Special therapies
Protective bite splint
Protection for teeth grinding
and teeth clenching
Remedy for teeth grinding and clenching
To protect the teeth: occlusal splints
Whether as an outlet for acute stress, as a symptom of diseases such as bruxism or as a result of misaligned teeth - teeth grinding and clenching can be triggered by various causes. The harmful consequences of conscious or unconscious grinding on the tooth structure and jaw are undisputed: broken and falling teeth, bleeding gums, inflammatory reactions or wear and tear on the jaw joints are just a few examples of the consequences of mechanical abrasion. A bite splint protects you from this damage. Find out more about the preventive and therapeutic benefits of protective splints now. The following information is rounded off by information on the costs of the occlusal splint and the possibilities of coverage by health insurance companies.
Everything at a glance
Table of contents
Definition of
What exactly is a bite splint?
Bite splints and grinding splints belong to the category of dental splints. Almost all dental splints are made of transparent plastic and are established as an aid in the dental treatment of various diseases and symptoms. For example, aligner splints are produced with the aim of correcting misaligned teeth. Anti-snoring splints, on the other hand, are a great help when it comes to eliminating nocturnal problems caused by loud snoring.
The bite splint type is also referred to as a protective splint with regard to its function. Their use is indicated in cases of teeth grinding or muscular tension in order to protect the teeth from wear and tear or even irreparable damage. Dental prescriptions are used for both prevention and therapy:
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On the one hand, a splint for the teeth has a preventive effect against possible damage caused by massive pressure and abrasion.
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On the other hand, wearing an occlusal splint already represents an intervention by distributing pressure more evenly. This eliminates the possibility of overstraining at certain points and improves chewing behavior.
The rails are based on the principle of distributing forces evenly from a small to a larger area. Specifically, a splint for the teeth serves as a relieving centerpiece, which is placed on the row of teeth between the teeth of the upper and lower jaw. It should be noted that high-quality occlusal splints are individually adapted to the anatomy of the jaw of the person being treated. Only precisely fitting occlusal splints are able to protect the teeth from abrasion, chipping and damage. At the same time, they relieve the joints and muscles in the mouth. Overall, the aids ensure that the distribution of forces in the jaw is regulated to the benefit of the wearer. The temporomandibular joint is always in a physiologically favorable position.
Even distribution of punctual pressure points
How do occlusal splints work?
When do I need a bite splint?
Use in cases of severe stress and illness
The influence of excessive demands, but also of insufficient demands, on dental health is considerable. Reasons for overstressed teeth and teeth grinding can be found in all areas of life: those who experience difficult, stressful times in everyday life, at work or in family life often compensate for this type of stress by grinding their teeth at night. Keyword: valve function. Diseases such as bruxism or CMD also manifest themselves through clenching and grinding of the teeth.
It can also happen that those affected unconsciously clench their jaws during the day or constantly make grinding movements with their teeth. The common expression "biting through" describes this phenomenon succinctly and metaphorically. Latent or acute stress is therefore reflected in the health of the teeth and influences the quality of the teeth and dentition.
A bite splint makes sense here:
Potential causes of teeth grinding
Diseases
Bruxism
CMD
Emotion/situation
Stress and anxiety
Nervousness and tension
Physiology / condition of the teeth
Misaligned teeth, fillings, crowns and dentures
Relation between tooth and jaw size
Bite splints are typically used by people who grind their teeth due to stress or illness. Bite splints play their protective role for this target group by preventing the teeth from rubbing and clenching when worn. The use of occlusal splints and grinding splints in extremely tense phases of life can significantly help to maintain the health of the teeth, muscles and jaw. Custom-fit splints for the teeth have the following preventive benefits:
Finding the right protection
When is a bite splint useful?
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Protection against abrasion
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Protection against chipping
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Protection against wear
Patients who grind their teeth are often affected by CMD or bruxism. In the context of suitable therapies, occlusal splints also help to correct the associated malocclusions and chewing behavior.
Dental splints
CMD splint
Bite splints are regularly used as part of CMD therapy. CMD is the abbreviation for craniomandibular dysfunction. As a technical term, the term refers to a functional disorder of the masticatory system that results from a misalignment of the jaw. During CMD treatment, occlusal splints are used on the one hand to reduce discomfort in the jaw area. At the same time, the splint for the teeth corrects the condition of the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint. When worn, the CMD splint ensures that the upper and lower jaws meet physiologically again. CMD splints help to achieve the following dental goals:
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Restoration of the natural occlusion - this term refers to the closing of the upper and lower jaw.
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A general improvement in the position of the temporomandibular joint.
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Relaxation of the masticatory muscles.
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Reduction of chewing problems.
Dental splints
Crunch splints/bite splints
If tense people work with their teeth at night or even grind them, the forces involved are likely to cause damage. This is because the contact and friction between the teeth lasts much longer than the normal 30 minutes during daily meals. This is why the prescribed splints are placed over the teeth as a protective layer: grinding splints prevent wear, abrasion and chipping on the rows of teeth while the patient is sleeping. The cost of the crunch splint can be up to €800, depending on the individual severity of the case. The service is usually paid for in full by the health insurance companies. However, a corresponding medical diagnosis - e.g. bruxism - must be available for this to be accepted.
The difference between occlusal splints and grinding splints can be derived very well from their conceptual and formal relationship. Bite splints relate to bite splints like furniture to chairs. The former are intended to prevent overloading of the teeth and misalignment of the temporomandibular joint. They are the generic term for the genus and can also be useful during the day. Crunch splints, on the other hand, are a subcategory. They are designed to prevent night-time teeth grinding and its detrimental effects on dental health. For this reason, their use is usually limited to night time.
General and specific designation
What is the difference between an occlusal splint and a grinding splint?
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What our patients say about us
Customer testimonials
A very nice team that cares about people and successfully tailors its services to the customer. The focus here is on satisfaction and not on the services or products offered.
Benjamin K.
Such a friendly, competent practice! I went to Dr. Werner in an emergency, who made every effort to preserve the tooth and advised me extensively on what options we had. I feel in good hands there. The practice is very clean and beautiful, the staff very friendly and courteous.
Thank you!
Luana L.
How long does a bite splint stay in the mouth?
Wearing time of the protective rails
Unfortunately, it is not possible to give a general time frame because the course of treatment with the bite splint influences the duration of wear. If the symptoms are reduced very quickly, for example, the product is used for a very limited period of a few weeks. The load on the occlusal splint, for example as a result of CMD or bruxism, also always has an effect on the respective durability. Depending on the severity and duration of the teeth grinding, the lifespan of the splints can therefore vary from a few months to several years. Therefore, an individual, professional view of the respective condition and treatment progress is of fundamental importance in our practice. In the patient consultation, we will then explain to you in an understandable way how long the occlusal splint should probably be worn in your specific case.
Regular cleaning is very important to prolong the life of an occlusal splint. Ideally, you should clean your dental splint after every meal. The use of a toothbrush and washing-up liquid has proven effective here. If you wear the guard while sleeping, remember to store the guard in a box with good ventilation during the day. Alternatively, it is possible to use the familiar braces box.
Care of the bite splint
Hygiene and cleaning of occlusal splints
Bite splint
Questions on the topic
It is a frequently asked question whether occlusal splint costs are covered. If there is an indication from the dentist's point of view - as described above for the bite splint - the health insurance companies will cover the costs for the simplest form of bite splint. In terms of time, the financial outlay is normally covered if a patient requires a new occlusal splint every two years. There is also a good chance that the costs will be fully covered by statutory health insurance if a new bite splint is required after 12 months. The cost of the bite splints is billed via your health card without any extra effort.
In summary, the statutory health insurance funds cover both the manufacture of the splint and the necessary material costs. However, patients have to pay for services such as functional analysis (gnathology) or particularly high-quality occlusal splints themselves. Please contact us and your health insurance company if you have any questions about financing. Possible ambiguities can thus be discussed at an early stage.
A radiant smile again thanks to bleaching.
Splints for your teeth - do you have any questions?
We will be happy to advise you on important questions relating to occlusal splints and bite splints. If you grind your teeth and want to protect your dental arches in good time, please make an appointment. In our practice, we clarify which symptoms are present and whether it makes medical sense in your case to prescribe dental splints to protect the teeth or to correct misalignments. We can certainly do something for you. Get in touch now.
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