Find Dental Appliances Providers in Burnaby, BC
Dental appliances are custom-fit devices that protect teeth, manage grinding, treat sleep apnea, or hold teeth in place after orthodontic treatment. If you live in Burnaby and you need a night guard, sports mouthguard, sleep apnea device, retainer, or TMJ splint, hellodent can help you search for participating providers. Burnaby residents can also search dental appliance providers in nearby Vancouver.
What Are Dental Appliances?
A dental appliance is a custom-made oral device that does a specific job, such as protecting teeth at night, cushioning impact during sport, opening the airway during sleep, or stabilizing the jaw joint. Most are designed and fitted in your dentist's office using impressions or a digital scan of your teeth.
In British Columbia, dental appliances are usually made by general dentists. Some appliances, such as sleep apnea devices and complex TMJ splints, may involve referral to a dentist with extra training or to a sleep specialist for diagnosis.
How Much Do Dental Appliances Cost in Burnaby?
Burnaby Dental Appliance Price Estimates
Costs vary based on the type of appliance, the material, and whether it is made in the dental office or sent to a lab. The estimates below are general ranges in British Columbia.
| Appliance | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
| Night guard (hard or dual-layer) | $300 to $700 |
| Custom sports mouthguard | $150 to $400 |
| Sleep apnea oral appliance | $1,500 to $3,500 |
| Retainer (per arch) | $250 to $600 |
| TMJ splint | $500 to $1,500 |
According to the hellodent Canadian Dental Health Guide, the cost of your appliance may depend on:
- The material used, since hard acrylic and dual-layer guards tend to cost more than soft single-layer ones
- Whether the appliance is fabricated in office or sent to an outside dental lab
- The complexity of the case, such as a TMJ splint that needs careful jaw positioning
- Clinic location, since practices with higher overhead such as rent may charge more than smaller suburban offices
Types of Dental Appliances Available in Burnaby
Night Guards
A night guard is a custom-fit tray worn while you sleep to protect your teeth from grinding (bruxism) and clenching. It can help prevent worn enamel, cracked teeth, and jaw soreness. Most night guards are made of hard acrylic or a dual-layer of hard and soft material.
Sports Mouthguards
A sports mouthguard cushions your teeth and jaw during contact sports and may reduce the risk of broken teeth and cut lips. Custom mouthguards from a dentist fit better than boil-and-bite versions and are often required by sport leagues.
Sleep Apnea Devices
Oral appliance therapy can be an option for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, often used for patients who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine. The device gently shifts your lower jaw forward to keep your airway open. A sleep specialist's diagnosis is usually required before a dentist can fit one.
Retainers
A retainer helps hold your teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment. Some retainers are removable, while others are bonded behind your front teeth. Without a retainer, teeth often shift back over time.
TMJ Splints
A TMJ splint is a custom appliance worn to manage jaw joint pain, tension, and clicking. It may be worn at night or during the day based on your dentist's recommendation. Splints are often used along with other treatments such as physical therapy or jaw exercises.
Custom vs Store-Bought
Store-bought boil-and-bite guards are an option for low-impact use, but they often fit poorly, wear out faster, and may even shift your bite over time. A custom appliance from a dentist is shaped to your teeth, lasts longer, and tends to be more comfortable.
Where to Find Dental Appliance Providers in Burnaby
Burnaby has dental appliance providers spread across the city. Grouping by area can help you find one near home, work, or transit.
North Burnaby: Brentwood, Burnaby Heights, Capitol Hill, Willingdon Heights
South Burnaby: Metrotown, Edmonds, Highgate, Royal Oak
Use hellodent to search by location, sort by rating or distance, and request an appointment with a participating provider. Vancouver is right next door if you cannot find a fit in Burnaby. When choosing, experience with the type of appliance you need can matter more than how close the provider is. A dentist who fits sleep apnea devices regularly may be a better match than the closest clinic that only offers night guards.
How to Choose a Dental Appliance Provider in Burnaby
Credentials to Look For
Every dentist practising in BC is registered with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP). You can verify a dentist's credentials through the BCCOHP before booking. For sleep apnea devices, look for a dentist with extra training in dental sleep medicine.
General Dentist or Specialist
Many dental appliances can be made by general dentists, including common treatments like night guards, sports mouthguards, and basic retainers. For sleep apnea devices, complex TMJ splints, or post-orthodontic retainers, your dentist may refer you to a prosthodontist or orthodontist who works within that specialty only.
Questions to Ask
- Do you offer the appliance I think I need for my specific issue?
- Is the appliance custom-made, and is it sent to a dental lab or made in office?
- What is the estimated cost of my visit and the appliance?
- How long should the appliance last, and what is the warranty if it breaks?
Paying for Dental Appliances in Burnaby
Provincial Coverage
For most BC residents, dental care is typically paid out of pocket or through private insurance. The Medical Services Plan (MSP) generally does not cover routine dental work, though dental work done in a hospital may be covered.
Private Insurance
If you have private dental insurance, your plan may cover some or most of a custom appliance, especially night guards and sleep apnea devices when medically necessary. Check your plan booklet for yearly maximums and limits, and ask the clinic for a pre-determination so you know what your insurer is willing to cover.
CDCP Coverage
If you do not have private dental insurance and your household income is under $90,000 per year, you may be eligible for coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a dental program funded by the federal government and administered by Sun Life. Mouthguards, night guards, and TMJ appliances are not covered by the CDCP. Other treatments such as exams, X-rays if required, and dental hygiene may still be covered. Frequency limits may apply. Coverage will need to be renewed annually. Apply for coverage through the Government of Canada website.
Financing and Payment Plans
Many Burnaby clinics offer in-house payment plans or work with third-party lenders to spread the cost of larger appliances such as sleep apnea devices over several months. Ask about options before booking so you know what to expect.
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional. The information in this article has been gathered based on information available online and has not been fact checked by a dental professional.