In case someone has advised you to have an occlusal splint or you have experienced jaw pain or tooth grinding, you may want to know what a dental splint is and how it functions.
Dental splints are specially designed oral appliances used to immobilize teeth or lessen the effects of a jaw joint or even restore bite-related issues. They find extensive application in the field of dentistry in numerous pathologies, as well as preventing injuries caused by buccal grinding (teeth grinding).
This guide is about explaining what a dental splint is and what the alternatives are, why it can be helpful and what may possibly go wrong and what patients often ask.
What is a Dental Splint?
A dental splint is a specially fitted mouthpiece usually made out of stiff and hard acrylic, resin or any other kind of appropriate dental material. These cover the teeth, whether of the lower or upper jaw, according to the condition of your teeth. As dental care is concerned, dental splints perform a variety of functions:
- Adjusting wobbly teeth through trauma, gum disease or trauma.
- Defending against tooth wear and harm because of bruxism (teeth grinding).
- Reducing the existing jaw pain and taking the pressure off the temporomandibular joint.
However, there are different types of Dental splints, and it depends on the problem that is being fixed.
Types of Dental Splints
Dental splints vary, and each has its own purpose. The most typical ones are:
1. Occlusal Splint
An occlusal splint is an individualistic piece of equipment where the biting surface of the teeth is covered. The treatment of TMJ disorders, pain in jaws, and teeth grinding is one of the common uses applied in its treatment. It relieves the tension in the muscles and makes sure that teeth do not clench as it establishes an even bite surface.
2. Bite Splint for Teeth Grinding
Frequently, the term teeth grinding splint is synonymous with occlusal splints, but a bite splint is also specifically used to treat those who grind their teeth (bruxism) at night. It guards the enamel in teeth against wear and reduces the chances of fractures or chipping.
3. Splint of Loose Teeth
The dental splint for loose teeth is used when there’s a matter of gum disease, injury or loss of bone. It is used by linking moving teeth to fixed ones and helps reduce the movement of teeth by offering support. It is commonly a short-term solution until the dentist resolves the underlying conditions.
4. Bruxism Splint
Another bruxism protection apparatus is the bruxism splint, a device in the mouth to help those who grind their teeth heavily. You can use this bruxism splint during the night and also when faced with stressful events to help protect your teeth against wear damage and any type of jaw discomfort.
5. Periodontal Splint
In advance gum disease, dentists suggest these splints. It fixes teeth with loss of periodontal bone, which enables patients to chew in comfort without further causing tooth mobility.
Benefits of Teeth Splint
Dental splints have many advantages both in short-term and long-term oral health:
- Prevents Tooth Damage: Lessens the potential of jabbing, chipping, and wear down by the enamel due to the fissure.
- Moors Loose Teeth: A loose tooth splint can save tooth loss in cases where teeth are loose; therefore, the other gums and teeth are given time to heal.
- Jaw Pain Reliever: Lessens one of the causes of jaw pain, which is the muscles and overstraining of the jaw joint.
- Better Bite-Alignment: Assists in getting even bite impacts that could be the cause of the jaw probes.
- Shields Dental Work: affects a cushioning measure against hyper-pressure on crowns, fillings, and veneers.
- Promotes Periodontal Treatment: Helps to recover from gum disease by helping stabilize teeth that are affected.
In people with bruxism as a chronic problem or other problems with TMJ, splints will help greatly in improving the quality of life and avoiding further dental complications.
Side Effects of the Dental Splint
Although there are no side effects of these dental splints, but still some people face these uncommon effects, particularly during adjustment:
- Discomfort: There is a possibility of feeling uncomfortable with the splint in the first few days.
- Hyper Salivation: This is common during the initial days of its wearing.
- Speech Difficulty: There may be temporary lisping, although it normally resolves itself as you adapt.
- Bite Change: Sustained use without frequent checks by the dentist can lead to bite changes.
- Wear and Tear: Wear and tear may happen in the long run, as splints might need to be changed.
Frequent visits to the dentist will keep the splint in good shape and thus continue giving the required services.
FAQs On Dental Splints
How long to wear dental splint?
This will need to be based on how long you have had a dental condition. In the case of bruxism or TMJ disorders, you might find you have to wear it on a permanent basis. In case of a dental splint on loose teeth, it would be temporary till stabilizing the teeth. Your dentist will give certain instructions.
What does a dental splint look like?
The dentist normally fits an upper or lower clear or tooth colored acrylic appliance known as a dental splint over the teeth. Other splints only cover partial teeth, whereas some cover the entire arch.
How to clean dental splint?
Clean your splint with a soft, non-abrasive toothbrush, mild soap or denture cleaner on a daily basis. You must avoid hot water because it will warp the material. When it is not in use, store it in a ventilated container.
Conclusion
In dentistry, an occlusal splint (teeth splint) is a wide range of equipment that provides protection, fixing and even comfort in overcoming many oral health problems. If you are using or need a bite splint for teeth grinding, a dental splint for loose teeth, or a bruxism splint, the knowledge of the correct type can mean all the difference to your comfort and oral health.
To get a fine-quality splint and better diagnosis, as well as personalized care, SmileOn Dental Clinic is the place you should visit. Our experienced dentists will make your treatment plan effective, comfortable, and long-term!
