BITE SPLINT THERAPY

WHAT IS A BITE SPLINT? A bite splint is a custom-made and fitted device that covers your upper and lower teeth. It is "U" shaped, made of hard acrylic plastic, transparent, fits snugly, and is adjusted in the dental chair to mimic a "perfect bite".

WHAT CONDITIONS ARE TREATED WITH A BITE SPLINT?

. Habitual tooth clenching (tightly squeezing the teeth together)

.Habitual tooth grinding (squeezing and sliding the teeth back and forth

      especially common at night).

. Jaw muscle discomfort (usually caused by habitual clenching and/or

      grinding)

. Jaw joint noises (popping, clicking, or grating sounds which didn't use to

      happen)

            . Chronic or frequent headaches (suspected to be related to or made worse

      by habitual clenching and/or grinding, especially if you ever awaken with

      headaches)

HOW DOES A BITE SPLINT HELP? Besides physically protecting the teeth and fillings from damage (fracture or abrasion) a bite splint also prevents over closure of the jaws. Over closure occurs during hard squeezing together of the jaws and puts excessive pressure on the jaw joints which can lead to muscle soreness, joint damage (tike premature arthriti6, dislocation, popping, clicking, or grinding) and/or headaches (over closure may be the primary cause or may worsen headaches initially caused by something else).

HOW MUCH DOES A BITE SPLINT COST? Typically around $339.00 This includes making, fitting, and initially adjusting the bite splint in your mouth.

. DOES INSURANCE COVER IT? It depends on your coverage. About half of the plans that we see cover bite splints between 50-80%. The rest do not cover this benefit. If you need to make financial arrangements ask to talk to the office manager.

IS THERE ANY OTHER TREATMENT NECESSARY? Routinely wearing the splint during sleep is usually the only treatment recommended. Occasionally, referral" to a specialist for further evaluation is recommended if symptoms persist or if the bite appears to be part of the problem.

ANYTHING ELSE? It usually takes two appointments and 2-3 weeks to make and deliver a bite splint. It is important not to miss the second appointment. Just like a retainer used to hold the teeth in place after braces straighten them, a bite splint also holds the teeth in one position. If you wait too long to have your splint delivered the teeth may move just enough that is difficult to fit the splint.