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Occlusal splints are used to prevent grinding of the teeth and also to reduce developing cracks in teeth. The appliance can reduce the pain in the joints by opening up the bite and in turn increases the space at the jaw joint, to reduce the pressure on the ligaments and the bones. Future blogs will go into more details about this treatment.
The splint is a removal passive device that is made of acrylic. Acrylics used in dentistry absorb moisture, however when they dry out they can dry out and change shape. This is especially important in the small size of the splint. If it dries out it may warp and become ill fitting. This is also true for acrylic dentures.
It is important to keep them moist at all times when not in use!
Keep them in a container covered with clean water. Remember the material absorbs moisture, so if you use an antiseptic, that taste may linger. Cleaning it with a toothbrush and toothpaste is usually enough. Use firm wiping actions as you would clean your own teeth. Streodent denture cleaner can also be used to clean the acrylic.
When transporting the splint, use only a small amount of water in a sealing plastic bag, to keep it moist. It is not a gold fish to be kept in a large amount of water!
Always bring it with you every time you visit the dentist, as the bite will need to be checked to see if it is still even all the way around the splint’s biting surface. If a filling is to be done then the splint needs to be placed to see if it still fits over the filling and the bite is still correct.
Next week: Why do crowns come off?
479 Marrickville Road
