If you’re a notorious tooth grinder or clencher, your dentist might recommend what’s called a dental splint. These handy tooth protectors have several uses and many benefits – and we’ve put together this handy guide to help you learn more about how a dental splint can improve your comfort, oral health, and overall quality of life.
What’s a dental splint?
A dental splint is an appliance which protects your teeth and their surrounding structures from damage.
If your teeth are looking worn and you feel you’re clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth during sleep, your dentist might suggest a splint. These devices prevent your upper and lower teeth from coming into contact as you sleep. You might still grind or clench, but your teeth will be protected from further damage.
If you have pain, discomfort in your jaw your dentist might suggest a splint, along with other behavioural or lifestyle remedies to lessen symptoms.
Some patients might benefit from an occlusal splint which has a stabilising function. These slimline splints are made from acrylic, are either soft or hard, and are fitted to either your upper or lower jaw.
Why might I need a dental splint?
Your dentist might recommend a splint if you grind or clench. You might notice yourself grinding or clenching when you’re awake; alternatively, some people with bruxism actually clench or grind during their sleep. Your clenching is likely caused by stress, this even happens during sleep.
Sleep bruxism is believed to be a sleep-related disorder, with the brain causing the muscles of the jaw to engage and contract just before you enter into REM sleep.
So why is clenching or grinding so bad? If you do it enough, your jaw muscles become overused and the joint itself might change, leading to pain, discomfort, or an inability to open your mouth completely. Chronic clenchers might even end up with TMJD, which affects the muscles of the lower jaw, the jaw joint and surrounding structures.
What are the benefits of a dental splint?
Dental splints distribute any force caused by clenching between upper and lower teeth, thus reducing muscle strain and load on the jaw joint.
Need a dental splint? Contact Suncoast Dental
When you’re having clenching, grinding or jaw woes, get in touch with Suncoast Dental Maroochydore. We proudly help patients throughout the local area and across the Sunshine Coast access reliable, affordable and effective dental care. Our welcoming, advanced clinic is home to a friendly, qualified dental team on hand to provide dental splints, implants, teeth whitening, sleep apnoea treatments and more. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Call Suncoast Dental today on (07) 5443 3500, send us an online message, or book an appointment via our website.
