Structural limitations that make ready-made mouthpieces not recommended

Teeth grinding and clenching can lead to tooth wear and jaw discomfort. That's why many people are turning to teeth grinding devices (mouthpieces), which are readily available online.
However, the information below is based on my experience using and reviewing commercially available products, and has been written to help you make a decision.

 

1) Definition — What is a ready-made grinding device?

These include soft or thin mouthpieces that can be easily purchased online, ones that are designed to be molded by soaking them in hot water, and ones that claim to be snoring-fighting devices.

 

2) Principle — Why might it be a problem?

The grinding device is not simply a tool to “block” teeth, but rather plays an important role in distributing the force applied to the teeth while allowing the jaw to move naturally.
However, it is repeatedly pointed out that many ready-made products have difficulty meeting this condition.

 

3) Precautions — Common issues reported during use

⚠️ Material/Thickness Issues

• Too soft or thin, not providing enough protection for teeth

• Durability that is likely to tear or puncture easily

⚠️ Lack of holding power

• It is not properly fixed to the teeth and is loose.

• The possibility that the force will be concentrated on certain teeth due to the shaking.

⚠️ Limitations of self-plastic surgery

• Short molding timing makes it difficult to form precise tooth grooves

• It touches the gums a lot and causes pain

• It is easy for the jaw to become fixed in an uncomfortable position during the hardening process.

⚠️ Rather, it makes the habit worse

• The soft texture makes you want to chew it.

• A closed structure, like a “wall,” may further induce unconscious bruxism.

⚠️ The Pitfalls of Dual-Use Products

• Although it claims to prevent snoring, it is difficult to accurately adjust the lower jaw position on your own.

• The structure in which the upper and lower parts only interlock restricts free jaw movement.

⚠️ Concerns about long-term use

• If the occlusion where only the molars touch is repeated, there is a possibility that chewing function may become uncomfortable.

• Gum pain and bite problems may accumulate.

 

4) Summary - A point more important than price

• Ready-made products range from tens of thousands of won to tens of thousands of won, while externally manufactured products range from around 100,000 won.

• However, the inability to adjust the occlusion and the difficulty in uniform contact and induction formation were repeatedly pointed out.

• Accumulating inconveniences due to cheap products can lead to greater costs and inconveniences.

Key Summary 📦

• Soft/thin, lack of fixation, limitations in self-forming

• Jaw position discomfort and potential worsening of teeth grinding

• Caution is needed with combination advertising → It has been suggested that ready-made products may worsen the condition.

finish

If you are experiencing discomfort due to teeth grinding, it is important to thoroughly research the information before trying a ready-made product.
This content does not recommend any specific product or treatment, and selection depends on individual circumstances and judgment.