Custom Bite Splints or Guards
Custom Bite Splints and Guards
Custom bite splints and guards are removable dental appliances that may be recommended for patients who grind or clench their teeth, experience certain jaw-related symptoms, or participate in contact sports. At Bespoke Dental, these appliances are individually designed based on your dental assessment and oral anatomy.
What Are Custom Bite Splints and Guards?
A bite splint or guard is a removable appliance that fits over your teeth. Depending on your clinical needs, it may be worn during sleep or at other times as recommended by your dentist.
Following a clinical assessment, impressions or digital scans of your teeth are used to fabricate an appliance that is designed to fit your individual dentition. Your dentist will determine whether a bite splint or guard is appropriate for your condition.
Types of Custom Bite Splints and Guards
Night Guard (Occlusal Splint)
A night guard may be recommended for patients who grind or clench their teeth during sleep. It is designed to fit over the teeth and is prescribed based on individual clinical findings.
TMJ Stabilisation Splint
A stabilisation splint may be used as part of the management of certain temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders where clinically appropriate.
Sports Mouth Guard
Custom sports mouth guards are designed for patients who participate in contact or impact sports and are fabricated to fit the individual's teeth.
Daytime Clenching Guard
For selected patients, a daytime appliance may be recommended to help manage daytime clenching where clinically appropriate.
When Might a Bite Splint or Guard Be Recommended?
Your dentist may recommend an assessment if you experience:
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Jaw soreness or muscle fatigue
- Frequent morning headaches
- Worn, chipped, or fractured teeth
- Tooth sensitivity associated with tooth wear
- Jaw clicking or restricted jaw movement
- Symptoms associated with TMJ disorders
- Participation in contact or impact sports
Cosmetic Bonding and Dental Veneers
Cosmetic bonding and dental veneers are different treatment options used to improve the appearance of teeth.
Cosmetic Bonding
- Uses tooth-coloured composite resin
- Usually requires minimal preparation of the tooth
- May be suitable for minor aesthetic corrections
Dental Veneers
- Thin restorations placed over the front surface of teeth
- May be recommended for selected cosmetic concerns
- Available in composite or porcelain materials
Your dentist will explain the advantages, limitations, and suitability of each option during your consultation.
Possible Benefits of a Custom Bite Splint or Guard
Depending on your clinical condition, a custom appliance may:
- Help reduce the effects of teeth grinding or clenching
- Help protect teeth from further wear associated with bruxism
- Support the management of certain TMJ-related conditions
- Provide a customised fit based on your dental impressions or digital scan
- Be used as part of an overall treatment plan recommended by your dentist
Cosmetic Bonding and Dental Veneers
Cosmetic bonding and dental veneers are different treatment options used to improve the appearance of teeth.
Cosmetic Bonding
- Uses tooth-coloured composite resin
- Usually requires minimal preparation of the tooth
- May be suitable for minor aesthetic corrections
Dental Veneers
- Thin restorations placed over the front surface of teeth
- May be recommended for selected cosmetic concerns
- Available in composite or porcelain materials
Your dentist will explain the advantages, limitations, and suitability of each option during your consultation.
Our Process
Consultation and Assessment
Our dentist will discuss your symptoms, medical and dental history, and examine your teeth, bite, jaw joints, and surrounding muscles to determine whether a bite splint or guard is appropriate.
Digital Scan or Dental Impressions
Where appropriate, digital scans or dental impressions are taken to record the shape and position of your teeth.
Appliance Fabrication
The records are provided to a dental laboratory where the appliance is fabricated according to your treatment requirements.
Fitting Appointment
Once the appliance is ready, your dentist will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments. Instructions on wearing, cleaning, and storing the appliance will also be provided.
Possible Benefits of a Custom Bite Splint or Guard
Depending on your clinical condition, a custom appliance may:
- Help reduce the effects of teeth grinding or clenching
- Help protect teeth from further wear associated with bruxism
- Support the management of certain TMJ-related conditions
- Provide a customised fit based on your dental impressions or digital scan
- Be used as part of an overall treatment plan recommended by your dentist
Frequently Asked Questions
Over-the-counter mouth guards are available for general use. Your dentist can advise whether a custom-made appliance is more appropriate based on your individual needs.
The lifespan varies depending on the type of appliance, the materials used, and the amount of wear from grinding or clenching. Your dentist will review the appliance during routine examinations.
Most patients require a short period to become accustomed to wearing a new appliance. Your dentist will check the fit and make adjustments where necessary.
Your dentist will provide instructions on cleaning and caring for your appliance. Daily cleaning and appropriate storage are recommended.
For some patients, a bite splint may form part of the management plan for jaw pain or TMJ disorders. Suitability depends on your diagnosis and clinical assessment.
Book a Consultation
If you have concerns about teeth grinding, jaw discomfort, or would like to discuss whether a custom bite splint or guard may be appropriate for you, contact Bespoke Dental to arrange a consultation.
