Grinding split
Night-time teeth grinding (bruxism) can severely impair sleep quality and cause permanent damage to the teeth over time. This is accompanied by chronic complaints such as tension, headaches and painful strain on the jaw joints.
Depending on the causes, there are various options for treating teeth grinding. In Zurich, we often work with a device known as a teeth grinding splint. This custom-made plastic splint protects the teeth from damage and often contributes to significantly improved sleep.
Please consult your dentist in Zurich to find out whether a teeth grinding splint could improve your symptoms.
What is a teeth grinding splint?
A mouthguard, also known as a bite splint, is a plastic device that is worn at night over the upper and lower teeth to prevent them from grinding together during sleep. This prevents damage to the tooth enamel and also prevents unwanted tooth movement. The jaw joints are relieved and brought into an optimal, relaxed position.
When can a teeth grinding splint be useful?
A mouthguard can be used for bruxism to improve sleep quality and protect the teeth from damage such as abrasion or cracks in the enamel. If you suffer severely from night-time grinding and have symptoms such as pain or tension, a mouthguard can provide rapid relief.
Depending on your individual situation, dental treatment may be necessary in addition to splint therapy. The symptoms often improve, for example, when misaligned teeth or poorly fitting dentures are corrected. If there are no problems with the chewing system, the grinding splint can also be used as a stand-alone measure.
How does treatment with a grinding splint work?
Before treating bruxism, your dentist in Zurich will conduct a thorough examination to determine the causes of your symptoms. They will also ask you about your sleeping and lifestyle habits, which can provide information about possible causes of teeth grinding. They will then advise you on the most suitable treatment.
If splint therapy is chosen, the dentist will first take impressions of your teeth. These are used to customise the splint in a dental laboratory. At a follow-up appointment, the dentist will give you the mouthguard and check that it fits correctly. You can now wear the splint as prescribed by your dentist.
The success of the treatment will be discussed during regular check-ups. Depending on your individual situation, further treatment may be carried out in parallel with the splint therapy, such as repairs to teeth that are already damaged or corrections to your bite.
How long do I have to wear the mouthguard?
If the results are positive, the splint can be worn permanently. This can be particularly useful for patients who have no functional causes for teeth grinding that can be remedied by a dentist or orthodontist.
It is important to understand that the mouthguard primarily counteracts the symptoms. In general, it is always advisable to identify the triggers for bruxism as accurately as possible and eliminate them. In practice, however, this is not always possible. So if you experience an improvement with the mouthguard, you can certainly wear it permanently. In this case, the mouthguard should be checked regularly and replaced if necessary.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the technical term for teeth grinding and clenching. This involves high forces acting on the teeth and the chewing apparatus. Most people who suffer from bruxism grind their teeth unconsciously, especially at night, which is why the problem can go unnoticed for a long time.
What are the causes of teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding can be caused by stress, anxiety or inner tension. However, grinding can also result from misaligned teeth or jaws or poorly fitting dentures. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea can also contribute to bruxism. A clear cause is not always found.
What are the consequences of untreated bruxism?
Prolonged teeth grinding can lead to tooth damage such as cracks in the enamel or increased abrasion. In the worst case, individual teeth can become loose. Further consequences include chronic pain, jaw joint problems, neck tension and headaches. Sleep quality and general well-being can be severely impaired.
How does the splint work against teeth grinding?
The splint protects the teeth from mechanical damage caused by the high forces involved. It also prevents unwanted tooth movement and promotes relaxation of the chewing muscles.
How should the splint be cleaned and cared for?
The mouthguard should be cleaned daily with toothpaste and a toothbrush. To prevent deposits, it may also be advisable to place the mouthguard regularly in a special cleaning solution and leave it to soak as recommended by the manufacturer. The mouthguard can then be cleaned as usual.
How long does a mouthguard last?
The durability depends, among other things, on the severity of the grinding, i.e. the forces involved. As a rule, a well-fitted bite splint will last for several years. If it wears out or no longer fits correctly, a replacement can be made easily.