What is the difference between occlusal splint and night guard?

What is the difference between occlusal splint and night guard?

Simply put, a mouthguard protects your teeth while a splint holds your teeth together to prevent harmful movement.

What is the best splint for bruxism?

An Occlusal splint (also called a night guard) is a custom molded hard plastic appliance that fits over the upper teeth. It is designed to protect natural teeth, crowns and implants from wear and cracking from clenching and grinding habits [Bruxism] and relieve muscle tension and painful joint symptoms.

What are the purposes of using occlusal splints?

Occlusal splints, also known as bite guards, oral orthotics, and oral appliances, are utilized frequently in dental practices. They are commonly used to relax jaw muscles, prevent temporomandibular jaw trauma, protect dentition, and control headaches.

Does insurance cover TMJ splint?

Medical Insurance typically is the primary insurance for TMJ disorders. The reason is that a joint is a joint anywhere in the body, as is muscle, tendons, and ligaments. Physical Therapy coverage is generally easy but when orthotics, appliances or splints are made coverage disputes often occur.

Does a TMJ splint change your face?

Wearing it will produce changes in the bite and in jaw positions, which will require some form of major dental treatment, such as orthodontics, crowning teeth, etc. to establish a new permanent jaw position.

What is an occlusal appliance?

An occlusal appliance is a device that is worn in the mouth overnight and creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, eliminating the damage they cause by rubbing against each other. It also promotes improved jaw and bite alignment which can help address uneven tooth wear.

Are TMJ splints covered by insurance?

Can a splint change your bite?

The splint is intended to be a first step in a multi-step procedure. Wearing it will produce changes in the bite and in jaw positions, which will require some form of major dental treatment, such as orthodontics, crowning teeth, etc. to establish a new permanent jaw position.