Splints

A dental splint is a corrective device that is used to treat specific dental problems related to misaligned teeth or a joint disorder which can cause pain when you bite. The function of a dental splint varies according to the different types of splint that is used. A dental splint may be used to rectify teeth that are not correctly aligned or to stabilize loose teeth. The symptoms are often pain that is experienced when chewing or biting and could be caused by decaying gums or a joint disorder which makes it painful to move the jaw.

Dental splints are often compared to other corrective dental devices such as braces. Dental splints are considered as a long-term dental solution and in some cases it could be more beneficial than applying a brace.

A dental splint is fashioned according to the specific requirements of a case and is sometimes recommended in tandem with a brace to increase the effectiveness of the corrective treatment. A dental splint may be recommended to be temporarily worn to adjust the alignment of teeth or the shape of a patient’s jaw. In other cases, a dental splint may be permanently implanted to join loose teeth together to stabilize and increase rigidity. There are different kinds of implanted splints which involve fixing a specially fashioned metal device that connects the affected teeth to improve their stability. The dental splint may be an intra-coronal device or an extra-coronal device meaning that it may either be embedded inside the crown of the teeth or outside.

Many painful symptoms such as headache and nausea are often a result of dental disorders such as misaligned or loose teeth, a weak or improperly aligned jaw or a joint disorder. When properly diagnosed and treated, a dental splint is often a long-term solution that greatly improves the manner in which a patient chews and eats food. A dental splint can also dramatically change the facial expression and smile on a patient’s face by contributing to correct poorly arranged teeth.

A support material that is bonded to the teeth to provide corrective stability, the splint is indirectly affixed to provide long-term and sometimes even permanent corrective alignment. A cast material device, an indirectly bonded split is used to provide support for displaced teeth. In case of a damaged jaw caused by an accident, a splint is also used as a restorative aid to strengthen and stabilize the jaw.

A splint provides multiple benefits which include improving the functional effectiveness of the teeth and jaw by stabilizing and optimal aligning, and also enhancing the quality of your facial appearance and smile.

To combat a painful jaw or to correct a bite disorder, your dentist may recommend an occlusal splint. It is an external device that is fitted over the functional surface of the upper or lower teeth to provide effective relief from abnormal pressures caused by improper alignment. TMD or temporomandibular disorder is a painful condition caused by incorrect alignment of jaw and teeth which makes functional use like biting and chewing painful. Wearing an occlusal splint is a popular non-surgical and effective form of treatment for TMD.

The occlusal splint provides protection to the teeth by reducing stress and friction caused by improper alignment and slowly and steadily correcting the jaw movement to improve the effectiveness of biting and chewing functions.

Metal splints may be used temporarily or permanently as a corrective device to stabilize loose teeth or improperly aligned teeth or jaw. The metal splint joins together strong teeth with weaker teeth thereby producing a stable and stronger base to enable the patient to effortlessly perform normal functions like chewing biting without any pain or discomfort.

The method of affixing the metal splint varies depending on the specific disorder that it is meant to correct. Special dental care and hygiene procedures will be recommended by your dentist to maintain the metal splint according to the type and method of bonding that is used.

Preparing a ceramic splint is a precision procedure which involves making a cast of the teeth and evaluating the corrective measures to be taken to optimise alignment and minimize pain and discomfort. A ceramic splint is custom-made to ensure proper fit and comfort and may need to be periodically changed and corrected to ensure its effectiveness.

Ceramic splints are usually metal free but may also be reinforced with the addition of a metal support in some cases. A ceramic splint can also be removed and worn for short or longer periods as recommended by the dentist depending on the intensity of the ailment.