Occlusal Splints
Occlusal Splints
Splints can be used for several purposes, but one of their most important roles is to protect teeth and dental restorations from the effects of grinding and clenching.
At Station St Dental, our occlusal splints are individually designed following an assessment of your teeth, bite and jaw function.
Why Might I Need an Occlusal Splint?
A splint may be considered where there is evidence of:
- Grinding or clenching
- Progressive tooth wear
- Cracked or vulnerable teeth
- Repeated chipping or fracture
- Large or extensive existing restorations
- Certain jaw muscle or TMD problems
- A need to protect crowns, veneers or more comprehensive restorative treatment
Not everyone who grinds their teeth requires a splint. We first assess whether there is evidence that the teeth, restorations or jaw structures would benefit from protection.
How Does a Splint Work?
A splint provides a carefully designed surface for the opposing teeth to contact.
For patients who grind or clench, this means that the splint rather than the natural teeth or restorations receives much of the direct wear associated with these habits.
A splint doesn’t necessarily stop sleep bruxism. Its primary purpose in many patients is to manage its consequences and protect vulnerable teeth.
Depending on the diagnosis, a splint may also form part of conservative management for some jaw muscle and temporomandibular disorders.
Digitally Made for Your Teeth
We use digital intraoral scanning to create an accurate three-dimensional model of your teeth without conventional dental impressions in most cases.
Your splint is then individually designed and manufactured to fit your teeth and bite.
Once fitted, we check the way the teeth contact the appliance and make any necessary adjustments.
Protecting Restorative Dentistry
Occlusal splints can be particularly important following more extensive restorative treatment.
If teeth have been rebuilt because of significant wear or restored with ceramic restorations, crowns or veneers, a splint may be recommended to help protect both the restorations and remaining natural teeth from excessive forces.
This forms part of our longer-term approach to maintaining restorative dentistry rather than simply completing treatment and considering the job finished.
Before Making a Splint
A splint should not simply be ordered because someone believes they grind their teeth.
We first examine the teeth, existing restorations, bite and jaw and consider any relevant symptoms.
Where a patient also reports significant snoring, disturbed sleep, excessive daytime tiredness or other concerns about sleep, further medical or sleep assessment may be appropriate before deciding on an appliance.
Our aim is to understand the problem first and then determine whether an occlusal splint is the appropriate way to manage it.
Why Choose Station St Dental?
Truly Holistic Dental Care
Integrated, Multi-Disciplinary Dentistry
To ensure we stay ahead of the curve, our entire team - including our friendly front desk staff - regularly attends professional development courses. We’re committed to learning the latest advancements in dental care and proudly use cutting-edge equipment and technology in our clinic.
A Comfortable, Family-Friendly Environment
Family-Focused Dentistry
It’s not uncommon for families to schedule their appointments together, making it easy and convenient to manage everyone’s oral health in one visit.
Plus, eligible children may access up to $1,132 in dental care over two years through the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) - making quality care more accessible when you need it most.
We Also Accept All Major Health Funds, CDBS & Veteran Affairs
