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Occlusal Splint: Your Essential Aid for Protecting Teeth and Jaw Joints

  • songkhunmorjudfun
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

Updated: 1 hour ago


Occlusal Splint

Do you ever wake up with facial pain, headaches, or unexplained tooth sensitivity? These symptoms may signal Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) or a problem with your Temporomandibular Joint (TMD). If left untreated, these issues can lead to severe long-term damage to your oral health. The Occlusal Splint (or Splint) is the solution designed by dentists to correct and relieve these symptoms.

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What is an Occlusal Splint?

A Splint is a custom-made dental appliance crafted from medical-grade materials. It is either hard or soft, as appropriate. Your dentist will instruct you to wear it in your mouth, usually during sleep. The primary functions of the splint are:

  1. Tooth Protection: It acts as a protective shield between your upper and lower teeth, reducing the impact and friction caused by clenching or grinding.

  2. Jaw Joint Stabilization: It helps position the jaw in a relaxed, optimal position, relieving overworked chewing muscles and the jaw joints.


How Does a Splint Help You? (Key Benefits)

Consistent use of an occlusal splint, guided by your dentist, provides significant benefits for your oral health and quality of life:

  1. Prevents Tooth Wear and Damage: It's an investment that protects your precious tooth enamel and existing dental work from long-term damage like cracks, fractures, or severe wear caused by teeth grinding.

  2. Relieves TMD Symptoms: It reduces pressure and evenly distributes the biting force across both jaw joints, alleviating jaw pain, joint clicking, or jaw locking when opening or closing your mouth.

  3. Reduces Muscle Pain and Headaches: It relaxes the tense chewing muscles caused by habitual clenching, leading to a reduction in facial pain, headaches, and associated neck stiffness.

  4. Stabilizes Bite Position: It helps guide your upper and lower teeth to meet in a correct and stable position.


Who Should Wear an Occlusal Splint?

Your dentist may recommend an occlusal splint if you experience any of the following conditions:

  1. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Whether you grind severely during sleep or habitually clench your teeth during the day.

  2. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD): Such as persistent jaw pain, joint sounds (clicking/popping), or degenerative joint conditions.

  3. Severe Tooth Wear: Frequent, unexplained tooth fractures/cracks.

  4. Unstable Bite: Where your back teeth do not meet evenly or consistently.


Types of Occlusal Splints

Dental splints are primarily divided into two main types. Your dentist will select the most suitable type based on your symptoms and needs:

  1. Hard Splint: Made from durable materials (e.g., clear acrylic), it allows for precise and stable bite correction. Ideal for severe grinding and long-term use.

  2. Soft Splint: Easy to wear and lightweight, suitable for temporary use or for younger patients whose jaws are still developing. Often used for temporary relief or sports protection.


The Splint Fabrication Process at Our Clinic

At our clinic, we focus on meticulous diagnosis and creating a perfectly fitted splint for maximum effectiveness:

  1. Diagnosis: Your dentist will thoroughly examine your oral health, TMD symptoms, and biting pattern.

  2. Impressions/3D Scan: We will take precise dental impressions or a 3D digital scan of your teeth to send to the lab.

  3. Custom Fabrication: The splint is specifically designed to match your unique tooth shape and bite relationship.

  4. Delivery and Adjustment: Your dentist will fit the splint, make necessary bite adjustments for perfect balance, and provide instructions on proper use, cleaning, and maintenance.


If you suffer from jaw pain, chronic headaches, or suspect you grind your teeth, don't wait! Early diagnosis and starting treatment with an occlusal splint can prevent serious damage to your teeth and jaw joints.


Interested in a diagnosis and consultation about an Occlusal Splint? Book an appointment with our specialist dentist at Songkhonmor Judfun Dental Clicin (SKM Dental Clinic).

📞 Free Orthodontic Consultation! Contact us for more details:

  • Mittraphap Branch 1: 099 467 8789 or 094 262 8448

  • Klang Muang Branch 2: 099 171 7161 or 043 22227


 


 
 
 

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