Occlusal splints are one way to treat dysfunctions of the mouth and teeth. Occlusal splints prepared by a dentist help to relax the masticatory muscles and prevent tooth wear and pain in the jaw.
- Occlusal splints are used for the treatment of dysfunctions of the masticatory system.
- Occlusal splints help to relax the masticatory muscles, reduce tooth wear and prevent jaw pain.
- The dentist will prepare occlusal splints individually for each patient, and the treatment may also include other forms of treatment.
Mouth guards are used to treat dysfunctions of the masticatory system diagnosed by a dentist, such as muscle or joint disorders. Tooth grinding or bruxism can also be treated with mouth guards. Dysfunctions of the masticatory system may occur as:
- facial and neck-shoulder area muscle tension
- pain in the joints or muscles of the jaw or the masseter
- difficulty in opening your mouth
- sounds emanating from the temporomandibular joint
Mouth guard treatment is suitable for almost all adults suffering from dysfunctions of the masticatory system. However, mouth guard therapy may not be appropriate if you suffer from sleep apnoea, as a night guard may make the apnoea or snoring worse. In such case, special sleep apnoea mouth devices may be considered.
For children, the use of mouth guard treatment is recommended only under the supervision of a dental specialist specialised in orthodontic treatment. As the growing child's occlusion is developing, the mouth guard may adversely affect tooth development and jaw growth, which is why close monitoring of treatment is important.
Read more:
Taking care of children's teeth is important
The decision to initiate mouth guard treatment is made on the basis of the dentist's individual examination and diagnosis.
The dentist will take either digital 3D models or traditional models of your teeth, on the basis of which the dental laboratory prepares the mouth guard. At the next appointment, the dentist fits the mouth guard to the mouth and verifies its functionality.
Mouth guard treatment may include follow-up visits to check whether the desired outcome has been achieved. Depending on the severity of the dysfunction of the masticatory system, the treatment may need to be monitored for up to one year.
Mouth guards are usually used at night, when the masticatory system is usually active involuntary. However, mouth guards can also be used during the day as much as is desired and possible.
Massaging and stretching the masseter has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of dysfunctions of the masticatory system.
The mouth guard is used as long as the symptoms of the dysfunction of the masticatory system occur. If the symptoms subside, the use of the guard can also be paused. If properly stored, the guard will remain operational for a long time. In some cases, the guard can get deformed and it will not sit in the mouth appropriately. If this is the case, you should see a dentist who can modify the guard to be operational again.
The results of treatment depend on the severity of the dysfunction of the masticatory system. In the best case scenario, mouth guard treatment is already effective in a couple of weeks. In more difficult cases, it can take much longer to achieve results. The more demanding the baseline situation is, the more important it is for the dentist to monitor the progress and effect of the treatment.
The dysfunction of the masticatory system cannot be treated with a mouth guard in all cases and further examination is sometimes required. Physiotherapy, acupuncture, medical treatment, voice therapy or cold therapy can be used alongside mouth guard treatment or on their own. Your active role is key to the improvement of the dysfunction.
The price of mouth guard treatment consists of the work performed by the dentist and the laboratory. The price depends on whether the treatment is carried out by a dentist or by a dental specialist specialised in occlusal physiology. Check the price list at the bottom of the page under "Price list and payment"
Learn more about experts of occlusal physiology and prosthetics at Hammas Mehiläinen . You can book an appointment from Mehiläinen’s appointment booking service or by calling our customer service on 010 273 8000.
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The time it takes to achieve results is individual and depends on the type and severity of the dysfunction of the masticatory system. In some cases, results can be achieved even after a few days of use, while in others it may take several weeks or months.
Occlusal splints are prepared on the basis of an examination of the masticatory system performed by a dentist. The dentist takes exact models of your teeth and sends them to the dental laboratory, which prepares the occlusal splints.
Occlusal splints are prepared on the basis of an examination of the masticatory system performed by a dentist. The dentist takes exact models of your teeth and sends them to the dental laboratory, which prepares the occlusal splints.
The required treatment time is individual. In some cases, occlusal splints are only used at night, while in others, they can be used throughout the day. The dentist will determine the appropriate treatment period and the need for follow-up.
