Patients will often come to us who are experiencing migraines and jaw pain as a result of clenching or grinding their teeth at night. This clenching and grinding, called bruxism, results in other complications like excessive tooth wear, hypersensitivity, loosening of the teeth, cheek biting, and headaches. If left untreated, pain and congestion can sometimes spread throughout the face, even effecting the patient’s ears, head, and neck, leading to temporomandibular joint or muscular disorders, or TMJ for short.
Custom-made splits, or mouth guards, are available to ease some of the tension caused by bruxism. These splints are carefully molded to fit your upper and/or bottom arch and are easily removable. In some patients these devices can make a world of difference in their dental health and, as a result, their general sense of well-being.
Depending on the severity of the condition, bite splints can last up to a few years, but must be re-done after that time to provide for changes in the patient’s tooth positioning due to aging. While bite splints offer more of a temporary solution to minor dental issues, they can provide quick results and are often a more cost-effective option than other, more invasive, options involving complicated orthodontics. Bite splints also offer a flexibility that other, more permanent, options do not. A bite splint can be placed or removed at any time, depending on the discomfort level of the patient, and can be worn during the day or at night while the patient is sleeping.
When looking for Fort Myers bite splints, consider Dr. Raymond Lefort, Southwest Florida’s leading dentist.
