Modern dentistry offers various innovative devices to address dental issues, including the bite-raising splint, which plays a vital role in treating bruxism (teeth grinding), deep bites, and other bite irregularities. Bite-raising splints not only protect the teeth but also help to correct chewing functions, preventing long-term joint and tooth wear issues.
This article covers what bite-raising splints are, their uses, how they’re made, and the benefits they provide in treating dental problems, with particular focus on bruxism and deep bite correction.
What is a Bite Raising Splint and What is it Used For?
A bite-raising splint is a specialized dental appliance frequently used to treat teeth grinding and bite disorders. Typically made of transparent plastic, these splints fit over the upper or lower teeth to stabilize jaw position, reduce pressure between the teeth, and prevent further damage.
Benefits of Using a Bite-Raising Splint:
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Bruxism Treatment: The primary goal of a bite-raising splint is to protect against teeth grinding. Bruxism can lead to significant tooth wear, tooth sensitivity, and jaw joint problems over time. The splint helps reduce friction between teeth and prevents further damage.
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Prevention of Jaw Joint Issues: Improper bite alignment can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, causing pain, headaches, and ear ringing. A bite-raising splint supports the correct jaw position, reducing the risk of joint problems.
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Deep Bite Correction: A deep bite occurs when the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth, leading to functional issues and aesthetic concerns. The bite-raising splint assists in correcting this issue by promoting a balanced bite.
Treating Bruxism with a Bite Raising Splint
Bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding, is a common issue that can cause serious damage to teeth. A bite-raising splint provides effective protection by preventing friction between teeth and evenly distributing biting force. Wearing a night splint not only prevents tooth wear but also relieves jaw pain and muscle tension.
How Does the Bite Raising Splint Help with Bruxism?
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Tooth Protection: The primary function of the splint is to prevent the wear caused by grinding. By preventing direct contact between the teeth, enamel is preserved.
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Tension Reduction: Grinding often leads to stress on the jaw joint. The splint distributes pressure, reducing jaw tension.
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Improved Sleep Quality: Since the splint stops grinding, wearing it at night can significantly contribute to restful sleep.
How Does a Bite Raising Splint Work?
The bite-raising splint operates on simple principles: it stabilizes the teeth and jaw while reducing pressure on the teeth. Its custom design ensures that the splint fits perfectly over the teeth, distributing the forces exerted during chewing. The choice of materials and the thickness of the splint play a crucial role in its effectiveness.
Material Selection and Design
Bite-raising splints are typically made from durable yet flexible plastic that can absorb force without causing discomfort. When selecting materials, the patient’s specific bite pattern and dental structure are considered, as these factors influence the splint’s efficacy.
How Does the Splint Protect Teeth?
The bite-raising splint prevents direct contact between teeth, preserving the enamel. This is crucial as grinding can lead to significant tooth wear. Additionally, the splint distributes chewing forces, preventing joint strain and associated issues.
The Role of a Bite Raising Splint in Orthodontics and Deep Bite Correction
Bite-raising splints are essential in preparing for orthodontic treatments, especially for correcting deep bites. A deep bite is a dental issue where the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth, potentially leading to tooth wear, jaw joint strain, and chewing difficulties over time.
Deep Bite and Bite Raising Splint
The bite-raising splint helps restore proper bite positioning, reducing pressure on teeth and the jaw joint. It is often used in orthodontics to improve tooth positioning and align the jaw correctly, particularly in cases of deep bite or crossbite.
Crafting and Customizing a Bite Raising Splint
Initial Consultation and Assessment
The process begins with a consultation where a dental specialist assesses the patient’s dental and jaw issues. This evaluation is essential in determining if the patient needs a bite-raising splint. During the assessment, conditions such as bruxism, bite issues, or deep bites are identified. If present, the dentist may recommend a bite-raising splint to improve dental health and protect teeth from further damage. At the end of the consultation, the dentist provides the patient with detailed information on the splint's benefits, its use, and the treatment process.
Alginate Impression Taking
Once it’s decided that a bite-raising splint is necessary, the next step is taking an alginate impression. The dentist uses alginate material to make an impression of both the upper and lower arches. This impression serves as the base for creating the splint. The impression precisely reflects the patient’s dental structure, allowing the dental technician to create a customized splint model that fits the teeth perfectly and ensures comfort.
Sending to Dental Lab
The completed impressions are sent to a dental lab, where technicians start crafting the splint. Technicians analyze the patient’s bite pattern, jaw position, and any factors that may influence the splint’s effectiveness. Their goal is to design a splint that provides tooth protection and optimizes jaw joint load distribution.
Creating the Splint Model
Based on the impressions, the technicians create a plaster model of the teeth, which serves as the basis for crafting the final splint. The bite-raising splint is then molded on this model, ensuring it fits precisely on the patient’s teeth. Creating the splint model is a key step, ensuring it’s uniquely suited to the patient’s dental structure.
Manufacturing the Splint
After the model is ready, the splint is manufactured, typically from clear plastic that’s both durable and flexible. This material is strong enough to protect teeth over the long term while being comfortable to wear, even at night. The thickness and shape of the splint are tailored to the patient’s biting forces and dental condition to evenly distribute pressure and prevent wear.
Final Fitting and Trial
Once the splint is ready, the patient returns to the dentist for a fitting and adjustment. The dentist checks that the splint fits correctly and is comfortable to wear. If the patient experiences discomfort or if the splint doesn’t fit perfectly, the dentist can make small adjustments to ensure optimal fit on the teeth and jaw.
Maintenance and Regular Check-Ups
The bite-raising splint requires regular check-ups, as the patient’s dental structure and jaw position may change over time. The dentist may recommend periodic check-ups to monitor the splint’s condition and ensure it continues to fit properly. If the patient undergoes significant dental changes—such as orthodontics or extractions—a new impression and splint may be needed to maintain effective protection.
Tips for Using the Splint
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Regular Cleaning: Cleaning the splint regularly is essential not only for hygiene but also for ensuring its long-term effectiveness.
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Gradual Adjustment: Wearing the splint might feel uncomfortable at first, but patients should adjust within a few days. Discomfort or pain should be minimal.
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Routine Check-Ups: Regular dentist visits are important to adjust the splint or create a new one if the patient’s dental structure changes.
FAQs about Bite Raising Splints
How long should the bite-raising splint be worn?
The duration depends on the severity of the issue, with long-term use recommended, especially at night. The dentist will schedule regular check-ups to monitor progress.
Is the bite-raising splint comfortable to wear?
The custom-made splint fits snugly on the teeth. After an initial adjustment period, most patients find it comfortable.
What issues can a bite-raising splint address?
It can help treat bruxism (teeth grinding), jaw pain, and certain bite irregularities. Additionally, it prevents tooth wear.
How long does it take to make a bite-raising splint?
After the impressions are taken, it usually takes 1-2 weeks for the lab to create the splint, after which the patient returns for the final fitting.
Does the bite-raising splint require special care?
Yes, it should be cleaned regularly to maintain hygiene. Avoid strong chemicals and hot water, as these can damage the plastic.
Dentistry in Budapest’s 11th District - Fehérvári Road
A bite-raising splint is an excellent solution for treating bruxism, deep bite, and various bite irregularities. It helps protect teeth from excessive pressure and wear while supporting proper jaw and dental function.
At Újbuda Medical Dental, custom-made bite-raising splints offer long-term protection, enhancing both dental health and overall quality of life for our patients.