An occlusal splint (or deprogramming splint) is a custom-made treatment device that must be meticulously and permanently adjusted by the dentist to diagnose and address the complex condition caused by, or associated with, tooth clenching and/or grinding habits, as well as the neuromuscular overloads produced by these habits.
It consists of a plastic oral appliance that is fitted on one of the dental arches to prevent the teeth from coming into contact with each other, which allows:
“Forgetting” the inadequate mandibular positions forced by the incorrect interlocking of the teeth in both arches when they are kept clenched (hence the term deprogramming used for them).
Bringing the mandible into an anatomically appropriate joint position when biting on it, thanks to the special orientation of the splint surfaces on which the teeth rest when closing the mouth.
Preventing tooth wear, since the plastic of the splint is softer and more wear-prone than the teeth.
It can also be used as an ex juvantibus diagnostic tool for craniomandibular joint dysfunction (also called Costen syndrome, algo-myo-facial syndrome, algomyofascial syndrome, or temporomandibular pain-dysfunction), that is, as a means of determining whether symptoms compatible with this condition are caused by the mouth or not.
This treatment does not, in itself, prevent the habit of clenching or grinding the teeth, nor does it ensure the elimination of muscle tension or discomfort derived from craniomandibular joint dysfunction, although proper use will, at the very least, relieve possible muscle pain and protect your teeth.
As this is a complex treatment, your cooperation until full adaptation is very important, and this will require some time. To achieve proper function, you must carefully follow the following Handling, Care and Maintenance Instructions, which will facilitate the use of this system to protect your dental and neuromuscular systems. Adaptation and getting used to it
Initially:
– You will notice a feeling of fullness or a foreign body sensation, which usually disappears within a few
weeks.
Your saliva production will increase, although it will gradually return to normal. • You will have some
Difficulties speaking, due to the space it occupies in your mouth, so you will probably need some practice to learn to pronounce certain words, which is usually achieved within a few weeks.
You may notice some discomfort in the areas where the splint rests, especially along the edges: if it increases or does not subside after four or five days, and if sores develop, please request an appointment immediately.
Your splint must be kept clean, just like your teeth. Brush it after use with a toothbrush and soap or toothpaste. Failure to do so may cause it to develop an unpleasant smell and taste. At least once a week, you should soak it in water with an effervescent denture-cleaning tablet added for 1 to 2 hours. Before putting it back in, clean it thoroughly with a brush and toothpaste. Insertion and removal: The occlusal splint should be placed in position with your fingers and always wet. Never insert it and bite down on it without it being properly seated in place, as you may fracture it or injure your gums. After removing it, pulling on both sides at the same time and also using your fingers, wash it and place it in a moist environment. Check-ups and incidents.
The splint will periodically require adjustments and repairs. Attend check-ups as often as we recommend at each visit, and in no case let more than 6 months pass without us checking it. If you have not used your splint for a few days and, when you put it back in, you notice that it hurts, do not force it into place:
Call us at the clinic on 915113521 and book an appointment, as some tooth movement may have occurred that would require a correction.
ATTENTION! Whenever you experience discomfort in your gums or teeth, you must notify our office and schedule an appointment. Although initial discomfort is normal, if it is not severe, you may wait four or five days. However, if it has not disappeared after this time, or if it worsens with the passing days, you must inform us and schedule an appointment immediately. If any problem arises, do not attempt to resolve it yourself: Please schedule an appointment with us. Do not allow anyone other than your dentist to adjust your splint, as the prescribing and fitting practitioner is the only one authorized to do so.
