Supporting optimal oral and overall health with custom occlusal splints
Facial pain. Jaw stiffness. Difficulty chewing. Tension headaches and earaches. These and other problems may be rooted in the connection between the opposite teeth in the upper and lower jaws. This relationship is known as your “bite.” The upper teeth in a healthy bite slightly protrude over the lower teeth. When the teeth overlap too much or too little, excessive stress may be placed on the jaw joints and connected structures and tissues. This tension can result in problems that transcend the teeth and gums, including chronic migraines and earaches. Occlusal splints at Pure Dental Care in New York City are a non-invasive way to relieve symptoms that interfere with your day-to-day life.
Occlusal Splints 101
This type of oral appliance therapy involves Dr. Nazia Ahmed designing a custom-made device to fit your mouth. You can easily slip this appliance in and out of your mouth. Splints largely reposition the lower jaw to establish a better, more balanced bite posture. Other types of oral appliances, such as nightguards and mouthguards, protect the teeth, tissues, and dental work from damage caused by chronic teeth grinding and sports-related injuries, respectively. They act as shock absorbers to cushion impacts from activities such as teeth grinding and facial blows during sports.
These latter appliances do not reposition the jaw or other tissues. They do help to release the tension and force that contributes to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction or disorders (we have listed some of their symptoms above). Occlusal splints release this tension by altering the bite. So, it is more balanced and does not contribute to the development or worsening of headaches and other persistent conditions.
What to expect
First, Dr. Ahmed needs to get to the bottom of what is responsible for your symptoms. If she deems occlusal splints or other oral appliance therapies appropriate, your custom device will be fabricated using precise information collected about your mouth. We will go over everything from how to wear to how to care for your splint. During regular visits to the Pure Dental Care office in Manhattan, NY, Dr. Ahmed will also check the condition of your splint. It is essential for your splint to remain in top shape; only then can it work as designed to support a healthy bite and function. Call (212) - 256-1292 to speak with a team member at our office in Central Park South today.