Power Carving Hard Plastic

KimHoJo · #1 07-06-2005, 08:13 PM

Do any of you have experience using a power tool (Dremel, Foredom, etc.) on plastic and, if so, can you recommend a method/tool bit to put a highly polished finish on a piece of hard plastic?

I was fitted for a night guard at the dentist today and they did the final shaping with a tool that looked like a Dremel with a carbide cutter. The finish is a little rough where the plastic was shaped and I figured there must be some easy way to polish it up myself.

Yes, I know this topic is a little off-the-wall, but I have yet to post a question here that someone couldn't answer!

wade clark · #2 07-06-2005, 09:27 PM

I'd suggest taking it back and having them polish it right. They probably charge like it's a masterpiece, let them get the details right! While any sanding would probably help, they might say you damaged it and have to pay for repairs vs. them finishing their work.
Short of that, some very fine sand paper would be a safe bet.
Good Luck!
Wade

KimHoJo · #3 07-06-2005, 09:33 PM

Good point, but they say they DID smooth it. I just don't like the results. I'd never leave a carving this rough. ;-)

rales · #4 07-06-2005, 09:47 PM

I've had the same problem with porcelin crowns that had to be adjusted... they never get smooth again... and yet I have some gold ones that are perfect no matter what they do to them.
As a sideline - I have carved acrylic blocks and used a propane torch to flame polish to the final finish... (I'd suggest removing the guard from your mouth before trying this

)

rales

BasketballJones · #5 07-07-2005, 08:38 AM

Man, don't do it. I've had quite a few sports related mouth injuries and keep my dentist employed. I too hate the artificial mouth junk as they can become discomforting at times. I worked with a guy who used a dremel to adjust the fitting on his dentures. It worked. I mentioned this to my dentist friend (see we became friends). There is a bacteria staph or something that if imbedded in the gums is directly related to the heart. That is why heart patients take pennicillin before going to the dentist. You payed the dentist make him get it right and save the dremel for carving.