Are You A Grinder?

What You Need To Know About Occlusal Splints

Occlusal splints also know as a night guard – What are they?  It is a type of dental appliance that can help minimise the damage of teeth grinding and protect your jaw joint. If you are reading this, we may have already recommended that you opt for this treatment. There are two main reasons for the recommendation. First, there are conditions such as constant headaches, ear aches or a sore jaw that have been diagnosed and linked to your dental health – does your jaw clicks, pops or even locks open/closed on certain occasions?  The second reason is severe signs of wear.

What’s the best way to get them?
Many people might ask whether they can get one at the store, however, that is not the best plan.  While in the eyes of many, store-bought splints may cost substantially less, there is a saying that needs to be brought to light again: “You get what you pay for.” In addition, using the right materials to construct your occlusal splints come with great pertinence as well and only a certified dentist can fabricate it properly.

You see, when your jaw is acting up or you have the habit of grinding your teeth, it is pertinent that you take the stress off both. The right material should be hard enough to control when you bite down and softer than your teeth at the same time. In general, ready-made splints bought from stores are soft and you will basically be putting the same force on your jaw and teeth exactly as you did without them. To conclude, you are better off getting customised occlusal splints from a dentist.

Unnecessary splint adjustments
If you want to ensure an efficient and fuss-free occlusal splint experience, you should avoid the need for unnecessary splint adjustments from the get-go. There are a few common problems that need to be brought to light, and more often, these problems that need to be solved can be pinpointed to two main areas: centric relation bite record and face bow mounted casts.

As mentioned, the first problem that may render an adjustment necessary is inaccurate or missing centric relation bite record. Without the provision of an accurate centric relation bite, even great sets of mounted models will not eliminate the need for splint adjustment.  Hence, the splints must ensure that the joints are fully seated as well as having contacts all around with immediate disclusion.

If you do require a night guard, the dentist  would take an impression of your top and bottom teeth, this is to ensure we have your correct bite, and we would then have our very own lab technician make a custom fitted guard using the highest quality materials available.  It is that easy.

So if you do believe you may need a night guard  feel free to give us a call today and we can book you in for an assessment.