Bruxism Teeth Grinding Mouth Guard Problem

[GrindingZombie]

Hi all

I got a custom made mouth guard for Bruxism / Teeth Grinding at night. My dentist told me the top of the mouth guard is a little sharp and is pressing on my top gum and it needs a little adjustment so it doesn't press on my gum. She suggested I could try to fix it myself.

Do you think trying to use sandpaper to make it softer and ease the pressure would work? Simply sand it down so it's much softer?

I can't go to the dentist that supplied it as it was done abroad.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

[Julie]

I'd ask your own dentist - it could create a bad irritation and/or even infection if not done properly... he may have to take some off with dental tools.

[readingteacher]

I have severe TMJ and have worn a dental appliance similar to a mouth guard 24/7 since 1987. Yes, you can "fix" minor issues with your appliance yourself.

I use a file rather than sandpaper, but either would work. I think a file would give you more fine control than sandpaper.

For me, a flat nail file couldn't follow the contours of the appliance. I went to the hardware store many years ago to look for a small, fine, round file. I bought a "chainsaw file", and that's what I've used ever since.

Go slow and make changes little by little until you get the sharpness down and it no longer pokes your gums. If you are not able to get it adjusted to your satisfaction, then you may need to contact your current dentist who can use his specialized tools to make bigger adjustments.

[chunkyfrog]

It surprises me that some people have no need for a Dremel tool.
Come on; it's only a step up from duck tape.

[readingteacher]

Chunky, I have very recently begun using an electric nail manicure file burr to do minor adjustments on my dental appliance. I have decades of experience with a dental appliance, and I started VERY VERY carefully. I know what I'm doing, and I know the limits of what I can do with my appliance and what I need the dentist for.

I would not recommend using a Dremel or other electric device to a newbie. Custom dental appliances are expensive. The result of any slip or mistake will be so much bigger with an electric device than with a hand file. A hand file and/or sandpaper will be sufficient for the OP to knock down the sharp edge of his appliance without causing unintended damage.

[GrindingZombie]

I have severe TMJ and have worn a dental appliance similar to a mouth guard 24/7 since 1987. Yes, you can "fix" minor issues with your appliance yourself.

I use a file rather than sandpaper, but either would work. I think a file would give you more fine control than sandpaper.

For me, a flat nail file couldn't follow the contours of the appliance. I went to the hardware store many years ago to look for a small, fine, round file. I bought a "chainsaw file", and that's what I've used ever since.

Go slow and make changes little by little until you get the sharpness down and it no longer pokes your gums. If you are not able to get it adjusted to your satisfaction, then you may need to contact your current dentist who can use his specialized tools to make bigger adjustments.

Thanks for the reply a nail file is a great idea I think I'll give that a try. All I need to do is make it softer / shorter and I think it will be fine.

[Callen]

I have severe TMJ and have worn a dental appliance similar to a mouth guard 24/7 since 1987. Yes, you can "fix" minor issues with your appliance yourself.

I use a file rather than sandpaper, but either would work. I think a file would give you more fine control than sandpaper.

For me, a flat nail file couldn't follow the contours of the appliance. I went to the hardware store many years ago to look for a small, fine, round file. I bought a "chainsaw file", and that's what I've used ever since.

Go slow and make changes little by little until you get the sharpness down and it no longer pokes your gums. If you are not able to get it adjusted to your satisfaction, then you may need to contact your current dentist who can use his specialized tools to make bigger adjustments.

Thanks for the reply a nail file is a great idea I think I'll give that a try. All I need to do is make it softer / shorter and I think it will be fine.

Just use a bench grinder. Simple as.