Occlusal Splints
Protect Your Teeth During Sleep
Occlusal Splints Melbourne CBD
Occlusal splints are specially designed mouthguards for people who grind and clench their teeth, have a history of pain and dysfunction related to their bite or temporomandibular joints (TMJ), or have completed a full mouth rehabilitation.
This precise custom-made orthotic device not only protects the teeth from harmful habits but also supports the TMJ and the muscles used in chewing.
How does a splint help?
The splint is custom made on models of your teeth using a chewing simulator to establish a perfectly even bite and prevent individual tooth wear and also reduce destructive forces on the jaw joints, ligaments and cartilage.
Signs You Might Need An Occlusal Splint
Your dentist is often the first person to notice or tell you that you may need to consider an occlusal splint.
When you visit for a dental check-up, your dentist may notice wear to the biting surfaces of your teeth, crack or chips in your teeth, or marks or indentations on the cheeks and tongue. Often these changes in the mouth can be a sign that you may clench or grind your teeth.
Sometimes, before you see your dentist, you may start to experience symptoms that can mean that you may need a splint.
These symptoms can include the following:
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, muscles or teeth
- Difficulty chewing food
- Limited or difficulty opening your mouth
- Tension headaches
- Increased sensitivity of the teeth.
Based on your symptoms and through a thorough dental check-up, your Melbourne CBD dentist may recommend and talk to you about considering an occlusal splint.
What happens if you don’t use a splint as indicated?
The teeth enamel rapidly wear down, exposing the soft internal part of the tooth, which wears quickly.
If left to wear down, bacteria can penetrate through to the nerve, and a root canal treatment may be required.
To restore the teeth, you may need dental crowns or porcelain veneers.
Dental crowns and implants are protected from excessive forces which may chip or loosen them.
Making Your Occlusal Splint
Splints are typically made of hard acrylic resin and moulded from an impression of your teeth.
After the splint is made, your Melbourne CBD dentist will fit and readjust it. You are expected to wear it at the recommended times, to come in for follow-up appointments to check on how your symptoms progress and to have the splint readjusted whenever necessary.
Your Melbourne CBD dentist will advise you about how to best care for the splint.
Occlusal Splints in Melbourne CBD
If you suffer or believe you are suffering from TMJ disorder or bruxism, oral splints may be the right treatment for you. Contact your Melbourne CBD dentist today.
Call us on (03) 9642 8955 or request an appointment online.
We are located at Level 17, 190 Queen Street in Melbourne CBD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are occlusal splints made from?
Occlusal splints are mainly made of acrylic. Most splints are clear, helping to make them look less obvious when worn.
When are occlusal splints worn?
Most occlusal splints are worn when you are sleeping. As when you are sleeping, you can involuntary brux, and you are unable to stop yourself from doing it.
You can also choose to wear your splint while working or studying.
How do I care for my occlusal splint?
Caring for your occlusal splint is important for getting the most out of it and ensuring it lasts for as long as possible!
At Art De Dente, we recommend that you:
- Always clean your splint with cold water
- Clean it before and after wearing
- Store it in its container when not in use
Your Melbourne CBD dentist will give you more instructions on how to care for your splint when they give it to you.