What's a Tooth Splint?

What's a Tooth Splint?

What is a tooth splint? Occlusal splints, or periodontal splinting, are designed to stabilize teeth. They are removable appliances made from hard acrylic that will fit over the teeth. The composite material allows for more support to weakened teeth by securing them to strong surrounding teeth.

How long does a tooth splint last?

If your tooth has been loosened or even knocked out completely (avulsed) because of trauma, a dental splint is used to stabilize it while it heals. But how long will you have to wear your dental splint to help the tooth heal? Normally, you will wear the splint for 14 days, but in some cases it may take longer.

Do dental splints work?

Dental splints can help ease muscle tension and stabilize the jaw. They do this by preventing grinding and clenching of the jaw (bruxism) that might be causing muscle tension and pain. Splints are worn mostly at night, because people tend to clench or grind their teeth during sleep.

James H. Sterling
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James H. Sterling

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.