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Bite splint instruction

An occlusal splint is a removable appliance made of acrylic /resin that covers the biting surfaces of

upper or lower teeth. It is indicated for patients who have jaw /muscle pain or headaches; temporomandibular disorders

(TMD)or patients who display excessive wear of their teeth from clenching or grinding(bruxism).

It will allow the jaw to find its best position because the splint prevents the teeth from locking

together, which reduces load on jaw muscles & teeth.

ADVANTAGES

Protects natural teeth from further wear & prevent further cracking of teeth. Protects restorations,

resin fillings, Crowns, Bridges or Implant restorations.

Relieves jaw joint pain, muscle aches in jaw, jaw/muscle related headaches/neck pain.

Stabilises jaw joint

Promotes jaw relaxation in patients with stress -related pain symptoms.

WHEN TO WEAR

If you are aware you grind at night then wear at night while you sleep to prevent this. If you are

experiencing pain in the morning on awakening again this is a sign of night-time clenching so again

wear at night until symptoms subside.

If you find you are clenching during the day then, daytime use is advised. If you are getting pain in

jaw joints or muscles during the day then daytime use is indicated. Some patients require full time

use during initial phases to get pain to subside.

WHAT TO EXPECT INITIALLY

Excess saliva for a few days, this normally subsides after a week or two of continued use.

Once put in feels tight initially for a few minutes, this is normal. It will feel snug against the teeth but

not too tight or uncomfortable. It should not rub the gums.

The jaw position will be unusual at first but after a few days become used to the new position. Pain

if it was a symptom should subside.

Altered speech should return to normal if using it during the day as the tongue adjusts to new

position. Practice reading out load in private before using in public for the first time.

WHEN TO REMOVE

Do not wear whilst eating, it is not designed for this.

Remove while cleaning your teeth, sounds obvious but happens late at night!

Not to be worn during sporting activities, this is not a sports mouthguard.

CLEANING & STORAGE

The splint needs to be kept clean, just as your own natural teeth.

Bad breath & taste will result from inadequate cleaning.

Clean with a soft brush & anti-bacterial hand soap for a minute before & after use.

Rinse & dry then place in storage box provided.

It may be disinfected for 10 minutes periodically in Milton’s Solution once per week to keep microbe

levels down.

MAINTENANCE

Keep appointments for review or adjustments of occlusal splint.

Bring along to EVERY DENTAL APPOINTMENT so this can be checked & adjusted as required.

Do not keep wearing unless you are having the periodic 6 monthly appointments so it can be

checked it is fitting/working properly.

WHEN TO CONTACT DENTAL CLINIC

If pain is not reducing in jaw joints after a several days of continued use.

The bite is not comfortable.

It feels too loose & keeps falling out.

Notice any cracks or damage.

Loss or breakage from incorrect use is not covered.

DO NOT

Clench or continuously bite down on mouthguard

Soak in Dettol/denture cleaning agents /alcohol based mouthwash for long periods

Use toothpaste to clean

Place in hot water

Leave out in direct sunlight

Carry in pocket without being in protective case

Leave out for the dog to chew!

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS

Modified diet, soft diet, to rest jaw & minimise chewing.

Try to chew on both sides & not favour one side.

Avoid extreme movements, yawning and/or opening too wide & don’t talk too much!

Physiotherapy.

Exercises, massage, gentle stretching can be effective in reducing pain.

Hot and cold packs applied to tender areas can be useful in reducing pain

Relaxation & stress management can go a long way to stopping the symptoms.

Medications, painkillers including anti-inflammatories are useful in short term pain management.

Crack Tooth Syndrome

Teeth are fracturing due to longer life spans (older, brittle teeth tend to crack more) and teeth clenching and grinding (higher stress in modern society).

Diagnosis is critical if your dentist can detect a crack while it’s small, treatment can usually save a tooth. However Crack Tooth Syndrome is a real problem that’s often quite difficult to diagnose. The term “syndrome” refers to the association of several clinical signs (discovered by the dentist) and symptoms (reported by the patient), which often occur together. Because the signs and symptoms vary in cracked tooth syndrome, diagnosis , actually pinpointing the problem tooth (or teeth), can be difficult. Sometimes crack detection requires high magnification instruments. Most endodontists (root canal specialists) use microscopes as a routine part of their practice and are very good at detecting cracks and fractures. Endodontists can also assess whether a crack has involved the nerve within a tooth and whether root canal treatment is needed to relieve the pain and symptoms.

Symptoms will vary depending on the location of the crack in a tooth and what other structures are involved. A sharp, intense pain of short duration during chewing and upon release of food usually indicates a crack in a “vital” tooth, in which the nerve has not been affected. If a crack reaches the nerve it will become an avenue for infection. The pulp tissue housing the nerve then becomes inflamed and sensitive to temperature changes. Cracks in teeth without a living nerve give vague symptoms and the origin of the pain is often difficult to locate until the tissues around the teeth are affected. If a crack involves the periodontal structures (the gum, periodontal ligament and bone), symptoms may include tenderness around the tooth, easily identifying what tooth is hurting.

Treatment is always based on a proper diagnosis. It could be as simple as replacing the lost tooth structure, or covering the crack or fracture with appropriate restorative materials. If the nerve is involved, it might mean root canal treatment and protection of the tooth with a crown (cap). Another suggestion your dentist may have, is that you consider wearing an occlusal (bite) guard to protect your teeth from clenching and/or grinding (bruxism) which may very well be occurring subconsciously. At worst, if the tooth is not salvageable it will mean tooth loss and replacement.