Occlusal Splints:

Occlusal splints (guards) are utilized to both protect your dentition from the effects of bruxism (grinding and clenching) and to improve the jaw relations.

Occlusal splints are often worn by the patient during the sleeping hours. However, for some patients, use of the occlusal splint during the entire day is required to alleviate muscle pain and to stabilize the jaw relation.

A period of time may be required to become accustom to wearing the occlusal splint. The more diligent a patient is with wearing the occlusal splint, the more easily it is for the splint to become comfortable.

The occlusal splints are made of hard acrylic and should be cleaned daily with a brush and liquid soap. Over the counter Denture cleaner can be also used to clean the occlusal splint.

After a few days of wearing the occlusal splint, if the bite feels uneven or if you are experiencing muscle pain, please contact the office so that we can schedule an appointment to assess the occlusal splint and make adjustments to it as needed.