Tray Bruxism

Purpose of a Bruxism Splint:

• Protection of the Teeth: The splint acts as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other. This helps to avoid:
  
  • Wear of the tooth enamel
  • Cracking or breaking of the teeth
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Flattened teeth
• Reduction of Jaw Muscle Activity: By keeping the teeth slightly apart, the splint can help relax the jaw muscles and reduce the intensity of clenching.
• Pain Relief: It can help reduce jaw pain, headaches, and sore throats that are often associated with bruxism.
• Protection of Dental Work: If you have fillings, crowns, or other dental restorations, a splint can protect them from damage caused by grinding.

Types of Bruxism Splints:

Bruxism splints vary in material, thickness, and design. Some common types include:

• Hard Acrylic Splints: These are usually the most durable and effective for moderate to severe bruxism. They provide a stable surface and can help redistribute occlusal forces.
• Soft Splints: Made from softer, more flexible materials, these may be more comfortable for some individuals with mild bruxism. However, they may not be as effective for severe grinding and can sometimes worsen the problem by encouraging more clenching.
• Dual-Layer Splints: They combine a soft inner layer for comfort with a hard outer layer for durability and protection.
• Flat Surface Splints: These splints have a flat biting surface, which can help disclude the teeth and reduce muscle activity.
• Anterior Repositioning Splints: These splints are designed to shift the lower jaw forward, which can be helpful for certain types of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Partial Coverage Splints: These splints cover only a portion of the teeth. One example is the NTI (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition) splint, which fits over the front teeth. These are less commonly used for general bruxism and have specific applications.