Do you wake up with jaw pain or headaches? Have you noticed your teeth looking worn down? You might be grinding or clenching your teeth without even knowing it. A dental splint could help protect your teeth and reduce discomfort.
Many people grind their teeth at night, a condition called bruxism. Over time, this can damage your teeth and cause pain in your jaw. A properly fitted dental splint acts as a protective barrier and can help your jaw muscles relax.
What Is a Dental Splint?
A dental splint is a removable device that fits over your teeth, usually worn at night while you sleep. It’s also called an occlusal splint, night guard or bite splint. Think of it as a protective cover for your teeth.
Dental splints are typically made from hard acrylic or resin material. First step to getting dental splints is to visit your dentist, so they can make an accurate impression of your teeth. It is important that the dental splints fit the wearer’s teeth precisely for work properly and feel comfortable.
Why Do People Need Dental Splints?
There are several reasons why a dentist might recommend a dental splint:
Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism): This is the most common reason. Many people grind or clench their teeth during sleep without realising it. This puts a lot of pressure on your teeth and can cause them to wear down, chip or crack.
Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint isn’t working properly, it can cause pain when you chew, speak or open your mouth. A splint helps by reducing pressure on the joint and allowing your jaw muscles to relax.
Protecting Teeth: If you’ve had dental work like crowns, bridges or veneers, a splint can protect these from damage caused by grinding.
How Does a Dental Splint Work?
A dental splint creates a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This prevents them from grinding directly against each other during the night.
The splint also helps by:
- Distributing the force of biting and grinding more evenly across your teeth
- Helping your jaw rest in a more natural, relaxed position
- Reducing the activity of your jaw muscles during sleep
- Protecting tooth enamel from wearing down
It’s important to understand that a splint doesn’t stop you from grinding your teeth, but it does protect your teeth from the damage that grinding causes.
Types of Dental Splints
There are different types of dental splints used for different purposes:
Stabilisation Splints: These are the most common type. They cover all the teeth on either the upper or lower arch and have a flat surface. They help protect teeth from grinding and can help jaw muscles relax.
Hard Splints: Made from rigid acrylic or resin, these are durable and long-lasting. They’re the most common type recommended by dentists.
Soft Splints: Made from softer, more flexible material. These are less common for long-term use because they don’t distribute force as well as hard splints and can sometimes make grinding worse.
Why See a Dentist for a Splint?
A dentist-fitted splints custom made for you have important advantages:
Better Fit: A dentist takes an impression or scan of your teeth to create a splint that fits your mouth exactly. This makes it more comfortable to wear and more effective at protecting your teeth.
Proper Function: Shop-bought guards often don’t balance the forces in your jaw properly. A poorly fitting splint can sometimes make problems worse or cause your teeth to shift position.
Professional Assessment: A dentist will examine your teeth and jaw to understand what’s causing your grinding or jaw pain. They can then make a splint designed specifically for your needs.
Follow-Up Care: When you get a splint from a dentist, they’ll adjust it to make sure it fits properly and feels comfortable. They’ll also monitor your progress over time and make any necessary changes.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Splint
Getting a dental splint from your dentist usually takes two appointments:
First Appointment: Your dentist will examine your teeth and jaw. They’ll take impressions or digital scans of your teeth, which are used to create your custom splint in a dental laboratory.
Second Appointment: You’ll try on your splint to make sure it fits properly. Your dentist will adjust it if needed and show you how to use and care for it.
Most people wear their splint only at night, but your dentist will advise you on the best wearing schedule for your situation. Book an appointment with your dentist to discuss the best option for you.
Caring for Your Dental Splint
Taking care of your splint helps it last longer and keeps it hygienic:
Clean daily: Brush your splint gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Don’t use regular toothpaste as it can scratch the surface.
Rinse after use: Rinse your splint with cool water after removing it.
Store properly: Keep your splint in its protective case when not wearing it. Don’t leave it where it can get damaged or exposed to heat.
Bring to check-ups: Take your splint to your dental appointments so your dentist can check it’s still fitting properly and not too worn.
Signs You Might Need a Dental Splint
You might benefit from a dental splint if you experience:
- Waking up with jaw pain or headaches
- Your partner tells you they hear grinding noises while you sleep
- Your teeth look worn, chipped or flattened
- Tooth sensitivity that can’t be explained by decay
- Pain or clicking sounds when opening or closing your mouth
- Tight or tired jaw muscles, especially in the morning
How Long Do Dental Splints Last?
The lifespan of a dental splint depends on several factors including the material it’s made from and how severely you grind your teeth. Hard acrylic splints can last several years with proper care. Your dentist will check your splint at regular appointments and let you know when it needs replacing.
If your splint becomes damaged, loose or uncomfortable, contact your dentist rather than trying to adjust it yourself.
Other Treatments That May Help
While a dental splint is an effective treatment for many people, your dentist might also suggest:
- Stress management techniques, as stress often contributes to teeth grinding
- Addressing sleep issues that might be affecting your grinding
- Checking your medications, as some can increase grinding
- Exercises to relax jaw muscles
When to See Your Dentist
If you think you might be grinding your teeth or have jaw pain, it’s important to see your dentist. They can properly assess your situation and recommend the best treatment.
Early treatment can prevent more serious problems from developing and help you feel more comfortable. Don’t wait until your teeth are significantly damaged or your pain becomes severe.