Difference between a night guard and a splint

Navigating Between Night Guards and Splints: Understanding the Difference

Introduction:

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) can affect anyone, and determining whether a night guard or TMJ splint is needed requires a thorough examination by a seasoned dentist. Night guards and TMJ splints are two dental devices crafted to address the diverse needs of patients with TMD. Despite both being used to prevent teeth grinding, they serve distinct functions.

Teeth Grinding:

Night Guard:

Night guards are custom-fitted oral appliances worn during sleep. Recommended by our team at Dr. Rashid’s Dental Care, they treat various conditions like bruxism (teeth clenching or grinding) and sleep apnea. Night guards are primarily used for clenching, a response to stress mediated by the central nervous system. However, some grind due to bite discrepancies, leading to enamel wear and long-term dental issues.

Symptoms of Bruxism:

Since teeth grinding often occurs during sleep, individuals may not realize they’re doing it, especially if it’s mild. Common symptoms include audible grinding, headaches, jaw soreness, disrupted sleep, and tooth sensitivity. Dental examinations can detect wear spots, fractures, and other signs of grinding.

Types of Night Guards:

1. Soft Night Guard: Made from malleable rubber-like material, soft guards create a barrier between teeth, suitable for mild bruxism.
2. Hybrid Night Guard: Combining soft rubber interiors with hard acrylic exteriors, hybrids offer comfort and durability, ideal for moderate to heavy grinding.
3. Hard Night Guard: Constructed entirely from acrylic, hard guards are durable and recommended for heavy grinders.

Splints:

Splints, also known as dental splints or bite guards, serve various purposes in treating TMD. They allow jaw muscles to relax, distribute pressure evenly across teeth, ease joint tension, and realign the jaw.

Types of TMJ Splints:

1. Permissive Splints: Stabilize the mouth, allowing free movement of teeth and jaw.
2. Non-permissive Splints: Restrictive, guiding jaw movement to reposition teeth and alleviate pain.

Difference from Night Guards:

While both may seem similar, night guards and splints have distinct roles. Night guards prevent teeth contact during sleep, mainly addressing grinding, while splints aim to position the jaw optimally, relieving TMD symptoms. Splints are worn both day and night, targeting jaw realignment, whereas night guards are usually worn solely during sleep.

Seek Relief from Dental Pain:

Participating in splint therapy alleviates jaw pain caused by muscle strain. Identifying the issue and selecting the appropriate splint are crucial steps before therapy begins. At Dr. Rashid’s Dental Care, our team diagnoses and tailors solutions to your needs. Schedule an appointment today for personalized care.

To book an appointment with us at Dr. Rashid’s Dental Care, call us at +91 98380 74435 or message Dr. Rashid directly on WhatsApp at +91-98380 74435. You can also reach us via email at contact@drrashidsdental.com. Your journey to relief starts here.