What Are Oral Splints and What Conditions Do They Treat?

Oral splints are removable dental appliances designed to fit over your upper or lower teeth. Made from plastic or acrylic, they are shaped to your mouth. Their purpose is to protect teeth from damaging forces, reposition your jaw for comfort, or maintain an open airway during sleep.

Conditions Treated by Oral Splints

Oral splints address several distinct conditions affecting the jaw and teeth.

Bruxism, characterized by teeth grinding and clenching, is a frequent reason for oral splint use. Often called a night guard, the splint creates a physical barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing the forces generated during clenching and grinding episodes. This protective layer helps prevent wear, fractures, and chipping of tooth enamel, and can also reduce strain on jaw muscles, leading to less pain and discomfort.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders involve pain and dysfunction in the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. A splint can stabilize the jaw joint and help align the jaw, reducing pressure on the joint and allowing jaw muscles to relax. By preventing the teeth from fully interlocking, the splint encourages the jaw to find a more balanced position, which can decompress the joint and alleviate pain, clicking sounds, or jaw locking.

Specific oral splints, known as Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs), are utilized for treating mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). These medical devices function by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue slightly forward during sleep. This forward movement creates more open space in the pharyngeal airway, preventing the tongue and soft tissues at the back of the throat from collapsing and obstructing breathing. MADs help maintain a clear airway, improving airflow and reducing occurrences of breathing pauses and snoring.

Custom-Fitted vs Over-the-Counter Splints

When considering an oral splint, individuals have two primary options: custom-fitted appliances from a dental professional or over-the-counter (OTC) versions. Custom-fitted splints offer a precise fit, created from an exact mold or digital scan of an individual’s teeth and jaw. They are made from durable materials like hard acrylic or a combination of hard acrylic and softer thermoplastic, designed to withstand significant biting forces and last for an extended period. This tailored approach ensures optimal comfort and effectiveness.

Conversely, over-the-counter splints, often referred to as “boil-and-bite” guards, are a more affordable and immediately available option. These generic devices are softened in hot water and then bitten into to create a partial impression of the teeth. However, their one-size-fits-all design often results in a bulky and less comfortable fit, which can interfere with sleep or even worsen certain conditions if improperly molded. The materials used in OTC splints are generally less durable than those in custom versions, and they are not suitable for treating complex issues like sleep apnea.

Obtaining a Custom Oral Splint

Acquiring a custom-fitted oral splint involves a structured process guided by a dental professional. The first step is a comprehensive consultation where a dentist evaluates the patient’s symptoms, conducts an oral examination, and diagnoses the underlying condition, such as bruxism or a TMJ disorder. This diagnosis informs the specific design and type of splint required.

Following the diagnosis, the dentist takes precise impressions of the patient’s teeth, either using traditional molding materials or advanced digital scanning technology. These impressions capture the unique contours of the individual’s dental arches. The detailed impressions are then sent to a specialized dental laboratory, where skilled technicians fabricate the custom oral splint using the prescribed materials and design specifications. Once the splint is fabricated, the patient returns for a fitting appointment, during which the dentist adjusts the appliance to ensure a comfortable fit and proper bite alignment, making any necessary modifications for optimal function.

Daily Care and Maintenance

Proper daily care and maintenance are important for ensuring the longevity and hygiene of an oral splint. After each use, it is advisable to rinse the splint thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water to remove saliva and debris. This initial rinse should be followed by a gentle cleaning using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive soap or a designated denture cleaner. It is important to avoid hot water, as it can cause the splint’s material to warp or distort.

When the splint is not in use, it should be stored in its provided protective case to prevent damage, warping, or contamination. The case should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of pets, as they may chew on the appliance. Bringing the oral splint to regular dental check-ups allows the dentist to inspect its condition, assess for wear and tear, and make any adjustments to maintain its effectiveness and fit. Signs such as cracks, significant thinning of the material, or a noticeable loosening of the fit indicate that the splint may need replacement.

Low Dose Doxycycline: Impact on Inflammation and Microbiome

Olanzapine and Fluoxetine: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Can an X-Ray Show Signs of Pulmonary Hypertension?