What is an Occlusal Splint?
An occlusal splint (grinding guard) is a guard worn over the top of your teeth on your upper or lower jaws. It is made of a type of durable acrylic or 3D printed nylon and it is worn every night and during the day if required.
Why do I need a teeth grinding mouth guard?
Evidence of excessive wear of your teeth and cracks/fractures mean you are grinding or clenching your teeth. The majority of the time, this happens while you are sleeping and you are unaware of it.
Sometimes people find they also clench during the day when focusing on something. This can severely damage your teeth and can also result in jaw problems and muscle aches. Symptoms of this include tightness in the cheek/jaw, headaches, neck aches, teeth pain (that can’t be localised). Sometimes after extensive dental work or if you have heavily filled teeth, an occlusal splint is also recommended to protect the fillings, crowns or veneers that are present.
Signs you might need an Occlusal splint
- You grind your teeth in the absence of any sleep problems (such as sleep apnoea)
- You have flat, worn down teeth
- You have indents on your tongue (scalloping) and lines on the inner sides of your cheek (linea alba)
- You do not need a snoring mouth guard or any other kind of mouth guard
How do you make a grinding guard?
A splint is custom made to fit your mouth and ensure an even bite around your teeth. Please DO NOT try to make one yourself using the ‘Boil-and-Bite’ pharmacy versions because can do more damage to your bite and teeth. We take dental putty moulds or a 3D scan of your teeth and this is sent to a dental laboratory where it is customised for you. It takes around 2-3 weeks to be returned. We then book you back to fit it and do any adjustments if required.
What about Sleep Apnoea and grinding?
There can be a link between night-time habits of grinding and sleep apnoea or sleep disordered breathing. If you do suffer from snoring, restless sleep or other sleep problems or airway problems, it is essential to consult with us for a sleep consult prior to getting your splint made. Also ensure your teeth have been checked properly first before getting a splint made because the fit will change if you have multiple restorations after.
We use the latest technology and best dental labs to ensure we make an effective Occlusal Splint for you!
Common Dental Problems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Occlusal splint cost?
Occlusal splints can range from a few hundred dollars for a simple acrylic splint to over a thousand dollars for more complex splints
Does a Mouth Guard stop teeth grinding?
No, mouth guards and occlusal splints do not stop teeth grinding – they are management solutions but do not fix the root cause.
Can you use a sports mouth guard for teeth grinding?
No! Never use a soft sports mouthguard for teeth grinding. This may make your teeth grinding habit worse.
How do you clean an occlusal splint?
Just like any other dental appliance – do not use hot water. Brush it with soapy water (avoid abrasive toothpastes) and do a disinfectant bath for 30 minutes. Then leave it to air dry and keep it out of reach of pets. Do not keep it closed in a container when storing it.
How often do I need to replace a grinding guard?
This depends on the severity of your grinding/clenching. Sometimes the splint can last a long time and at other times, the habits can wear down a splint much sooner. You would much rather have to replace a splint than break teeth!
