Bruxism, characterised by involuntary teeth grinding or clenching, can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches. An effective solution to alleviate these symptoms is the use of occlusal splints, custom-made devices that protect the teeth and relieve muscle tension.
An occlusal splint is a prosthesis made of rigid acrylic resin, custom-designed to fit perfectly to the patient’s dental anatomy. It is placed over the teeth of one of the arches, usually the upper one, acting as a barrier that distributes bite forces evenly, preventing direct contact between the teeth and reducing tension in the temporomandibular joint.
·Tooth Protection: Prevents wear, cracks, and fractures caused by bruxism.
·Pain Relief: Reduces headaches, cervical pain, and jaw discomfort associated with muscle tension.
·Improved Sleep Quality: Reduces involuntary muscle activity at night, promoting better rest.
·Prevention of Joint Problems: Helps prevent temporomandibular joint disorders caused by bruxism.
At Clínica Áureo, we offer different types of occlusal splints tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient:
·Material & Design: Made from rigid acrylic resin, this splint is flat and has an optimal thickness of 2 to 3 mm, helping to prevent interference between teeth and promoting muscle relaxation.
·Functionality: It is placed on one of the arches, usually the upper one, covering all or part of the teeth. Its purpose is to modify and soften the contact between the arches, distributing bite force evenly and reducing tension in the temporomandibular joint.
·Additional Uses: In addition to treating bruxism, the Michigan splint is prescribed to correct jaw misalignment and joint disorders, helping to reposition the jaw and improve the bite.
·Custom Digital Design: We use a digital workflow to create a splint that precisely fits the patient’s anatomy.
·High-Quality Material: Made from exclusive Phibo® resin, free of toxic components and monomers, ensuring durability and comfort.
·Variety of Colours: Available in four colours to suit personal preferences:
Occlusal splints must be prescribed and supervised by a specialised dentist. An incorrect design or improper fit may be ineffective or even harmful. At Clínica Áureo, we ensure that each splint is customised and adjusted to the specific needs of our patients, guaranteeing both comfort and effectiveness.
It is very common for the splint to feel slightly uncomfortable on the first few nights, which is why we recommend to our patients that they put it in for an hour or two during the day in order to gradually become used to it. If you start noticing excessive tooth wear on your teeth, jaw tension, or neck and head pain with no apparent reason, come by Clínica Áureo in Palma de Mallorca.