Bruxism, or teeth grinding, refers to the clenching or grinding of the teeth during sleep.
A properly designed splint is unique for each mouth. It is custom-made by the Dentist following an accurate impression of the patient’s dentition. A transparent mouthguard made of rigid material is then fabricated, allowing free horizontal and lateral movements of the lower jaw.
The bruxism splint is used primarily at night and, in specific cases, during the day as well, in order to stabilize the bite, relieve the temporomandibular joints, relax the masticatory muscles, and prevent damage to the teeth (attrition, fractures, mobility). It has been proven beneficial in the management of headaches, jaw pain, and joint noises (clicking) during mouth opening.
Use of the splint requires meticulous oral hygiene, as well as careful cleaning of the splint itself.
Patients wearing a bruxism splint are advised to bring it with them to every dental check-up.
