What is an unloading splint and why is it key in the treatment of bruxism?
The invisible ally for protecting your smile while you sleep
The bite guard, also known as a night guard, is one of the most effective treatments for relieving the symptoms of bruxism and protecting oral health in both adults and children. Custom-made and fitted by a dentist, this splint acts as a protective barrier between the teeth, preventing wear and tear and relieving muscle tension.
In this article we explain what a splint is, what it is used for, its benefits and care, as well as its use in children’s patients. If you suffer from jaw, head or ear pain, or if you wake up with tension in the facial area, you may need one.
What is an unloading splint?
The bite splint is a custom-designed acrylic or silicone device that is placed over the upper or lower teeth, usually at night. Its main function is to prevent direct contact between the dental arches and to distribute the forces generated by bruxism.
This disorder, which involves involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, can cause:
- Severe tooth wear.
- Jaw pain.
- Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Headaches, ear or neck pain.
- Sleep problems and generalised muscle tension.
What is an unloading splint for?
Its purpose goes far beyond preventing tooth wear. These are its main functions:
Prevention of tooth wear
Protects teeth from the “filing” effect caused by night-time grinding.
Muscle relaxation
Helps to relax the masticatory muscles and restore the vertical dimension, which reduces the symptoms associated with TMJ.
Protection of dental treatment
Extends the life of restorations such as crowns, veneers, implants or fillings by preventing fractures due to excessive forces.
Improving rest
By relieving tension and pain, it promotes more restful sleep and reduces the risk of dizziness and morning sickness.
Discharge splints for children: do they need them too?
Although bruxism is more common in adults, it can also appear in childhood, especially between the ages of 6 and 10, coinciding with the fall of the baby teeth and the eruption of the permanent teeth.
In most cases, childhood bruxism disappears over time. However, if it persists and causes discomfort, it may require treatment with soft splints adapted to the child’s development. In addition, it is recommended to combine it with relaxing activities and, if there is dental malocclusion, orthodontic treatment should be considered.
Benefits for children and adolescents:
- They relax the masticatory muscles.
- Restore overloaded dental and periodontal tissues.
- They protect against wear and prevent future occlusion problems.
How is an unloading splint made?
In clinics such as Emardental or Udemax, the splints are designed using digital technology so that they adapt precisely to the patient’s mouth. This personalisation guarantees:
- Maximum comfort.
- Perfect fit.
- Therapeutic efficacy without side effects.
Care and maintenance of the splint
A well-cared-for splint can last for years. Follow these tips:
- Clean daily with a soft brush and warm water.
- Do not expose to high temperatures.
- Store it in its ventilated case when not in use.
- Have regular check-ups to verify fit, especially in children.
Are there any contraindications?
Customised splints have no contraindications if they are properly fitted by a professional. In case of discomfort, they are simply adjusted to ensure functionality and comfort.
Conclusion: protect your smile today
Bruxism can go unnoticed for a long time, but its effects can be serious if left untreated. The unloading splints are an effective, safe and personalised solution to avoid major problems.
Make an appointment at Clinicas Udemax and choose the location that best suits you: Udemax in the outpatient clinics of Policlínica Juaneda, in Arcdental or in Emardental, your clinic in the centre of Palma. For more information, call us on 971 767 521.
