What to to about a hole worn through my night guard? i got a night guard for bruxism a little over three months ago, and i noticed today that i've worn a small hole in the back where my molars are. could this be a defective night guard? i can't imagine th

It : It is difficult to believe that this could happen. Perhaps there is a defect. No dental lab is perfect. Return to the dentist that prescribed it and seek his opinion.

If : If your nightguard was done recently check with your dentist if there is a defect in it and it can be redone. Usually it takes a while to wear it so much to get a hole in it. Talk to your dentist about it and let him know.

I : I would have your dentist take a look at it and see if it needs readjusted. It is extremely difficult to get proper adjustment on the first visit, especially if the patient's muscles are tight. Once delivered, i usually recommend they be regularly checked for heavy contacts (especially on the back teeth) frequently, especially since you have a history of bruxism. Holes worn in the back of appliances are common for those who have severe habits, but proper adjustment should minimize the risk of having to make a completely new nightguard and have the one you have last a while.

I : I have no difficulty believing this could happen. Your dentist made the night guard to protect your teeth from your grinding. Obviously he or she was correct in their diagnosis that you do grind. It may be a little early for you to have worn a hole in it, but not unthinkable. As long as your teeth are not contacting each other directly when you grind, a little hole in your night guard is no big deal. However, if you grind so severely that you create many holes and wear through it quickly you may have to have a new one made.

Get a hard guard: If you have worn thru your night guard . Probably you have a sfot guard need to replace with a hard night guard.

Not always: It is quite possible that the side to side shift of your teeth is not steep enough--the cusp tips of the molars are covered by very thin acrylic. This will "break through" and leave a hole. In most cases, there'll be no effect on the efficacy if the appliance--so long as the exposed tooth tip does not interfere with force. Your dentist can alter the shape and add acrylic or make you a replacement.

Talk to your dentist: Be thankful it is the guard you wore away and not more of your tooth structure...Ask your dentist on material options for your guard, and look into one that balances your bite, so that you are not anchoring in one area and ask about all excursive border areas to be addressed, too.