Bite Splints: Great Oral Protection Therapy
Treating disorders related to malocclusion is often a significant challenge for dentists and patients, as their symptoms are typically very diverse and difficult to diagnose. Additionally, treatment therapies such as surgery and long-term pharmacological therapy are often a nightmare for patients. For these reasons, Bite Splints have emerged as an excellent therapeutic solution in both aesthetics and science, providing accurate diagnostic information and significantly reducing symptoms without associated complications.
The Concept Of Bite Splints
Bite splints are removable dental devices that cover some or all of the upper or lower teeth and treat TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders) and TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorders. They also protect the teeth from damage caused by bruxism (teeth grinding), malocclusion (misalignment of teeth), and certain headaches. Additionally, bite splints provide diagnostic information in various ways.
Bite Splints are prescribed by a doctor to be worn during specific times of the day, night, or both, depending on the patient’s condition.
Which Patients Should Use Bite Splints?
Temporomandibular Joint Disc (TMD) and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders Issues related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscle tension, uneven jawbone, teeth grinding habits, injuries, or other conditions can lead to joint pain, difficulty opening the mouth, and other issues such as headaches, earaches, and sleep difficulties.
Temporomandibular Joint Disc (TMD) and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders
Bruxism Is a behavior of strong, purposeless teeth grinding typically occurring during sleep that can cause tooth wear, muscle pain, and jawbone discomfort.
Malocclusion is the condition where the upper and lower jaws do not align properly or are misaligned when biting, leading to difficulty chewing and jaw pain
Certain headaches Excessive tension or conditions such as sinus inflammation and neck pain can lead to headaches.
Benefits Of Using A Bite Splint
Preventing tooth damage and restoration
Teeth grinding is almost uncontrollable during sleep, causing issues like tooth wear, enamel erosion, or damage to gums and surrounding tissues. Wearing a Nightguard helps separate upper and lower teeth, minimizing direct impacts on teeth.
Bruxism
Minimize snoring and achieve healthy sleep
The separation of the upper and lower jaws increases air exchange, helping you breathe better, and thereby reducing or stopping snoring. When this habit improves, it also enhances the quality of your sleep.
Reduce pain and tension in the jaw and prevent headaches
Prolonged teeth clenching and jaw tightening can lead to muscle tension and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, as well as headaches. Wearing a night guard will significantly reduce tension in the jaw joints and muscles while you sleep.
Correcting malocclusion and serving as a diagnostic tool
Malocclusion conditions such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite can lead to difficulties in chewing, headaches, and aesthetic concerns. Wearing a night guard helps align the teeth and jaws to the correct balanced position. Moreover, it provides valuable information for dentists to diagnose and treat issues related to bite and oral health.
Care after orthodontic treatment and temporary replacement of teeth
Maintain orthodontic alignment after braces and temporarily secure replacement teeth, ensuring they stay in place.
Care after orthodontic treatment and temporary replacement of teeth
Types Of Bite Splints And Their Usage
On the market today, there are many different types of Bite Splints available, ranging from rigid to soft or a combination of both, depending on the diagnosis and desired outcomes for the patient. However, generally speaking, there are three common types:
Soft Bite Splints (Silicone)
Made from flexible materials like silicone, suitable for mild teeth grinding or providing cushioning to prevent minor tooth damage. Soft Bite Splints are primarily used to treat myofascial pain syndrome, which often occurs after muscles are repeatedly contracted. This condition involves trigger points in muscles causing pain and referring it to distant areas such as the temporomandibular joint, neck, and shoulders. Individuals who experience frequent tension and anxiety are more likely to develop muscle stiffness.
Soft Bite Splints have stable coloration, are transparent, can be polished, resist staining, and are designed to prevent cracking or breaking during use.
Soft Bite Splints (Silicone)
Hard Acrylic Bite Splints
Typically made from clear hard acrylic or 3D-printed from polymer resin, they are suitable for cases of moderate to severe teeth grinding or for patients who grind their teeth regularly, providing strong protection for the teeth. A hard Bite Splint is designed to fit snugly against either the upper or lower teeth, ensuring even contact with opposing teeth to maintain a neutral jaw position and reduce pressure.
Over time, hard Splints may wear down and can potentially crack or break in cases of severe teeth grinding, thus requiring regular inspection and replacement.
Hard/Soft Bite Splints
Made from a combination of hard acrylic and softer thermoplastic material, this type consists of two distinct layers: a 1 mm thick soft polyurethane inner layer and a 3 mm thick hard copolymer outer layer. The soft inner surface provides comfortable contact with teeth and gums, while the hard chewing surface forms a durable layer for tooth protection. Being a newer product that combines the advantages of the two previous types, the Hard/Soft Bite Splint is becoming a preferred choice for patients today.
Hard/Soft Bite Splints
Bite Splints At VTA Dental Lab
With the development of the industry and to meet the increasingly high demands of patients, VTA is a comprehensive provider of orthodontic equipment in general and bite splints in particular. Our products are precisely fitting and always updated with the latest trends, the latest products to provide personalized treatment solutions for patients.
With modern machinery and the latest digital technology, we can support a fully digital workflow. Whether you want to protect your teeth aesthetically or restore them, protect your teeth from wear, or treat other chronic disorders, we can help you connect with a variety of Splints, including the latest types like KeySplint Soft (3D printed). Don’t hesitate to connect with us today to elevate your practice’s workflow.
