Introduction
An occlusal splint is a transparent plastic splint that is usually placed on the upper or lower row of teeth at night. The word “occlusion” means “occlusion” by definition and in dentistry means any contact between upper and lower teeth. The function of the splint is to create a correct bite to prevent a false bite.
This even bite is intended to relax the muscles and relieve pressure on the jaw joints. However, the occlusal splint does not change the position of the teeth. However, the effect can only occur if the splint is regularly fitted every day – sometimes even during the day. Wearing the splint once does not help here!
Indications for an occlusal splint
There are various reasons why an occlusal splint must be made. Very often it is used for muscular problems or temporomandibular joint pain. In most cases these are based on a false bite.
A false bite means that some teeth have no contact with their opponent because the opponent is wrongly positioned or completely missing. As a result, the jaw is misloaded when biting together. The musculature is stressed stronger on one side and weaker on the other, which causes tension and pain in some patients.
This, in turn, can have far-reaching consequences due to pronounced muscular connections and can even trigger headaches or back pain. Problems in this area should therefore not be underestimated. Furthermore, the splint is used as an exclusion diagnostic for muscular complaints where the cause is unclear.
Finally, the occlusal splint is also known as a crunch splint. Some people are very active during sleep and then unconsciously move the rows of teeth against each other or press them strongly together. This can rub off enamel, which is prevented by an occlusion splint.
Tinnitus can occur in the context of a craniomandibular dysfunction (abbreviation CMD). This is a muscular or joint-specific dysregulation of the temporomandibular joints. Unspecific symptoms such as headaches, earaches or dizziness are often perceived, which at first glance are not necessarily associated with it. Since the nerve supply of the ear and the temporomandibular joint is anatomically close together, it is not surprising that tooth misalignments or tooth misalignments have far-reaching consequences, such as tinnitus. However, if the occlusal splint regulates the misalignment, the tinnitus can disappear again within a short time.
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