WHAT IS AN OCCLUSAL SPLINT?
BRISBANE SMILE BOUTIQUE PROVIDE DENTIST PRESCRIBED CUSTOM FITTED OCCLUSAL SPLINTS
An occlusal splint is a custom made appliance using computer technology, to fit over the surfaces of the upper teeth, to relieve abnormal pressures on the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint or TMJ), its supporting structures and the jaw muscles, as often seen in temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), a condition that results in pain in the jaw muscles, jaw joint sounds, headaches, premature wear of teeth and cracks, failure of restorations, and loss of teeth. Importantly an occlusal splint helps to preventing the force of the bite, sometimes hundreds of kilograms of pressure, from transferring to the teeth, which results in wear and tear of the teeth.
WHY dentists prescribe an occlusal splint
It stands to reason that an occlusal splint needs to be prescribed, fitted, adjusted and overseen by your Dentist, following 3D scans and analysis of your teeth, supporting tissues and bite. Some websites allow a self taken dental impression to be sent directly to a lab, for the return of an occlusal splint, but it is not an acceptable treatment to be issued without professional fitting and adjusting to accommodate movements of your jaw and bite. Incorrect fitting of an occlusal splint made with a selfie impression may exacerbate or cause negative symptoms, discomfort and pain. Your bite is so precise that 0.03mm is enough to cause a bite problem and radiating jaw pain. Intraoral scanners are able to detect these very small bite discrepancies, which can cause massively painful situations, such as temporomandibular dysfunction and muscle spasms.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS THAT An occlusal SPLINT MAY BE BENEFICIAL
Clenching and grinding of your teeth
Fractured, chipped or loose teeth
A dull headache, sore jaws and/or ear pain
Aching teeth, and stiffness in the face and temples, particularly when waking up
Sore jaws while eating, especially in the morning
Sensitivity to hot and cold
COST INDICATOR FOR OCCLUSAL SPLINT
From $950