X years) or exclusions?

4. What is my estimated out-of-pocket cost?

5. Are adjustments or repairs covered?

Buying from Sentinel? Use FSA/HSA in 3 steps

1. Purchase your guard from Sentinel.

2. Request an itemized receipt (name, date, amount, “Custom Occlusal Guard for bruxism/TMJ,” business details).

3. Submit to your FSA/HSA. If your plan requests it, include a Letter of Medical Necessity signed by your dentist.

• Guide: Night Guard Cost & FSA/HSA

• Itemized receipt: paste-ready email is in the guide

• LMN template: available in the guide (download + bring to your dentist)

FAQs

Does Sentinel accept dental insurance?
No. We don’t bill dental insurance. Most plans won’t reimburse lab-direct purchases. Use FSA/HSA with our itemized receipt.

Can I submit my Sentinel receipt to my dental plan anyway?
You can try, but most plans will deny lab-direct purchases. If insurance coverage is important, obtain your guard through your dentist.

Will a night guard help my morning headaches?
It can. Learn more: Why do I wake with headaches from grinding?

How should a night guard fit?
Snug, even contact without gum pressure or rocking. Full checklist: How should a night guard fit?

Helpful links

• Pillar: Night Guard Cost & FSA/HSA Guide

• Are custom night guards FSA-eligible? 

Gentle disclaimers

This article is educational. Benefits and tax rules vary—confirm details with your benefits administrator, dentist, or tax professional.