Occlusal Splint
Both the dentist and the patient can often find occlusal disorders challenging as well as concerning. The challenges arise because often the disorders are difficult to diagnose, and if left untreated for long, they can cause serious oral and overall health issues. Usually, one of the occlusal therapies that a dentist uses to remedy the occlusal problem is occlusal splint.
What Is Occlusal Splint Therapy?
Occlusal splint therapy is a non-invasive therapy that offers the dentist diagnostic information along with relieving the patient of various occlusal problems like TMDs and bruxism.
Occlusal splints are custom made bite plates and mouth guards that are made of clear plastic. Patients are asked to fit them between upper and lower teeth to remedy minor occlusal issues.
Benefits of Occlusal Splints
Bruxism is a medical condition where people grind their teeth. If bruxism is not treated, then it will wear down the tooth enamel and eventually the teeth. Occlusal splints are thus recommended for those suffering from bruxism or teeth clenching. They help by:
- Preventing tooth decay
- Relieving severe pain on the jaw and facial muscles by helping them to relax
- Relieving neck, head, jaw joints, and shoulder pains
- Dental restoration
- Normalising periodontal ligament proprioception
Occlusal splints are also recommended for those who suffer from bruxism and clenching of teeth unconsciously and have implants, veneers, dentures, crowns and bridges. Most of the time, patients are asked to wear the occlusal splints at night because most people grind or clench their teeth during sleep. If patients are suffering from muscle spasms due to grinding and clenching of teeth, they are asked to wear the dental splint during the daytime and night for a minimum of two weeks. Sometimes patients are also recommended to wear them during times of stress and while they are in pain apart from wearing them during their sleep.
The Procedure
A dentist analyses the issue and recommends a form of treatment. Since there are many different types of occlusal splints, different conditions will mean different forms of splints. Some of the different occlusal splints available are:
- Permissive
- Non-permissive
- Hydrostatic
- Silicon (soft rubber)
For more details about occlusal or dental splint, book an appointment with us at Chats Dental. We will check your condition and recommend a treatment that would help you to relieve your occlusal issues.