A Occlusal Splint is made of transparent plastic and is placed over the upper or lower row of teeth as needed during the night. With this custom device, the so-called ‚teeth grinding‘ (behavioral mechanism) can be stopped. The dentist refers to the ’night splint‘ as a relaxation or occlusal splint. This prevents the mechanical abrasion (abrasion) of the tooth substance, so that the nocturnal tooth wear is prevented.

The Occlusal Splint can regulate the causal system

The Occlusal Splint It also helps to relieve the jaw joints and thus loosen up their muscles. Due to the Occlusal Splint In addition, the facial and masticatory muscles can relax, reducing symptoms such as head and TMJ pain. Variants of Occlusal Splint For example, equilibration rails (positioning rails) and repositioning rails are fixed to the dentist to ensure a therapeutic or centric mandibular position. These types of splints are except for meals to wear throughout the day.

The advantages of the bite splints are thus:
– the harmonization of jaw muscles and TMJ functions
– a positive change of unconscious automatisms of the causal system
– To protect the tooth substance from abrasion
– reduction of teeth grinding / pressing (oral parafunction)
– As a spacer between lower and upper jaw.

Use the bite splitter to avoid ‚bruxism‘ (nocturnal teeth grinding)

Especially young, working people often consult the dentist with complaints such as damaged enamel, TMJ pain and inflammation of the gums. These symptoms are mostly due to tense jaw muscles caused by ‚bruxism‘. As a classic treatment, the bite splint is counteracted by the teeth-pressing / teeth-grinding. Although this reduces the harmful effects – the dental unit can not eliminate the basic causes.

The dentist makes the bite splint individually. This is placed over the lower row of teeth for the night hours. This prevents the lower and upper rows of teeth from coming into direct contact. The dental splint can be used to protect teeth as well as the temporomandibular joint. However, splint therapy can only be inadequate if worry, stress or anxiety are the cause of nocturnal teeth grinding. The reasons for unconscious nocturnal oral parapunctures, in addition to unequal bite conditions, inflated dental fillings / crowns are thus mostly emotional problems or stress. For the latter, psychosomatic therapy is usually recommended as the soul and teeth are closely related.

Support the bite splint with simple measures

How consistently the bite splint is ultimately worn determines whether the rows of teeth are damaged or not. The masticatory muscles can generate immense pressure, which specifically damages the chewing surfaces of the cusps. This abrasion creates an abnormal tooth position, so that the individual teeth of both jaws no longer meet correctly. The chewing surfaces are thus in imbalance, which is why jaw problems and TMJ problems occur.

With a splint therapy such irregularities can be compensated. The various complaints are eliminated – but the oral parafunction (squeezing, teeth grinding) is not. If the ‚Knirscherschiene‘ worn for a long time, the plastic material suffers similar damage as originally the chewing surfaces. Depending on the material and chewing intensity, the bite splint needs to be replaced in a period of time between about half a year and five years. Orthodontists and dentists / dentists therefore recommend a targeted relaxation therapy / exercises to reduce the long-term oral parafunction.

Simple ticks for a relaxed night’s sleep

Greater damage to the temporomandibular joint and teeth can be avoided if those affected succeed in consciously perceiving and actively counteracting nocturnal teeth grinding. Relaxation techniques such as yoga or autogenic training, progressive relaxation and especially sports activities can help to live calmer and more relaxed. Sometimes evening warm baths or a late walk against teeth grinding / pressing can already help and help to sleep through.