Night Guards Post Op Instructions
For Emergencies -- Call (541)
779-6170
Purpose: The purpose of splint therapy is to help your lower jaw
function more properly. Since the treatment you are to receive is
mainly orthopedic in nature, we have fabricated an orthopedic
appliance to help reposition your lower jaw. This appliance will
help to relax any of your jaw muscles which are in spasm and to
reduce any muscle pain. There are many situations that may cause
your lower jaw to malfunction including accidental trauma,
developmental defects, peculiar oral habits, naturally occurring
malocclusion (poor bite), psychological stress, clenching or bruxing
of teeth, and other problems.
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Rationale: You have received an acrylic bite splint (occlusal
splint). This treatment has been used for many years to keep the
teeth from contacting while you sleep and to allow the lower jaw
to return to a comfortable hinge position without interference
and guidance from the teeth. It is essential that you wear your
night guard every night and you may also wear it during the day
if you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth. When it’s
not in your mouth, make sure your splint is placed in water to
avoid warping.
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Cleaning the Splint: Food will accumulate under the splint.
After brushing and flossing your teeth very thoroughly, brush
and rinse the inside and outside of the splint and return it to
your mouth. Dental decay can be stimulated if you are not
careful about the cleanliness of your mouth and splint. Fluoride
containing rinses or gels are useful when placed in your splint
once per day if you have a high dental decay rate. Using a
dental soak cleanser (ex: Polident) on a monthly basis will help
keep the splint fresh.
