Should You be Wearing a Bite Splint?
Bite splints, mouth guards, night guards, or protective dental appliances: should you be wearing one?
We’re not talking about an athletic mouthguard that you see on football or lacrosse players. What our Wantirna dentists mean by a protective bite splint is one that you wear when you’re sleeping or clenching your teeth during the day. A bite splint is a custom-fitted dental appliance designed to protect your teeth and jaw from the potentially damaging effects of bruxism.
Using a bite splint can enhance your oral health and overall well-being.
Here’s why:
Protect Your Investments
Have you recently acquired new dental work? Maybe porcelain veneers, an implant crown, or other restorative work. Do you want your investment to last? Being too rough on your teeth can cause abrasion making porcelain chip away. Wearing a bite splint takes the pressure off of your “bite” when you’re sleeping at night so that it doesn’t suffer from unnecessary tension.
Minimise Headaches
Issues like migraines or TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder) sometimes originate from excessive tension in the chewing muscles. Training those muscles to relax when you’re at rest can reduce pain or joint issues that make it difficult to eat or even talk.
Reduce Tooth Wear and Fractures
During your dental exam, our Wantirna dentists will check for signs of flat, worn, or sharp tooth edges. These are an indication that you’re placing excessive strain on specific teeth, which could lead to fractures or failing dental work. Sometimes these problems are fixable with orthodontic treatment, but other times it may be due simply to you grinding your teeth too hard against one another when you’re sleeping, stressed or unconsciously clenching during the day.
Improved Sleep
By reducing grinding and providing a more comfortable sleep experience, it can contribute to better sleep quality, which ultimately means you won’t wake up feeling exhausted all the time.
Preserving your pearly whites
The daily grind of your teeth can take its toll. By wearing a bite splint, you’re investing in the longevity of your smile. The splint serves as a preventative measure. This preserves your enamel and avoids the need for extensive dental repairs that may arise in the future.
Who needs bite splints?
Bite splints are recommended for individuals who experience:
- Teeth grinding (Bruxism)
- Jaw pain and discomfort
- Stress and Anxiety
- Enamel wear
- Misaligned teeth
- Sleep disturbances
Concerned about any of these issues? Consult with one of our experienced dental professionals.
If you’re waking up in the morning with a tense jaw or teeth that feel sensitive, you could be grinding or clenching them while you sleep. Schedule a consultation at Studfield Dental Group to find out if you need a protective appliance to extend the life of your healthy smile!