What is Splint? In Which Situations Is It Used?
In Which Situations is Splint Used?
When one or more teeth start to move in the mouth, it can cause pain. Splinting is an option that helps align the teeth in sequence and prevents further damage to the teeth.
Splinting helps to keep the teeth in place. Jaw joint therapy is often used to treat loose teeth.
When a single tooth becomes loose, splinting is used to join a group of teeth together like a fence. It helps to distribute the bite force among a group of teeth instead of a single weak tooth. In simpler terms, jaw joint treatment means bringing a group of teeth together for support. This is similar to stabilizing teeth to increase functional abilities.
What is a Splint?
A splint is a rigid mold, similar to a retainer, created by your dentist to fit your teeth. While retainers are used to prevent your teeth from moving out of place, splints are used to help improve jaw function and reduce pain caused by TMJ dysfunction.
Jaw joint treatment helps relieve the pressure that causes TMJ (jaw joint) pain from grinding teeth, clenching the jaw or misalignment of the jaw. Partitions are not always a long-term solution, but can help relieve TMJ pain.
In Which Cases Is Jaw Joint Treatment Necessary?
When a tooth starts to move in the mouth and becomes painful at rest or during chewing, jaw joint treatment may be the solution. It helps the teeth to share forces among themselves and does not place a load on a single tooth.
The most common dental problems that require jaw joint treatment are listed below:
- Tooth trauma or infection
- Mouth injury is a source of pain
- Using more force when biting food
- Grinding teeth during sleep
- Plaque or tartar buildup behind the teeth
- Gum infections due to plaque or tartar
- A failed dental implant
- Painful tooth fillings
- Bone loss around the tooth.
Splint Treatment for Jaw Joint Disorders
Patients should be aware that various dentists may offer different reasons for recommending the use of a splint in jaw joint treatment. There are two broad categories:
- The purpose of the splint is to relieve pain and improve jaw function so that you can move properly.
- The splint is intended to be the first step in a multi-step procedure. Wearing it will cause changes in the bite and jaw positions, which will require some kind of significant dental treatment such as orthodontics, dental crowns, etc. to create a new permanent jaw position.
How Long Does Splint Treatment Take?
Jaw joint treatment may vary depending on the course and condition of the jaw joint disease. First, the condition of the disease is evaluated by taking X-rays. Depending on the treatment to be applied by the dentist, it can be used all day or at certain periods during the day. The duration of use of the splint varies between 3 and 6 hours with the controls made to follow the treatment process.
How long the splint lasts actually depends on what you are wearing it for. If you are wearing a splint and your teeth are relatively healthy, free of chips, cracks and fractures, the splint should be worn for an average of 2 to 3 weeks. On the other hand, if you suffer from damage to your teeth due to bruxism or a similar condition, experts recommend splinting for an average of 6 – 8 weeks.
The lifespan of a dental splint,
- Type of splint
- The materials used in the making,
- It depends on various factors, such as the state of the patient’s oral hygiene habits.
In general, dental splints can last from a few months to several years. For example, a sports guard may need to be replaced every season, while an orthodontic retainer may need to be worn for several years. It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions regarding the care of your dental splint and have it checked regularly to make sure it is still fitting properly and effectively.
How to Use a Joint Splint?
Wearing a joint splint can help reduce some of the problems that cause joint dysfunction by improving jaw alignment, reducing tension in the facial muscles and providing a cushioned surface between your teeth. It may take some time for your mouth to get used to it, but once it does, here are the benefits that can be experienced:
- Less teeth clenching and grinding as a result of cushioning.
- Less muscle tension and pressure reduces tension-related headaches, earaches and jaw tenderness.
- Cleaner airways for better breathing due to better jaw alignment.
- Prevents damage and wear of teeth.
- Improved appearance due to even bite and jaw position.
ORAL AND DENTAL HEALTH POLYCLINIC
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED
TREATMENTS THAT YOU CAN RECEIVE
Implant Treatment
Porcelain Laminates
Bonding Application
Orthodontics
Ekiz Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic
We are happy to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. You can contact us at any time.
+90 212 809 47 47
Working hours: 09:00 - 19:00
[email protected]
For any questions and appointments...
Sarıyer/Istanbul
Vadikoru, No:10/A Inner Door No:100
