Splint therapy

Are you bothered by jaw pain, clicking, tension of the chewing muscles, or teeth grinding during sleep? Such symptoms may indicate disorders in the function of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). In many cases, splint therapy is an effective method of treatment, which helps reduce the load on the TMJ, relax the chewing muscles, and restore the proper function of the dentoalveolar system.

At Oxford Medical dentistry, you can receive a consultation with a gnathologist, undergo the necessary diagnostics, and receive an individual treatment plan. If, based on the results of the examination, the doctor identifies the relevant indications, he will prescribe splint therapy. Thanks to individual manufacturing, the occlusal splint corresponds as much as possible to the features of the bite, which ensures comfortable wearing and increases the effectiveness of treatment. Make an appointment for a consultation with a gnathologist to establish the cause of the disorders and start treatment.

Splint therapy is a method of treating disorders of the temporomandibular joints and chewing muscles. The main element of treatment is an occlusal mouthguard, which is made for each patient individually based on the results of diagnostics.

An occlusal splint — splint creates the correct contact between the dental rows, helps restore the physiological position of the lower jaw and eliminate functional TMJ disorders. Depending on the clinical situation, the doctor may prescribe a splint for the teeth for wearing during the day, at night, or according to an individual scheme.

Doctors of Oxford Medical recommend not postponing a consultation with a gnathologist when clicking in the joint, pain, or a feeling of stiffness during opening the mouth appears. The earlier treatment is started, the easier it is to eliminate functional disorders and prevent their progression.

Splint therapy is suitable for most patients, however in some cases before the start of treatment it is necessary to eliminate factors that may affect its effectiveness. The final decision regarding the possibility of conducting therapy is made by a gnathologist after examination and diagnostics.

The main contraindications are:

• acute inflammatory processes in the oral cavity;

• untreated caries and other dental diseases that require priority treatment;

• significant mobility of teeth due to diseases of periodontal tissues;

• impossibility of reliable fixation of the mouthguard due to the features of the dental rows.

Doctors of Oxford Medical explain: in most cases after elimination of inflammation, treatment of dental diseases, or professional preparation of the oral cavity, splint therapy in dentistry can be carried out without restrictions.

Treatment is carried out in stages, since to achieve the result it is important not only to make a myorelaxing splint, but also to correctly determine the cause of TMJ function disorders. The therapy plan is always drawn up individually.

The main stages are:

• Consultation with a gnathologist. The doctor collects anamnesis, assesses complaints, conducts an examination of the oral cavity, analyzes the bite and the function of the temporomandibular joints.

• Diagnostics. If necessary, additional examinations are prescribed, in particular condylography, which helps assess the movement of the lower jaw and plan further treatment.

• Manufacturing of the mouthguard. After diagnostics, digital or classic impressions are taken and an individual splint is manufactured, which exactly corresponds to the features of the patient's bite.

• Fitting and correction. The doctor checks the fit of the mouthguard, if necessary corrects it and explains the rules of wearing.

• Treatment control. During repeat visits, the gnathologist assesses changes, controls the effectiveness of therapy and, if necessary, corrects the construction.

Doctors of Oxford Medical recommend not skipping control examinations, since regular observation allows timely correction of treatment and achievement of maximum effectiveness.

The duration of treatment depends on the cause of the disorders and their severity. The treatment plan and the mode of wearing the mouthguard are determined by the gnathologist individually after diagnostics.

According to PubMed Central, in most cases the splint is worn from 2 to 3 months. If necessary, treatment may last longer — up to 6–12 months with regular control examinations and correction of the construction. For some patients, it is enough to use the mouthguard only at night, for others the doctor may recommend wearing it also during the day.

Doctors of Oxford Medical explain: it is not worth independently stopping wearing the splint after the symptoms decrease. The decision to complete treatment is made by the gnathologist after a control examination and assessment of the achieved result.

Proper care helps maintain hygiene, preserve the shape of the mouthguard, and extend its service life. The doctor necessarily explains the rules of use after the installation of the construction.

Main recommendations:

• rinse the mouthguard with cool water after each use;

• clean it daily with a soft toothbrush without abrasive agents;

• store the splint for teeth in a special ventilated container;

• do not leave the mouthguard near sources of heat or under direct sunlight in order to avoid its deformation;

• regularly bring the construction to control examinations for assessment of its condition and the effectiveness of treatment.

Doctors of Oxford Medical recommend not using hot water, aggressive detergents, or alcohol-containing solutions for cleaning. They may damage the material of the mouthguard and shorten the term of its operation.

You can find out what the price for a splint mouthguard is here. At the same time, it is important to take into account that the total cost of therapy may differ depending on the clinical situation, the scope of diagnostics, and the need for additional stages of treatment.

During the consultation, the gnathologist will conduct an examination, determine the cause of the disorders, and draw up an individual treatment plan. The doctor will also provide detailed guidance regarding the cost of splint therapy and other medical services. To make an appointment for a consultation, call the contact center or use the online appointment form on the website.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• PubMed Central

• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

• Cochrane