LifeCare Dental

Perth City

9221 2777

Kingsway

9409 3619

Occlusal Splints

Protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding or clenching

Suffering from aching teeth and jaws?

This could be due unconscious teeth grinding during your sleep.

An Occlusal Splint (also called a bite splint, bite plane, or night guard) is a removable dental appliances carefully moulded to fit the upper or lower arches of teeth worn at night to reduce the amount of grinding pressure transferred to the teeth. It offers relief for the muscles of the jaw and protection of the teeth from wear and breakage.

Dental Crowns and Bridges

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Teeth grinding and clenching also known as Bruxism generally occurs during sleep and can often go undetected. Bruxism is generally caused by psychological stress, anxiety and tension in your waking life. Bruxism causes chips in the teeth, wear of the biting surface and cracks in the teeth. This wears down tooth enamel, removes the sharp biting surfaces and flattens the edges of the teeth.

Sometimes there is a tendency to grind the molars together, often a partner or family member is first to notice the sufferers condition due to this noise associated with this grinding throughout the night.

Bruxism is one of the worlds most common sleep disorders. Over a period of time, tooth damage will occur and may also cause tooth loss. If enough enamel has been worn, the softer dentine will be exposed. This also leaves you at greater risk of tooth decay and also tooth fracture and in some people, gum recession.

Early intervention is advisable.
The symptoms of teeth clenching and grinding can include:
  • Aching jaws and teeth, during waking hours
  • Trouble chewing on food
  • Tension headaches and stress in the temple region
  • Jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) pain
  • Severely worn teeth
  • Broken or chipped teeth
Treatment may involve wearing an occlusal splint over night to prevent the teeth in the upper and lower arches from making contact. Alternatively neuromuscular treatment may be required to relax and retrain jaw muscles to rest and function as normal.

Occlusal Splints are straightforward to make: impression paste is used to make models of your teeth, and our technician builds the Splint based on information about your bite that your dentist will provide.

Occlusal Splints may take a little getting used to, but most people find that within a night or two they are completely comfortable wearing their Splint. It is best not to eat or drink with a Splint in place, but most people find that conversation is possible.

The content on the LifeCare Dental website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice received from your dentist, doctor or other registered health professionals. LifeCare Dental makes no claim as to the accuracy or authenticity of this content.

Additionally, LifeCare Dental does not accept liability to any person for the information or advice provided on this website or incorporated into it by reference. Content has been prepared for Western Australian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have all the required information to complete a form?

If you do not have all the required information such as a Medicare card number, you will need to contact your practice's administration staff in-person or by calling them on 9221 2777 (Perth City) 9409 3619 (Kingsway) so they can advise you of how to proceed.

What if I don't know how to get the information I need?

If you're unsure how to get the information you need to complete the form, you will need to contact your practice's administration staff in-person or by calling them on 9221 2777 (Perth City) or 9409 3619 (Kingsway) so they can advise you of how to proceed.

Why can’t I submit my form?

There may be outstanding required fields that you need to answer before submitting your form. You should see each field that requires an answer in a red box at the bottom of your form. Once you have answered all fields, if a signature is required, you must sign your signature electronically using your mouse or fingers in the box provided.

If you are still unable to complete the form, you can fill out the form on paper at the clinic before your appointment.

I’ve already submitted this form, do I need to do it again?

If you have already submitted this form to your practice, you do not need to complete the form again. If you're unsure whether the practice received your form submission, we suggest contacting the practice directly by calling them on 9221 2777 (Perth City) 9409 3619 (Kingsway) to ask them directly.

Still have more questions?
Contact our reception team for more information
9221 2777 (Perth City)
9409 3619 (Kingsway)