When it comes to protecting your teeth or managing certain jaw issues, one of the things your dentist might recommend could be a dental splint. While the term might sound a little technical or intimidating, dental splints are actually quite common and very helpful in many different dental situations.
If you’re experiencing issues like jaw pain, teeth grinding, or loose teeth, a dental splint may help you feel comfortable while protecting your teeth. Let’s explore more about what dental splints are, and why your dentist may recommend you one.
What Is a Dental Splint?
A dental splint is a custom-made dental appliance, often made from hard acrylic or thermoplastic, that fits over your upper or lower teeth. Think of it like a mouthguard, but with a specific medical purpose. Unlike a sports mouthguard, a dental splint is not designed for impact protection. Instead, it helps with things like jaw alignment, teeth grinding, or stabilising loose teeth.
The dental splint meaning in simple terms is this: it’s a dental device designed to support, protect, or realign the teeth and jaw depending on your condition.
Dental splints can be removable (like night guards) or fixed (bonded to the teeth), and they are custom-designed to match the unique shape and function of your bite.
What’s the Difference Between Dental Splints and Mouthguards
Dental splints and mouthguards may look similar, but they serve different purposes. A dental splint is a custom-made device prescribed by a dentist to treat specific dental conditions. It’s a medical device designed to support healing, relieve tension, or protect the bite.
In contrast, a mouthguard is typically used to protect teeth from injury during sports or physical activity. Mouthguards are often bulkier, less precise in fit, and not intended for long-term treatment of dental issues.
What Is a Dental Splint Used For?
The answer depends on your dental health needs. Dentists use dental splints to manage a range of conditions, especially those involving the jaw joint (TMJ), bruxism (grinding or clenching), dental trauma, and gum disease.
Let’s look at the most common situations where a dental splint is recommended:
1. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching)
If you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, you may already know how uncomfortable it can be. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can wear down enamel, cause tooth sensitivity, crack fillings or crowns, and even lead to jaw and neck pain.
A dental splint helps by placing a physical barrier between the upper and lower teeth. This reduces direct contact, cushions the bite, and protects your teeth against damage. Wearing the splint while sleeping is often enough to reduce morning headaches and muscle soreness.
2. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD or TMJ)
TMD is a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Symptoms can include jaw pain, clicking or popping noises, limited jaw movement, headaches, earaches, and facial pain.
A dental splint can help relieve the pressure on the joint and surrounding muscles. Some splints slightly adjust the jaw’s position to a more balanced and relaxed state, which helps reduce inflammation, muscle tension, and discomfort.
3. Dental Trauma and Tooth Splinting
If you’ve experienced trauma to the mouth, like an accident, sports injury, or a fall, it can cause one or more teeth to become loose. In these cases, your dentist might use a splint to stabilise the affected teeth. This is often done using a thin wire or plastic that’s bonded to the back of the teeth.
Dental splints are also used to support healing after gum disease (periodontal disease), where teeth become loose due to bone or gum loss. The splint holds the teeth steady, giving the surrounding tissues time to recover.
4. Post-orthodontic or Restorative Support
Some patients may also need a dental splint after orthodontic treatment to help hold the teeth in their new positions. This may also be known as retainers. Others may use a splint to support a new bite or jaw alignment after major dental work such as full-mouth rehabilitation or reconstruction.
Types of Dental Splints
There are several types of dental splints, and the one recommended for you will depend on your specific condition and treatment goals:
1. Occlusal Splints (Night Guards)
These are the most common type of removable splint. They are typically worn overnight to manage bruxism and protect the teeth from grinding. They can also reduce pressure on the jaw joint for patients with TMJ disorders.
2. Stabilisation Splints
Used for treating TMJ disorders, these splints aim to keep the jaw in a neutral, relaxed position. They are worn either at night or during the day, depending on the severity of the condition and the dentist’s instructions.
3. Periodontal Splints
These are often fixed (non-removable) and used to stabilise loose teeth caused by advanced gum disease. They may be bonded using composite resin or a thin metal wire and are typically worn long-term to improve biting comfort and tooth function.
4. Trauma or Emergency Splints
If teeth are loosened or displaced due to trauma, a dentist may use an emergency splint to stabilise the teeth quickly. These are generally temporary and are removed once healing is complete.
Do You Need a Dental Splint?
If you have been dealing with jaw pain, frequent headaches, teeth grinding, or loose teeth, a dental splint might be the simple, non-invasive solution that makes a big difference. Now that you understand what a dental splint is and what it is used for, it’s clear how effective they can be for managing bite-related issues, TMJ discomfort, and protecting your teeth from damage.
But before you can get it, make sure to consult with a qualified dentist first to ensure you’re given a personalised splint that hugs your teeth well. Talk to our team at Bellevue Hill Dental for a dental splint. Book a consultation with us to see how dental splints can help you.
