How to File an Appeal for Severe Bruxism

Bruxism is when you grind your teeth or clench them together. Many people who suffer from severe bruxism can't control the problem because they grind their teeth while they are sleeping. Bruxism can lead to other serious problems, such as wearing the teeth down, pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and headaches. When filing an appeal for severe bruxism, it helps to include photographs, as well as trying to convince the insurance company that it will cost them more money in the long run if they don't pay for immediate treatment.

Things You'll Need

• Insurance booklet
• X-rays
• Photographs
• Letter from dentist

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Instructions

• 1

  Do not pay the dental bill. According to FinancialWeb.com, you should not pay the bill until the claim is resolved because you are not likely to get a refund.

• 2

  Read the appeals process in your insurance booklet and follow the guidelines and timelines exactly, including where to mail the appeal, who to address it to and what documents to send with it.

• 3

  Obtain X-rays from the dentist to send with your appeal, especially those showing that the teeth have worn down dangerously low and may need root canals or crowns if the bruxism problem is not corrected soon.

• 4

  Send photographs of the teeth that have been worn down because of grinding. It is especially easy to tell when front teeth are damaged because of bruxism. Ask someone to take closeup photos of the teeth for you.

• 5

  Point out to the insurance company anything in your contract with them that says they will pay for damaged teeth, regardless of the reason for the damage, if this is the case with your bruxism.

• 6

  Ask your dentist to write a letter on your behalf, telling the need for the bruxism appliance or the work he must perform because of the bruxism. Send the letter with your claim.