Bite Splints Care Instructions In Jackson, Michigan

Bite Splint Therapy

Teeth Protection: Bite splints serve as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing direct contact and reducing the risk of tooth damage.
Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief: Bite splints help relax the jaw muscles by providing a stable and balanced occlusion (bite) position.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Stabilization: Bite splints can help stabilize the temporomandibular joint, which is responsible for the opening and closing movements of the jaw.

Bite Splint Therapy

Care Instructions

Protecting Teeth and Preventing Damage

One of the key benefits of bite splint therapy is the ability to protect teeth from the harmful effects of bruxism, the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth. Bruxism can lead to excessive wear, chipping, fractures, and tooth loss over time. By wearing a bite splint, the forces generated during grinding or clenching are distributed evenly across the appliance, shielding the teeth from direct contact. This helps preserve the natural tooth structure, extending longevity and reducing the need for extensive dental treatments in the future.

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Initial Splint Therapy

Upon receiving your bite splint, Dr. Watterson asks that you wear your splint as much as possible. This includes day and night wear (awake & asleep). We understand you will have challenges wearing it during the day, and that is ok.

Ideal times to wear your splint would include when you find yourself in stressful situations or if you are clenching/grinding your teeth. Always remove your bite splint when eating or drinking anything but water.

As your muscles begin to relax, you will likely experience your teeth hitting your splint in new areas and potentially generating sensitivity. To avoid discomfort, Dr. Watterson recommends follow-up visits where adjustments will be made to adapt your splint.

Splint Therapy Maintenance

At this stage, the majority of adjustments have been made and Dr. Watterson has been able to establish a biting patten where you comfortable and your teeth are being properly protected from inappropriate forces.

Follow-up appointments will be on an as-needed basis. For some patients, this will be a life-long stage of treatment and for others it is just the beginning as they are now prepared to proceed with restorative care.

Your bite splint can be used as a retainer which helps prevent teeth from shifting/tipping. If you go a period without wearing it, you may find it no longer fits. This is just one of the many reasons we recommend uninterrupted wear.

Caring for Your Splint

Brush your splint using your toothbrush and a small amount of non-whitening toothpaste.
If you choose to soak your bite splint, use 15-minute partial denture cleaner. DO not soak longer than 15 minutes as this will dry out the acrylic, making your splint brittle and susceptible to breaking.
Always store your splint in a dry, airtight container to avoid accidental disposal.
It is also important to keep your splint out of the reach of family pets. They can quickly turn your splint into an expensive chew toy.

Education and Experience

The Watterson Way

Dr. Scott Watterson

Many people would define cosmetic dentistry by what they’ve seen on “extreme makeover” type shows. However, subtle changes can be just as effective at improving a smile, as well as someone’s confidence about smiling.

Many have the misconception that all cosmetic services are incredibly expensive or long, drawn out procedures, which discourages them from moving forward with what they truly want.

Dr. Watterson uses the most conservative treatment possible, while pursuing your maximum health and function. Our cosmetic care is specifically tailored to your needs, concerns, and how you want your smile to shine in the end.

Serving as a general dentist for 25 years, I have developed and curated a passion for cosmetic dentistry in all its facets. I believe that form follows function and that is the basis of my practice. When your teeth are able to function the way you need them to, beautiful form naturally follows.

My desire is for the work of my hands to reach beyond the individual to impact everyone who is graced with their smile.

IT'S A TRUST THING

Hear From Our Patients

We can say what we want about ourselves, but the proof is in the pudding. Hear from our patients about their experiences at Watterson Dentistry.

Lou Dean

April 2024

I can’t say enough great things about Watterson Dentistry. All of the staff treated me very well. They are so personal and make you feel at home. If you’re looking for a new dentist get on over there.

5.0

☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5

keljer777

April 2024

Great staff! They make you feel like part of the family. If you dread the dentist due to concern of discomfort, you don’t have to worry if you are seen here. I have had the deep cleaning below the gum line, routine cleanings, and I am now receiving orthodontic treatment. I am very happy that I chose Dr. Watterson and staff.

5.0

☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5

Paul Dobos

April 2024

Where does a dentist go when he needs work done in his own mouth? I go to my U of M Dental School classmate, Dr. Scott Watterson. Why? I can trust him (and you can too) to do what is proper and do it well. It doesn’t hurt either that he has a top-notch support team!