Costum-fit bite splint
“Teeth grinding”, occurring unconsciously during sleep, refers to the simultaneous grinding motion of the upper and lower jaws often connected to tension headaches and muscle tension in the neck area.
In dental terms first aid comes in the form of a synthetic occlusal splint (mouth splint for teeth grinding) which relieves both the teeth and the jaw joints.
If left untreated the long-term effects of teeth grinding include:
- Severe damage to the periodontium
- Considerable substance loss on chewing surfaces (abrasion)
- Wedge-shaped cervical defects
- Disproportionate wear and damage to prostheses
- Jaw joint disorders
In the case of severe grinding and when any of the symptoms above occur, functional analysis and jaw joint diagnostics are urgently recommended. Often symptoms are due to misalignment of the skull (cranio) and lower jaw (mandibular) medically-known as Craniomandibular Disorder (CMD). The diagnostic process is explained in detail on our webpage functional analysis of the masticatory system.
For successful long-term treatment of CMD Dr. Pink and colleagues dental practice apply a certified splint system: the DROS® occlusal splint therapy concept. Dr. Pink and colleagues dental practice recommend the certified DROS® splint concept. Find a list of the DROS®dentist here.