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Splint Therapy

Splint Therapy in Roseville & Sacramento, CA

If you’ve been grinding your teeth and dealing with jaw pain, or other TMJ issues, splint therapy could be what you need to improve your quality of life. Dr. Jefferson Clark won’t just hand you a mouthguard and send you home. Rather, he will design a custom occlusal splint tailored to fit your mouth, and most importantly, address the root cause of your discomfort. 

Whether you’re experiencing TMJ disorders, teeth grinding (bruxism), or jaw muscle tension, custom splint therapy provides a conservative approach that works with your body’s natural healing capacity.

What Is Splint Therapy?

Splint therapy involves a custom-fabricated oral appliance that fits over your teeth to modify how your jaws interact. Unlike generic night guards, therapeutic splints are designed based on detailed analysis of your bite, jaw position, muscle function, and treatment goals.

These specialized devices redistribute excessive forces, reduce muscular tension, and prevent tooth damage. The splint creates a balanced occlusal relationship that allows your jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints to function without strain, promoting healing while protecting your teeth.

How Splint Therapy Works

Think of your jaw like it’s in a tug of war. As one side pulls harder that the other, both sides get exhausted. Then, your teeth send signals to your jaw muscles through fibers in the ligaments. A tailored splint will even out those signals, so your jaw muscles stop fighting against each other, reducing tension and discomfort in the process.

Repositioning the Jaw

Ever notice how you shift your jaw to avoid discomfort? With TMJ, you hold your jaw in an unnatural position to reduce strain on the temporomandibular joints and adjacent muscles, and splint therapy brings the jaw into more effective alignment, allowing tissues to relax and heal.

Creating a Physical Barrier

For patients who clench or grind their teeth, the splint provides a protective barrier between upper and lower teeth. This prevents accelerated tooth wear and fractures while reducing force transmitted to jaw joints and muscles.

Distributing Forces Evenly

A properly designed splint evenly distributes pressure across the entire dental arch, protecting vulnerable teeth, reducing joint loading, and preventing tissue damage from chronic overload.

Primary Benefits of Splint Therapy

Splint therapy offers a less invasive, reversible treatment to resolve TMJ symptoms and restore function and comfort.

Reduces Jaw Tension and Muscle Pain

Once you stop clenching and your bite settles into a stable position, those constantly tightened muscles finally get a break. You should notice your face doesn’t ache as much within weeks, and tension headaches that radiate from your jaw subside.

Alleviates TMJ Disorders

Splint therapy reduces joint inflammation, improves disc positioning, and restores normal joint mechanics. For patients with clicking, popping, pain, or limited jaw movement, a custom splint provides substantial relief while addressing underlying biomechanical issues.

Protects Teeth from Grinding and Wear

Bruxism accelerates tooth wear, causes fractures, and damages existing dental work. A protective splint absorbs grinding forces, preserving natural tooth structure and extending the lifespan of restorations.

Stabilizes the Jaw Position

Splints maintain proper jaw alignment following dental treatment and provide bite stability for patients with TMJ, both of which are crucial during full mouth reconstruction, after orthodontic treatment, or when multiple teeth are lost.

Improves Overall Jaw Function

Reducing pain and establishing proper jaw mechanics makes eating, speaking, and daily activities easier. Many patients report improved quality of life as jaw function normalizes and chronic discomfort resolves.

Serves as a Diagnostic Tool

Response to splint therapy offers valuable diagnostic information that guides Dr. Clark’s recommendations for definitive treatment. For instance, if symptoms improve significantly with a properly positioned splint, it indicates that muscle tension and bite relationships are primary factors.

Functions of Splint Therapy in Sacramento, CA

The primary functions and goals of splint therapy in TMD treatment include:
  1. Reducing Jaw Tension and Pain: Splints help by creating a physical barrier between the upper and lower teeth. This separation prevents habits like clenching and grinding (bruxism), which often exacerbate joint stress and muscle tension.
  2. Stabilizing the Jaw Position: By providing a stable bite position, splints can alleviate the strain on the jaw muscles and joints, helping to relieve symptoms and promote a more natural jaw alignment.
  3. Preventing Tooth Wear: Splints protect the surfaces of the teeth from wear and tear that can occur from grinding, helping to preserve the natural tooth structure.
  4. Improving Jaw Function: By reducing pain and discomfort, splints can enhance the overall function of the jaw, making eating and speaking easier and less painful.
  5. Diagnostic Tool: In some cases, how a patient responds to splint therapy can help diagnose whether their TMD symptoms are primarily due to muscle tension or joint issues, guiding further treatment.
Dr. Jefferson Clark showing x rays to female patient

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Types of Occlusal Splints

There are several types of splints to support better bite alignment and jaw function while providing relief from tension and pain, including:

  • Stabilization splints. The most common type for TMJ disorders and bruxism, made from hard acrylic resin covering all teeth in one arch. They provide a flat, stable biting surface that allows free jaw movement, enabling muscles to relax. Typically worn during sleep, sometimes throughout the day in severe cases.
  • Repositioning splints. When specific jaw repositioning is needed to improve joint position or disc relationships, these splints hold the lower jaw in a therapeutic position that optimizes joint mechanics and reduces symptoms.
  • Soft splints. Made from flexible silicone to cushion acute muscle pain, soft splints are typically for short-term use, as they can inadvertently increase clenching in some patients.
  • Anterior bite splints. Covering only the front teeth, these splints disengage the back teeth, reducing activation of closing muscles. Used selectively for specific muscle conditions with careful monitoring.
  • Sports guards. Custom sports guards offer superior fit, comfort, and protection compared to generic options, safeguarding your teeth, jaw, and dental work during sports.

The Dr. Clark Prosthodontics Difference

Choosing the right prosthodontist can make all the difference in experience relief from tension and pain caused by TMJ. Dr. Clark offers:

  • Precision customization. Dr. Clark won’t eyeball it. He will make exact impressions of your teeth, record the bite, analyze where jaw joint sits, and assess how your muscles are working or not working together. All this data will help him ensure your splints are a perfect fit that work well for you.
  • Expert adjustment and monitoring. Clark’s prosthodontic training allows for meticulous fine-tuning based on jaw muscle and joint responses. Regular follow-ups enable optimization that generic appliances lack.
  • Integration with comprehensive care. Splint therapy is viewed within your overall oral health context, including existing dental work and future treatment needs. Addressing jaw dysfunction can improve restorative outcomes and extend investment longevity.
  • Superior materials and fabrication. Our on-site dental lab ensures precise control over materials and techniques. We use high-quality acrylic processed to exacting standards, ensuring your splint withstands nightly wear while maintaining therapeutic properties.

Conditions Treated with Splint Therapy

Splint therapy can be beneficial for patients who are experiencing a variety of conditions, including:

  • TMJ disorders (TMD): Joint pain, clicking, limited opening, or jaw locking
  • Bruxism: Teeth grinding or clenching
  • Muscle tension: Chronic soreness, tension headaches, or facial pain
  • Tooth wear: Accelerated enamel erosion
  • Bite instability: After tooth loss, orthodontics, or extensive work
  • Protective stabilization: Supporting loose teeth or healing tissues
  • Pre-restorative therapy: Optimizing jaw position before crowns, veneers, or implants

Considerations

The splint needs to be precisely adjusted to fit the individual’s mouth to ensure it does not cause or exacerbate any issues, such as altering the bite or leading to misalignment of the jaw. In many cases, splint therapy is part of a broader treatment plan that may also include physical therapy, stress management, and medication to manage pain and inflammation. This comprehensive approach helps address both the symptoms and underlying causes of TMD. Dr. Jefferson Clark is well-trained to help you receive the care you deserve when it comes to optimizing the benefits of an occlusal splint and stabilizing your oral health. 

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Dr. Jefferson Clark specializes in restoring smiles and improving function. View our gallery to see real patient results!

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What to Expect During Splint Therapy

Initial Consultation and Examination

Dr. Clark conducts thorough evaluation, including your medical history, a clinical examination, your bite analysis, and appropriate imaging. He’ll explain findings and discuss whether splint therapy is suitable for your condition.

Custom Splint Fabrication

Precise impressions and bite records capture your unique anatomy. Dr. Clark designs your splint based on diagnostic findings and therapeutic goals before our skilled technicians fabricate it using premium materials in our lab.

Delivery and Initial Adjustment

When your splint is ready, Dr. Clark adjusts it for fit, comfort, and balanced contact across all teeth. He’ll provide instructions on wear schedule, cleaning, and initial adaptation.

Follow-Up and Refinement

Regular follow-ups allow Dr. Clark to monitor progress, assess jaw response, and make adjustments as symptoms improve. Most patients need several adjustments in the first few months to optimize results.

Duration of Treatment

Treatment length varies by condition, severity, and goals. Some patients wear splints nightly indefinitely to prevent grinding, while others use them intensively for several months until normal jaw function resumes. Dr. Clark provides realistic timelines based on your situation.

Splint Therapy vs. Store-Bought Night Guards

While over-the-counter night guards may seem cost-effective, they lack the precision of custom splints. Generic guards don’t account for your unique jaw position, can’t be adjusted to balance occlusal contacts, may worsen jaw position or muscle tension, often fit poorly causing discomfort, and provide only passive protection without addressing underlying dysfunction.

Custom splint therapy offers therapeutic intervention, not just passive protection, and is the difference between protecting your teeth and treating jaw dysfunction.

Caring for Your Occlusal Splint

  • Clean daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner
  • Rinse thoroughly before and after each use
  • Store in its protective case when not wearing
  • Keep away from heat to avoid distorting the acrylic
  • Bring to all follow-ups for inspection and adjustment
  • Avoid chewing on the splint during wear
  • Replace when recommended if significant wear or damage occurs

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Splint Therapy FAQs in Roseville, CA

Splint therapy uses a custom oral appliance to stabilize your bite, reduce jaw pain, protect teeth from grinding, and establish proper jaw position for TMJ disorders, bruxism, and bite stabilization.

Patients with TMJ pain, teeth grinding, jaw muscle tension, headaches from jaw dysfunction, accelerated tooth wear, or bite instability may benefit. Dr. Clark evaluates your condition to determine if a splint is appropriate.

A properly designed splint establishes neuromuscular harmony through balanced occlusal contacts, repositions the jaw to reduce strain, prevents harmful grinding forces, and redistributes pressure evenly across teeth.

Common types include stabilization splints (for TMJ and bruxism), repositioning splints, soft silicone splints (for acute muscle pain), anterior bite splints, and sports guards.

Custom splints are precisely fitted and adjusted for comfort. Most patients adapt within a few days to a week. Address any persistent discomfort at follow-up appointments for refinement.

Wear schedules depend on your diagnosis and treatment goals. Many patients wear splints nightly, while severe cases may require 24-hour wear initially. Dr. Clark provides personalized recommendations.

Splint therapy is part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Many patients find significant symptom relief, but outcomes depend on underlying causes. Dr. Clark discusses realistic expectations during consultation.

Most splints should be removed during meals. You can drink water while wearing your splint but should remove it for other beverages to prevent staining.

Clean daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, rinse thoroughly, store in its case, and keep away from heat. Bring it to all follow-ups for inspection.

Cost varies based on splint type, condition complexity, and treatment length. Many dental insurance plans cover custom splints for TMJ disorders or bruxism. Our team verifies benefits and discusses financial options during consultation.

TMJ splints reposition the jaw and address dysfunction, while night guards simply protect against grinding without addressing jaw mechanics. TMJ splints require prosthodontic expertise for proper design.

Schedule Your Splint Therapy Consultation

Living with jaw pain, chronic headaches, or damaged teeth affects your comfort and wellbeing. Dr. Jefferson Clark’s expertise means you’ll receive splint therapy that addresses the underlying causes of your discomfort, not just temporary relief.

Contact our Roseville office today to schedule your evaluation and discover how custom splint therapy can restore comfort, protect your teeth, and optimize jaw function. Dr. Clark and his team serve patients in Sacramento, Rocklin, Granite Bay, and Folsom with specialized prosthodontic care.

Call (916) 783-0122 or request a consultation online.