The mouth splint is an oral device that helps to protect teeth and temporomandibular joint or TMJ. Here we explain everything about these dental splints.
1) What is the mouth splint and what is it for?
The dental splint is a custom-made plastic or resin device that is generally placed over the teeth of the upper jaw and helps protect the teeth and temporomandibular joints from the effects of bruxism or joint pathologies temporomandibular. It is also indicated in some cases of complete rehabilitation with prostheses on implants, veneers or crowns, to prevent possible fractures of the prosthetic components and restorations.
1A) What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the involuntary action of grinding the teeth without functional purposes. This disorder can occur during the day, although it usually occurs at night. Bruxism can cause tooth wear, sensitivity, cracks, fractures, sleep problems, headaches, muscle contractures, ear pain and/or problems in the temporomandibular joint.
1A.a) What is the temporomandibular joint?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located on each side of the jaw that allows us to talk and chew. The involuntary movements caused by bruxism can overload the TMJ, damage it and lead to its malfunction. It can even generate contractures, overloads or injuries in other parts of the body.
1A.b) The dental splint, an ally against the effects of bruxism
It’s easier to understand the importance of the splint once bruxism and its consequences have been explained. It is important to note that dental splints counteract these effects, but it doesn't eliminate the causes.
1B) How does the mouth splint work?
The mouth splint releases the tension exerted on the jaw when you grind or press your teeth. In this way, it protects the dental and joint structures, as well as the prosthetic components or restorations.
1C) What is the difference between a dental splint and a mouthguard?
A splint and a mouthguard are dental devices with different purposes. The mouth splint is used for what was mentioned above, while the mouthguard is used to protect the mouth during sports activities or high-risk impact situations. It is made of softer, more padded materials and is usually thicker than a splint, providing a layer of cushioning to prevent injury. Thus, the mouth splint focuses on relieving dental problems and protecting the jaw, while the mouth guard is designed to protect against impacts and injuries. Both must be performed by a professional to avoid damage to the joints and dental structures.
2) How do I know if I need to wear a dental splint?
One of the problems with bruxism is the difficulty in detecting it, especially nocturnal bruxism. Being an involuntary tooth movement, bruxists are not aware of their situation until someone tells them or the consequences begin to be noticeable at a glance. However, there are some symptoms that may indicate the need to use a splint.
2A) If you have any of these symptoms, you may need a mouth splint
Some of these symptoms may appear when the temporomandibular joint is overloaded due to bruxism:
- Pain in the jaw when chewing or yawning.
- Trismus: difficulty opening the mouth normally.
- Clicks or crunching when opening the mouth.
- Blockade or dislocation of the jaw.
- Pain of head, ear, neck, back or muscle contractures in the area.
- Wear, sensitivity, cracks or even breakage of parts.
The dentist will be in charge of assessing signs and symptoms to determine the need for mouth splint treatment. Additional treatments such as orthodontics, rehabilitation of missing teeth, prosthetics, etc. may be needed depending on the type of bruxism and symptoms.
2B) The importance of the splint
We have already explained that the mouth splint serves to counteract the effects of bruxism, but its use has many positive consequences for those who use it.
2B.a) The splint helps stop the wear of the teeth
Bruxism is one of the main causes of dental wear, a problem that if left uncontrolled, can lead to irreversible damage that leads to tooth loss. The splint protects teeth from wear.
2B.b) Reduces headaches, neck, shoulder and back pain
Excess pressure placed on the jaw can lead to affecting the muscles of the head, neck, shoulders and back causing pain. The splint reduces that pressure and, therefore, its consequences.
2B.c) Avoid ear pain
The TMJ is near the ear canal, so its overload can also lead to pain or ringing in the ears. The dental splint can prevent TMJ dysfunction and these consequences.
2B.d) The TMJ splint prevents jaw problems
The splint plays a role in the face of problems already described such as jaw pain, difficulty opening the mouth normally, clicking, and jaw blockages or dislocations.
3) How to make the dental splint
The splints are made to measure and are generally made of resin, a material that can cushion tension and allow adjustments if necessary. It is important to remember that it will be the dentist who will determine whether or not the splint is necessary after exploring the mouth. If this is the case, molds or digital scans of the mouth are taken to be able to study the case and manufacture the appropriate device for each case. Once ready, it will be placed in the patient's mouth and its fit and stability will be checked. It is common to notice slight pressure the first few days, but this should reduce with use. One week after placement, the dentist will perform a new check to make sure everything is working correctly.
3A) How to place the dental splint
Placing the splint is simple, you just have to fit it as the dentist shows us and do not bite until you are sure that it is correctly placed. It may be a little difficult at first, but with practice it ends up being very easy. To remove it, the patient is usually instructed to insert a finger on each side of the mouth splint, applying downward pressure at the same time on both sides.
3B) When do you put on the splint?
Mainly in cases where there is a problem of bruxism, TMJ problems, and sometimes at the end of rehabilitation treatment with prostheses fixed such as dental implants or veneers. Bruxism is a problem that usually occurs while we sleep, so the splint is especially recommended at night. However, the dentist may recommend its use during the day for very acute cases of bruxism.
3C) When are the effects of the mouth splint noticed?
The effects should begin to be noticed a few days after starting to use it if the splint has been made and adjusted correctly. You have to be constant in its use to maintain that benefit.
3D) How long should you wear the dental splint?
This will depend on each case, since bruxism can be something specific and concentrated over time or it can be a condition that accompanies us for life. Therefore, the splint could be a temporary treatment or something ongoing.
3E) What happens if I forget to put the splint on some days?
It is common for the patient to occasionally forget to put on the splint to sleep, or to have left it at home while traveling. In general, nothing should happen if you don't put the mouth splint on for one or several days, but it is advisable to use it again as soon as possible. On the one hand. you may notice pressure when using it again, On the other hand, because the effects of the splint are lost while it is not used. The pressure is due to the slight changes in position that the teeth suffer over time, but these discomforts usually disappear after a few days of using it again. The dentist may have to make a new dental splint adapted to the new conditions of your mouth if you have not used it for a long time.
4) How to properly care for and maintain your dental splint
A mouth splint can last two, three or even more years, although its duration will depend on the pressure exerted by each patient and whether it is maintained correctly. Some tips in this direction:
4A) Go to periodic reviews
The dentist will determine a series of periodic check-ups to check that the splint is adjusted correctly and it is still effective, since with use it could become out of adjustment and wear out.
4B) Splint hygiene is also essential
It is essential to brush your teeth properly before wearing the splint, so that bacterial plaque does not accumulate in it. Likewise, you must clean the splint after removing it as follows:
- With a brush, it can be the same one with which we brush our teeth or a special one to clean prostheses, under the tap with cold water, clean any remains of plaque that may have adhered during use.
- It’s not necessary to apply toothpaste.
- Avoid washing it with hot water as it could be deformed and damaged.
- Once clean, let it dry in a cool place and keep it in its box.
- Every 3 or 4 weeks It is advisable to submerge the splint in a glass of water and a special pill to clean dentures, to help eliminate possible tartar that may have stuck to its surface.
4C) Does the dental splint have any side effects?
If you do not carry out adequate hygiene of the splint itself or if you have careless dental hygiene, its use could lead to cavities, tissue irritations, etc. But If used correctly and tightly fitted, it should not present side effects beyond the discomfort of the first days of using it. We take this opportunity to remember that the splints are made in a completely personalized way for each person, so it is totally inadvisable to buy them online. Wearing a dental splint that is not correctly adapted and personalized to the conditions of each patient could cause damage to the joints and be harmful. The dental splint is a dental treatment that must be carried out by professionals.
