Splints (Mouth Guard for Grinding Teeth)
Bruxism or excessive grinding or clenching of teeth is one of the most common problems that exists in today’s population, without the patient having a proper knowledge about the condition. Hence, as a solution, a dental splint is worn either on top or on the bottom teeth to protect one’s teeth from damages caused by this problem. It acts as a barrier to prevent the teeth brushing against each other and help avoid further impairment from occurring.
What Are Splints?
Usually undetected until the damage to your teeth is significant, some of the usual symptoms determining the need for a splint, such as worn down and/or broken teeth, exposure of dentine (the second layer of the tooth), aching jaw, sore teeth on biting hard food, tension headaches and TM joint pain can only be identified during a routine dental examination.
Therefore, if treated early with splints, majority of them can be avoided or reversed. However, even though may feel tight around your teeth and may take a little getting used to, splints generally do not hurt. Most people find they are comfortable wearing it by the end of the third week.
Looking to alleviate the stress regarding your clenching and griding habits?
Book today for a professional assessment and enquire about your own custom-fitted splint.
FAQ's
Teeth grinding can happen anytime, during the night or day; therefore, Local Dental creates these barriers for your extensive use, so that they can become an integral part of your life and aid in preserving a beautiful set of teeth. Here, our dentist insists on checking its fitting upon each check-up and cleaning appointment, so that the patient’s body can get used to the wellness it is subjected to.
Why does Bruxism take place?
As it affects people of almost all age groups, right from young children to adults, there can be many underlying reasons for this, such as abnormal alignment of the jaw, underlying stress or situational anxiety, chronic longstanding muscular pain (shoulder or back issues). However, sometimes they can be unknown and triggered at any given time.
What is a splint?
The splint is a hard-plastic (with internal soft lining) device that is customized to be worn over your teeth when the patient is sleeping or performing an activity where they are likely to clench or grind.
What is the procedure to get a splint?
Taking around 2-3 weeks, getting an Occlusal Splints is straightforward and painless process. Once the diagnosis is complete, a dentist will need to make an impression of your teeth. This is then sent to a laboratory where a laboratory technician fabricates a custom-made device to fit your mouth.
Describe methods to maintain the splints condition.
Wash your splint every day after using it by running it under cold water only to dry it with paper tissue and store in its protective container. You can also give it a gentle brush with your toothbrush with toothpaste. It is advised to not eat or drink anything other than water when using the splint and not leave it unattended, as pets (especially dogs) tend to chew on them.
