Occlusion splint
introduction
An occlusion splint is a clear plastic rail, which is usually placed on the row of upper or lower teeth at night. The word "occlusion“Means by definition“ closure ”and in dentistry means any contact between the upper and lower teeth.
The function of the splint is to produce one correct biteto get one Bad bite to prevent. Through this even bite a Relaxation of the muscles, as well as a Relief of the temporomandibular joints can be achieved.
However, the occlusal splint does not change the position of the teeth. However, the effect can only occur if the splint regularly every day - sometimes also during the day. Wearing it once does not help here!
Indications for an occlusal splint
There are various causes that require an occlusal splint to be made. Very often she will be at muscular discomfort or Temporomandibular joint pain used. In most cases, these are based on one wrong bite. A wrong bite means that some teeth have no contact with their opponent because the opponent is wrong or missing completely. This will make the jaw when clenching misplaced.
The muscles are stressed more on the one hand, and less on the other, which in some patients Tension and Pain This in turn can have far-reaching consequences due to pronounced muscular connections and even Head- or Back pain trigger. Problems in this area should therefore not be underestimated.
Furthermore, the rail is called Exclusion diagnostics used for muscular complaints for which the cause is unclear. Finally, the occlusion splint is also known by the name Grinding splint. Some people are very active during sleep and then unconsciously move the rows of teeth against each other or press them strongly against each other. This can rub off tooth enamel, which is prevented by an occlusion splint.
The occlusion splint for tinnitus
Tinnitus can be part of a craniomandibular dysfunction (Abbreviation CMD) occur. This is a muscular or joint-specific one Dysregulation of the Temporomandibular joints. Often unspecific symptoms such as headache, earache or dizziness are perceived, which one does not necessarily associate with it at first glance.
Since the nerve supply of the ear and the temporomandibular joint are anatomically close together, it is not surprising that incorrect tooth loads or misaligned teeth have far-reaching consequences, such as tinnitus. However, if the occlusion splint regulates the incorrect influence, the tinnitus can disappear again within a short time.
How much does an occlusion splint cost?
When making an occlusion splint, costs of up to € 500 can be expected. These depend on the type of rail, the material used and the manufacturing costs. For precise production, a model of the situation in the patient's mouth is required, which is achieved by taking an impression.The so-called dental impression is usually taken over by the health insurance companies.
Various adjustment methods can also increase costs. The replacement of a rail is mostly free of charge, but only if a certain interval is observed. You should therefore check with your health insurance company beforehand.
Read more on the topic: Materials of an occlusal splint
Who pays for an occlusion splint?
In most cases, the costs of making an occlusion splint are covered by the health insurance company. However, special diagnostic procedures or work steps are not adopted. These are billed privately. This includes the face bow. With this, the position of the upper jaw is transferred to the model true to detail so that the splint fits perfectly later. If it is omitted, standardized values are used instead. This can have the disadvantage that the splint does not fit properly. This regulation of the assumption of costs also generally applies to private health insurance companies.
Wearing time
In most cases it is sufficient to wear the splint at night. After brushing your teeth in the evening, the splint is inserted and then removed the next morning. The splint can also be used during the day for severe muscular complaints. This is especially the case during stressful times, when there is a lot of work or an exam is imminent. You then unconsciously tense the jaw muscles. Since the wearing time is individually adjusted, one should trust the advice of the doctor.
effect
An occlusion splint ensures that all teeth are in uniform contact with one another. This is especially necessary when not all teeth are in the right place and some are not in contact. This creates a cramped posture of Lower jaw, with muscle- or Temporomandibular joint pain goes hand in hand. The muscles are restored by the even contact of the teeth over the splint relaxed. This provides relief when worn regularly.
An occlusion splint can also be used crunch to be helpful. Nocturnal rubbing and clenching of teeth cannot be prevented by the splint, but the consequences can be reduced. Overloading individual teeth is also prevented by removing all teeth uniform contact have. On the one hand, this is intended to reduce the grinding of teeth, and on the other hand, the splint prevents the teeth from rubbing each other off. Only the plastic wears out because it is less hard than the tooth enamel.
Some people clench their teeth automatically and unconsciously at rest. This automatism is to be replaced by new movement patterns so that in the future an informal lower jaw posture can be assumed even without the splint. The occlusion splint helps to create a Resting position in which the teeth do not touch.
How do you clean the occlusion splint?
Proper care of the occlusion splint is very important as it is worn every day. Immediately after eating, as well as in the morning and in the evening, both teeth and splint should be brushed. Used as a detergent toothpaste utilized. So that the rail does not break if it falls down, the sink can be filled with a little water beforehand.
Also Denture cleaner (Tabs) for dentures can be used, but it should still be cleaned with a toothbrush. If the splint is not cared for well, residues can remain on the splint and cause unsightly stains after a while. These are calcifications, similar to tartar that forms in the mouth. If the splint is only worn at night, it should be worn in one during the day airtight Keep closed container.
If you only take it out for a short time during the day to eat, it can be stored in water or a damp cloth. It is important that the splint never dries out in order to prevent deformation. A change in the splint can change the position of the teeth.
