Dental Splints in Athens | Bruxism, TMJ & Sleep Apnea

Νάρθηκας βρυγμού και νάρθηκας υπνικής άπνοιας

Dental Splints

Dental splints are custom-made appliances used to protect the teeth and improve jaw function in specific conditions such as bruxism, sleep apnea, and athletic activities.

They are individually designed for each patient to ensure precise fit and comfort during use.

Stabilization Splint / Bruxism Splint

The stabilization or bruxism splint is a removable appliance made of hard, transparent acrylic material. It is custom-fabricated for each patient to fit accurately over the teeth.

Its purpose is to prevent the harmful effects of bruxism on the teeth and jaw muscles.

It is also used to manage symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

The splint helps reduce pain, relax the muscles, and manage acute symptoms related to dysfunction of the jaw muscles or the temporomandibular joint.

It can be placed on either the upper or lower jaw; however, for reasons of comfort and practicality, it is most commonly fabricated to fit the upper teeth.

These splints are also used after the completion of a full mouth rehabilitation, in order to protect the prosthetic restorations.

Sleep Apnea Appliance

The sleep apnea appliance is a device used for the management of obstructive sleep apnea. It is worn over both the upper and lower teeth.

Sleep apnea splints hold the lower jaw in a forward position, allowing unobstructed airflow through the airway. In this way, they prevent the lower jaw and tongue from moving backward and blocking the airway, facilitating normal breathing during sleep.

They are custom-made for each patient to ensure accurate fit, comfort, and proper function.

Sports Mouthguards

Sports mouthguards are specially designed appliances used to protect the teeth and jaws during athletic activities. They are recommended for sports with an increased risk of injury, such as contact sports or activities involving intense physical exertion.

Sports mouthguards absorb and distribute the forces applied to the teeth and jaws, reducing the risk of fractures, soft tissue injuries, and damage to dental restorations.

They are custom-fabricated to fit properly in the mouth, without interfering with breathing or speech, and to provide comfort during use. Proper fit is essential for effective protection during sports.

CENTRIC RELATION MOUTHGUARD

A case of bruxism with tooth wear and the bruxism mouthguard we made for the patient.

After

The teeth had lost some of their length and their incisal edges had become flat, as shown in the picture.

The patient woke up in the morning with a headache and pain around the ear.

Before

The splint was made for a 25-year-old female patient. She was grinding her teeth and had significant abrasions.

After

The stabilisation splint needs to be checked after about 2 weeks and then every 6 months to make sure it is maintaining proper contact with the teeth on the opposite bar.

The photo shows the external side of the appliance.

Νάρθηκας σταθεροποίησης για ασθενή με βρυγμό

Before

The splint requires two appointments.

At the first appointment, we take impressions of the teeth in the upper and lower jaws, and at the second appointment, we adjust the splint and deliver it to the patient.

After

It is usually worn while you sleep.

It can also be worn during the day if your lifestyle allows.

Νάρθηκας σταθεροποίησης σε ασθενή με βρυγμό

Before

The stabilization splint usually fits on the teeth of the upper jaw.

Questions

What is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?
The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull and allows movements such as chewing, yawning, and speaking. It is located just in front of the ears and moves every time we open or close our mouth.

During its function, the rounded ends of the lower jaw move within the corresponding sockets of the skull, while a soft disc between them absorbs shock and protects the joint.
Why do I feel pain in the joint area?
When the temporomandibular joint does not function properly, pain or discomfort may occur. Symptoms can include pain around the ear or face, tension in the jaw muscles, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, difficulty opening the mouth, or a sensation that the jaw is “locking.”

In some cases, these problems are accompanied by headaches, neck pain, or a feeling of muscle fatigue in the face, especially in the morning.
How can a prosthodontist help me?
Pain in the temporomandibular joint area may originate from the muscles, the joint itself, or the way the teeth come into contact with each other. The prosthodontist begins with an accurate diagnosis, based on your medical history and a clinical examination of the jaw and facial structures.

If the symptoms are related to recent dental treatment, this is evaluated to determine whether it affects the bite. If necessary, additional diagnostic tests may be recommended to better understand the problem.
Can temporomandibular joint disorders be treated?
Most temporomandibular joint disorders are managed with conservative treatment. The goal is to relieve symptoms and relax the jaw muscles through gentle behavioral guidance and appropriate therapeutic approaches.

In many cases, the use of a stabilization splint helps improve the relationship between the jaws and reduce clenching or grinding of the teeth. Other treatment options are available but are applied only when deemed necessary.
What is sleap apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It is commonly caused by obstruction of the airway, leading to disrupted sleep and reduced oxygen levels.
How can a sleep apnea appliance help me?
A sleep apnea appliance keeps the lower jaw in a more forward position during sleep. This prevents the tongue from moving backward and blocking the airway.

As a result, the airway remains open, allowing smoother and unobstructed breathing throughout the night.
Is a sports mouthguard necessary if I have never injured my teeth?
A sports mouthguard is used preventively, even if no previous injury has occurred. Many dental and jaw injuries happen unexpectedly during sudden impacts or falls.

Using a sports mouthguard significantly reduces the risk of tooth fractures, soft tissue injuries, and excessive stress on the jaw. This protection is especially important for individuals who already have fillings, crowns, or other dental restorations.

A properly fabricated sports mouthguard does not restrict performance, breathing, or speech and serves as an effective preventive measure, contributing to safety during athletic activities.