Superior Quality Splints for Bruxism Treatment in Ballarat

Bruxing is excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth that is not a normal part of chewing movements. Bruxing can lead to excessive wear on the teeth and may cause permanent damage to the teeth, i.e. loss of enamel and problems with nerves and the jaw joints. It may occur during the day or at night and can affect both children and adults. Pain may occur in the muscles of mastication as a result of bruxing.

Causes of Bruxism

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) identifies the following as the main factors involved in bruxing:

• Physical stress or illness
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Psychological stress, anxiety or tension
• Maybe related to sleep apnoea
• Abnormal anatomy of the teeth or jaws
• Poor occlusion or bite

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bruxing?

• Pain/sensitivity in the teeth to hot and cold
• Chronic facial pain
• Jaw clenching
• Noise as teeth grind together
• Worn down tooth crowns
• Fractures to the teeth
• Loose teeth in sockets
• Stiff and sore jaw joints
• Earache
• Limited mouth opening
• TMJ pain

What Is the Treatment for Bruxism?

Treatment may include:

• Altering the behaviour that causes bruxism like anxiety or tension
• Repairing the damage caused by clenching with dental treatment
• Muscle relaxants to relax jaw muscles
• Painkillers for jaw joint and muscle pain
• Botox in jaw joints
• Biofeedback techniques
• Using a bruxing splint or occlusal splint

An occlusal splint or bruxing splint can be made for a patient with either mild or severe grinding habits.

Worn usually at night, the splint is traditionally made from acrylic which is moulded plastic. It fits over the upper or lower teeth. It prevents the teeth from grinding together and further wear and tear on the teeth.

It is important that the splint is very comfortable and fits well. The latest technology used by Quality Sleep Clinic is to construct grinding splints made from 3D printed Nylon. These occlusal splints are unsurpassed in regards to minimal dimensions, comfort and strength.

The 3DS Protect occlusal splint, made from laser sintered 3D printed Nylon, is the most advanced appliance available. It is unbreakable in the mouth, even down to a thickness of 0.5mm.

Patient comfort is unparalleled with digital design, ensuring the lowest possible profile and optimised retention. 3D printed Nylon splints are now the gold standard for providing protection to teeth in the long term. Compliance is no longer a problem, as has been the case with acrylic resin splints.

The 3DS Protect can be designed with flat planes or with cuspid and anterior guidance.

Features of 3D Printed Splints

The properties of 3D printed Nylon are far superior to the traditional acrylic resin and includes comfort, strength and unobtrusiveness.



The following features of the 3DS Protect ensure maximum patient compliance: