Bruxism is the scientific term that describes the unconscious clenching and grinding of teeth at other times than for the mastication of food, which causes facial pain and tooth wear. Most of the studies estimate that it affects 5-20% of people regardless the age and gender. Non functional grinding and clenching is common and according to the literature there are two types of bruxism: daily and nocturnal. (Sierwold et al. 2015)

Daily bruxism (clenching): it affects 20% of the patients due to psychosocial factors. It is easily understood by the patient ( Manfredini and Lobbezoo 2009).

Nocturnal bruxism (grinding): it is the unconscious type that affects the majority of people during sleep. The forces on teeth in the nocturnal bruxism may be six times greater than the ones during the day.

Symptoms of bruxism:

General:

  1. Pain in the jaws or temporomandibular joints
  2. Headaches
  3. Muscle pain
  4. Clicking during mouth opening
  5. Limited mouth opening

Inside the oral cavity:

  1.  Tooth wear and abrasion on the occlusal surfaces of the teeth
  2.  Abfraction in the cervical region of the teeth
  3. Tooth mobility
  4. Fractures of teeth, fillings or prostheses

The dentist after clinical examination can see if a person is a bruxist or not by the intense and generalized abrasions caused by bruxism. It is difficult to stop it but patients can be protected and prevent its effects by using a splint.

What is a splint and which are the types of splints?

A splint is a device made of transparent acrylic which covers the occlusal surfaces of the upper or lower teeth. It is mainly used at night but it can also be used during the day if it is necessary. The splint prevents teeth from closing in their usual position and balances the forces. This leads to muscle relaxation and elimination of the symptoms from the oral cavity and the joint. In addition, the splint protects the teeth from abrasion, reduces their mobility and protects the prostheses from fractures.

Splints are divided into partial or total coverage as well as in soft splints

Partial coverage: 

  1. Anterior deprogrammer, Lucia jig
  2. Posterior bite plane

Total coverage:

  1. Michigan splint (stabilization)
  2. Repositioning splint (orthopedic)
  3. Breathing splint (rotating)
  4. Splints for apnea

Soft splints

  1. Protective
  2. Athletic

The splint must be rigid, made of hard acrylic and allow freedom in horizontal and lateral movements of the mandible. Soft splints are contraindicated in the case of bruxism because they aggravate it. On the other hand, protective athletic splints are made out of soft material and usually placed on the upper teeth. They are used to protect teeth and soft tissues from injuries during activities. This type increases the function of masseters during sleep and therefore their use is limited to athletes.