Our Services
- Holistic Dentistry
- Safe Amalgam removal
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Veneers
- Teeth Whitening
- Anxious patients
- Oral hygiene- Dental check-up and clean
- Gum disease- Gingivitis and Periodontitis
- Dental fillings
- Orthodontics
- Paediatric dentistry
- Dentures
- Dental extractions (tooth removal)
- Sports Mouthguards
- Occlusal splints
- Emergency dental appointments
Occlusal Splints
At New Directions Dentistry, we offer comprehensive dental services to address a wide range of oral health issues, including the provision of occlusal splints or night guards. Night guards, also known as occlusal splints or bite guards, are custom-made oral appliances designed to alleviate the symptoms associated with various dental conditions, particularly bruxism. Bruxism is a parafunctional habit characterized by the involuntary grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth, often occurring during sleep. Here’s how our night guard service can help address the need for bruxism management:
Reasons Behind the Need for Occlusal Splint
- Bruxism Management:
Occlusal splints are commonly prescribed to manage the symptoms of bruxism, including tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and muscle tension. By providing a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, occlusal splints help prevent damage to the teeth and alleviate discomfort associated with bruxism.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders:
Occlusal splints can also be beneficial for individuals with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), as they help stabilize the jaw joint and reduce strain on the surrounding muscles and tissues. This can help alleviate pain, clicking, popping, and restricted jaw movement associated with TMJ disorders.
Parafunctional Habit of Bruxism
Bruxism is considered a parafunctional habit, meaning it is an abnormal or unintentional behaviour that occurs outside the normal range of function. While the exact cause of bruxism is not fully understood, it is believed to be multifactorial, with various contributing factors, including:
Stress and Anxiety
Emotional stress, anxiety, or tension can contribute to the onset or exacerbation of bruxism.
Malocclusion
Misalignment of the teeth or bite issues (malocclusion) can lead to abnormal tooth contact and grinding.
Sleep Disorders
Bruxism is often associated with certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea, snoring, or restless leg syndrome.
Medications
Certain medications, such as antidepressants or stimulants, may increase the risk of bruxism as a side effect.
Treatment for Bruxism
Occlusal Splints
Custom-fitted occlusal splints are one of the most effective treatment options for bruxism. These oral appliances are worn during sleep to provide a cushioning barrier between the teeth and absorb the forces generated during grinding or clenching, helping to protect the teeth and alleviate symptoms.
Stress Management
Stress-reducing techniques, such as relaxation exercises, meditation, counselling, or cognitive-behavioural therapy, may help reduce bruxism symptoms in individuals whose condition is exacerbated by stress or anxiety.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioural interventions, such as habit-reversal therapy or biofeedback, can help individuals become more aware of their bruxism habits and learn techniques to modify or eliminate the behaviour.
Dental Treatments
In some cases, addressing underlying dental issues such as malocclusion or tooth alignment problems through orthodontic treatment or dental restorations may help alleviate bruxism symptoms.
At New Directions Dentistry, our experienced dental team is dedicated to helping patients manage bruxism and improve their oral health and quality of life. If you are experiencing symptoms of bruxism or TMJ disorders, schedule a consultation with us to learn more about how occlusal splints and other treatment options can help alleviate your symptoms and protect your smile.