Dental Splint Brisbane

Occlusal splints and nightguards in Everton Park and Mitchelton

Do you grind or clench your teeth at night, wake up with headaches or have pain in your jaw or jaw joints? Wearing a dental splint could help to relieve pain and discomfort so you can sleep soundly.

A dental splint (also called an occlusal splint, bite splint or nightguard) is an oral appliance that eases strain on the jaw muscles and joints and prevents chewing forces from damaging the teeth, which can expose the teeth to bacteria and cause infections.

At Swish Dental, our dentists make dental splints in Brisbane as a preventive treatment for patients who need them. We'll ask about your symptoms and examine your mouth and jaws so we can determine whether a bite splint or other treatment is most suitable.

To book an appointment at your local Swish Dental clinic in Brisbane, call our Everton Park dentists on (07) 3355 1422 or our Mitchelton dentists on (07) 3354 3341 or use our online booking form.

What is a dental splint?

Dental splints or nightguards are custom devices that sit on the top or bottom teeth to treat a variety of conditions and prevent dental problems. They are made from strong plastic and designed to fit comfortably over the teeth, preventing them from coming into contact and relieving muscle tension.

Splints are removable and should be worn as advised by your dentist. This may be when you sleep (in the case of a nightguard), when you feel stressed, when you're concentrating, or at other times when you're likely to experience jaw pain and other problems.

Get your dental splint made now

Who can benefit from a dental splint?

Our dentists in Brisbane may recommend a bite splint or nightguard if you suffer from conditions such as:

• teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• jaw pain or TMJ disorder
• to prevent teeth from shifting after losing a tooth

Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)

Some people grind or clench their teeth when they're asleep, while for others it can be a response to stress, anxiety, anger or concentration. A bite splint provides a physical barrier that prevents the teeth from touching, but it's also important to address the root cause of teeth grinding. This may involve dental treatments such as crowns or orthodontics to straighten a misaligned bite or therapy to reduce stress.

Jaw pain or TMJ disorder

Injury or strain of the jaw or the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) on the sides of the head can cause jaw pain, headaches and problems moving the jaw. Missing or irregular teeth, poor posture and teeth grinding can be factors in TMJ disorders and jaw pain.

Symptoms of TMJ and bruxism

You could benefit from a dental splint if you have some of the following symptoms:

• tooth pain or jaw pain
• tension headaches
• sensitive teeth
• difficulty chewing or moving your jaw

What happens if I don't wear a dental splint?

Without a dental splint, you may continue to experience pain and discomfort and your teeth may be at risk of wearing down further, chipping or cracking. Damaged teeth are more vulnerable to infections, which may require treatment such as root canal therapy or a tooth extraction.

Types of dental splints

Occlusal splints are made from strong acrylic plastic that's custom moulded to fit over your teeth. They may be fitted over the top teeth or bottom teeth as needed and they are usually clear to make them more discreet and less visible in the mouth. Although dental splints resemble sports mouthguards, they don't work in the same way.

You may see bite splints and nightguards for sale in stores, but these over-the-counter splints are not recommended, as they are not custom made to fit your teeth. A poorly-fitted splint may even cause damage or put strain on your teeth or jaws.

How are dental splints made?

Making an occlusal splint usually involves two appointments at the dental clinic after your initial consultation and examination.

• On your first visit, an impression or mould of your top and bottom teeth will be taken and sent to a dental laboratory. They will assess your bite and manufacture a custom splint suited to your mouth and jaw movements.
• On your second visit, usually a week later, your dental splint will be ready for us to fit it in for you. We'll check that it feels comfortable and advise you about how to care for your splint and your teeth.

Wearing your dental splint

When to wear your dental splint depends on what the treatment is for. You may wear it during the night or to relieve jaw pain and other symptoms at certain times during the day. As the splint is removable, it should be taken out when you need to eat, drink or brush and floss your teeth.

A new bite splint can feel strange or uncomfortable on your teeth at first, but you should be used to it within a few weeks. Your mouth may also produce more saliva while it adjusts to the feeling of the splint. If your dental splint causes pain or feels loose, make an appointment with our dentists.

Caring for your dental splint

You should rinse your dental splint or nightguard after every use to prevent bacteria from building up. Rinse in cold water only, as heat can cause it to warp out of shape. Store your dental splint in plain water to keep it from drying out. You should also keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.

Bring your dental splint along to your regular dental check-ups so our dentists can check that it's still in good condition and can make any adjustments needed. When you take good care of your occlusal splint, it can last for 3 to 5 years before it needs to be replaced.

How much do dental splints cost?

An occlusal splint or nightguard costs from $554, but this can vary as they are custom made. Talk to our dentists to get an estimate and discuss payment plans.

Book an appointment today

To talk to our Brisbane dentists about dental splints and nightguards, contact your local Swish Dental clinic in Everton Park or Mitchelton. Call our team in Everton Park on (07) 3355 1422 or Mitchelton on (07) 3354 3341