Aim of treatment
Grinding itself cannot be cured, but it can be reduced; treatment depends on the causes. The main aim is to relax the muscles and relieve pain. The splint distributes pressure evenly when you bite together, protecting the tooth structure and the supporting tissues. At the same time it relieves the jaw joints and aligns them correctly.
The Michigan splint
We often use a Michigan-type splint made of hard plastic that covers all the upper teeth. We make it individually for you so that the upper and lower teeth meet optimally. As an adjustable splint, it can correct a faulty bite in the long term and create the conditions for rebuilding worn tooth substance.
Wear and effect
The splint should be worn consistently every night. If symptoms ease quickly, therapy may end after just a few weeks.
As the jaw muscles relax, the upper and lower jaw come into better balance and pain subsides. In the long run, even the interplay between muscles and nerves can change: the chewing muscles reorganise and the joints are loaded differently.
