Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
The relaxation splint, as the name suggests, brings its user relaxation and relief. The investment in a relaxation splint is usually decided by people who deal with stress, malocclusion or the habit of chewing gum on a daily basis. What exactly is a relaxation splint and what types of splints are there?
What is a relaxation splint?
The relaxation splint is a transparent overlay on the teeth. The relaxation splint is individually selected for the patient’s teeth and the choice is usually made by the orthodontist. By design, the relaxation splint is intended to bring relief to patients who grit their teeth or suffer from trismus. In orthodontics, it is also used to treat malocclusion and dental injuries. Relaxation splints differ, for example, in their hardness, which is adapted to the individual needs and diseases of the patient. The time of wearing the relaxation brace depends on many factors, including the severity of bruxism and the type of malocclusion. The materials used for the production of relaxation splints are biocompatible and acrylic, and are distinguished by high resistance to any damage. In addition, they are designed in such a way that they do not irritate the gums and do not cause abrasions. Relaxation splints are suitable for people with a complete set of teeth.
Indications for the use of a relaxation splint
The relaxation splint is orthodontic equipment that is most often recommended for people struggling with bruxism. Teeth grinding or excessive jaw clenching are disorders that often lead to impaired functioning of the temporomandibular joint. Damage to this joint, in turn, can lead to pain in the head, neck, spine, temporomandibular joints, as well as abrasion and loosening of the teeth. The relaxation splint is most often chosen by people who are exposed to stress in their everyday life, which is the cause of teeth grinding or trismus. The relaxation brace works especially at night, when clenching the teeth prevents a good sleep and often leads to insomnia.
Also read: Painful temporomandibular joint syndrome (Costen’s syndrome)
Relaxation splint – types
There are many types of relaxation splints on the market of orthodontic products, which differ from each other in the way of application or the material from which they are made. Relaxation rails are divided into:
- Hard relaxation splints – are made by a dentist assisted by a dental technician. During the visit, an imprint of the patient’s upper and lower teeth is taken together with a record of the occlusion. Already at the next visit, the patient receives a ready-made splint and can take it home after minor adjustments. Relaxation splints made of acrylic are more durable than the others and, apart from the relaxation function, protect the teeth against damage.
- Soft relaxation splints – this type of relaxation splints are usually purchased ready-made in pharmacies or stores with dental and orthodontic equipment. The purchased overlay is dipped in warm water, then inserted into the mouth and the teeth are clenched. After some time, the splint becomes stiff and can be removed from the mouth. Specialists advise against the use of soft relaxation splints as they may do more harm than good. First of all, they do not protect against clenching and grinding of teeth and are so thin that they often chew through. It is argued that soft relaxation splints offer no therapeutic effects and are not effective in treating joint dysfunction.