What is a Dental Splint and How Does it Work? Sydney

Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding or teeth clenching is an increasingly common condition among Australians. It is primarily caused by stress and causes the individual to involuntarily grind or clench their teeth while they are awake or asleep. One of the dental conditions caused by Bruxism is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which can be treated using a dental appliance called a dental splint.

Contact WiSE Dental today to speak to a dentist Macquarie Park residents trust for custom fitted dental splints.

Symptoms of TMJ

• Persistent headaches
• Clicking sound in the jaw when the mouth opens
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Pain in the jaw
• Vision related difficulties
• Sensitive teeth
• Misshapen or misaligned teeth

Severe bruxism can cause teeth to crack, which may require an emergency tooth extraction.

What Is a Dental Splint?

A dental split in a device that is designed to fit perfectly into the mouth and cover your teeth. It is custom designed to match the exact shape of your teeth and holds them in place when you are asleep. It prevents teeth from grinding and clenching, taking the pressure off the jaw and relieving pain.

Dentists create a precise impression of your teeth using putty and hand it over to a lab that uses the model to create a splint that is designed for your jaw.

Dental splints are not the same as mouthguards. While dental mouthguards are designed to protect from trauma during physical activities, a splint secures the teeth in place and specifically prevents them from the effects of grinding.

Different Types of Dental Splints

Hard Splints

Hard splints are made from tough, rigid materials such as acrylic. They fit over the upper or lower jaw and are strong enough to provide relief to patients with severe bruxism.

3D Splints

3D splints are growing in popularity and are made using advanced biocompatible resin materials which are extremely durable and flexible.

Soft/Hard Splints

Soft/hard splints are made using a combination of hard acrylic and soft thermoplastic. This results in a splint that is hard enough to help patients with severe bruxism while also remaining soft and comfortable. These are a popular choice with patients who find hard splits difficult to wear over long periods of time.

Experienced Bruxism and TMJ Dentist Macquarie Park

Are you experiencing headaches and facial pain due to clenched teeth? Contact WiSE Dental today for information on dental splints from a dentist North Ryde patients have trusted for years. We specialise in high-quality custom made splints that fit your teeth perfectly and provide relief whether you clench your teeth while awake or during sleep.