What is a bite splint?
A bite splint against grinding — also called an occlusal splint, night guard — is an individually made plastic splint usually worn over the teeth at night. With bruxism (teeth grinding) it protects the teeth from wear and relieves the jaw joint and chewing muscles.
<a href="/en/kieferorthopaedie/aligner">Aligners</a> are also transparent 'splints' — but they serve <strong>tooth correction</strong> (straight teeth), not protection from grinding. If you want to straighten crooked teeth, an aligner is right; if you grind at night, a bite splint is.
How it works
The splint sits like a buffer between the upper and lower jaw. This distributes the enormous forces of clenching and grinding, protects the enamel and can ease tension. Important: the splint does not stop the grinding — but it reliably protects against the consequences.
Why from the dentist rather than the drugstore?
Prefabricated splints from the drugstore rarely fit exactly and, in the worst case, can change the bite. An individually fitted splint sits precisely, protects reliably and is comfortable to wear. Before making it, we clarify with a functional analysis what exactly is behind the grinding.
Splint, Botox — or both?
The splint protects the teeth. If strong muscle activity or tension headaches are also in the foreground, masseter Botox can take the pressure out of the chewing muscle. What suits you is explained in the comparison grinding splint or Botox?.
Cost
Do you grind at night or wake up with a tense jaw? You can find more about our treatment of teeth grinding in Zurich on the treatment page — or arrange an appointment at our practice at Löwenplatz.
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual dental advice. Whether and which treatment is right for you is something we determine in a personal consultation based on your individual situation.
