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How Dental Splints Work to Prevent Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching?

Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, and jaw clenching are common issues that can lead to significant discomfort, tooth damage, and even chronic headaches or jaw pain. One of the most effective solutions for managing these conditions is the use of dental splints. These custom-made devices are designed to protect your teeth, relieve muscle tension, and prevent long-term damage caused by grinding and clenching.

In this blog, we’ll explore how dental splints work, why they’re an essential tool for managing bruxism, and how they can improve your overall oral health.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition where individuals grind their teeth or clench their jaws, often during sleep but sometimes in the daytime. It can be caused by stress, anxiety, abnormal bite alignment, or sleep disorders. Over time, bruxism can wear down tooth enamel, cause fractures, lead to tooth sensitivity, and create tension in the jaw muscles, leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

How Do Dental Splints Work?

Dental splints (sometimes called night guards or occlusal splints) are custom-fitted devices made of durable acrylic or soft material that are worn over the upper or lower teeth. They serve as a protective barrier between your teeth, preventing direct contact and reducing the effects of grinding or clenching.

Here’s how dental splints work to prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching:

  • Protect Teeth from Damage: By covering the teeth, dental splints act as a buffer, preventing the teeth from grinding against each other. This protects the enamel and reduces the risk of tooth wear, cracks, and fractures.
  • Relieve Jaw Tension: Dental splints help realign the jaw and prevent the excessive force that causes muscle fatigue and pain. This can relieve discomfort in the jaw, neck, and even reduce associated headaches.
  • Prevent TMJ Disorders: By minimising the strain on the jaw joint, dental splints can help prevent or manage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, a condition that can result from prolonged clenching and grinding.
  • Promote Better Sleep: Since bruxism often occurs during sleep, wearing a dental splint at night can reduce grinding noises and allow for a more restful sleep for both the individual and their partner.

Types of Dental Splints

There are different types of dental splints available depending on the severity of bruxism and individual needs:

  1. Soft Splints: Made from a flexible material, these are ideal for patients with mild teeth grinding or clenching.
  2. Hard Splints: Constructed from a more rigid acrylic material, these are designed for more severe cases of bruxism and provide stronger protection.
  3. Dual Laminate Splints: These combine a soft inner layer for comfort with a hard outer layer for durability, providing a balance between protection and comfort.

Your dentist will assess the severity of your condition and recommend the best type of dental splint for you.

Benefits of Dental Splints for Teeth Grinding and Clenching

  • Prevention of tooth damage: Dental splints offer an essential barrier that prevents the long-term damage caused by chronic grinding.
  • Jaw and muscle pain relief: By reducing muscle tension, dental splints can alleviate pain in the jaw, neck, and even shoulders.
  • Better oral health: Dental splints reduce the risk of developing complications such as cracked teeth.
  • Improved quality of life: Splints can help reduce sleep disturbances caused by bruxism, improving overall sleep quality.

Are You a Candidate for a Dental Splint?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, a dental splint may be beneficial:

  • Frequent headaches, especially upon waking
  • Jaw pain or discomfort
  • Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth
  • Visible signs of tooth wear
  • A partner who complains of loud grinding noises during sleep

Book Your Consultation Today

If you’re suffering from teeth grinding or jaw clenching, a dental splint could be the solution you need to protect your teeth and relieve discomfort. At Perth Facial Injectables, we specialise in creating custom-fitted dental splints tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how a dental splint can improve your oral health and overall well-being. You can book an appointment online or call us at (08) 6325 5720. Let our team of dental professionals help you find the best solution for managing bruxism and restoring comfort.