Splints are custom devices that are used to treat a variety of conditions. There are many different types and having the correct one prescribed is crucial. They have been around since the 1960s!
Benefits of a Michigan splint:
- prevention of further tooth wear from nightime bruxism
- management of TMD (Mejerso et al 1983)
- protecting your dental work from parafuctional stresses (causes cracks, leakage)
- treating tension headaches (Forssell, 1985)
- prevent top teeth from shifting after tooth loss
What you should know
- If you are suffering from pain, you will usually become free of pain within a few weeks. In a few cases it may take upto a few months. We will see you monthly to monitor progress.
- Splints eliminate ‘locking’ of the jaw (Mejerso et al 1983)
- Two types: soft bite guard and the stabilisation splint.
- Require close supervision and recommended precautions should be followed.
- Parafunction is largely stress related.
- Splints should not be used longer than prescribed (often 4-6 weeks maximum). The only exception for this is when protecting your dental work from parafunctional stresses.
- Success rate is 88% (Badel et al 07)
- Splint therapy can also be used to manage: Primary snoring and Obstructive sleep apnoea.