Bite Guards & Splints in the Overland Park - Kansas City Area
Bite Guards
At HT Complete Family Dentistry, our number one goal is to help our patients have a healthy and happy smile, and one thing that keeps our patients from having a happy smile is pain or discomfort. With bite guards and splits, our team can alleviate jaw pain from grinding and clenching.
Guarding the Health of Your Smile
Protecting Vulnerable Teeth With Bite Guards and Splints
Bite guards are custom-made dental devices, crafted from hard acrylic and designed to be worn overnight. They help protect teeth from the damage caused by nighttime grinding (bruxism) or clenching, which can lead to excessive wear, fractures, or discomfort in the jaw. These guards are carefully fitted to either the upper or lower teeth, ensuring a comfortable and effective solution to protect against long-term damage.
For patients suffering from symptoms like jaw pain, soreness in their “chewing” muscles, headaches, or clicking and popping of the jaw joints, custom-made splints offer relief. These splints help to take pressure off the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and reduce muscle tension, which can lead to decreased pain and fewer headaches. By addressing the underlying causes of these symptoms, bite guards and splints provide an essential solution for protecting both teeth and overall oral health.
Do bite guards and splints sound like something you or your child needs to manage jaw pain and reverse grinding? If so, call our office today to schedule an appointment with the HT Complete Family Dentistry team! We can’t wait to meet you.
Bite Guard 101
Frequently Asked Questions About Bite Guards
Take some time to read some of our most frequently asked questions about bite guards! Don’t see an answer you’re looking for? Contact us, we’d love to answer any and all of your questions!
What Is a Bite Guard?
A bite guard is a mouthpiece made up of hard acrylic and is typically worn overnight to help prevent teeth from night grinding or night clenching.
Why Do I Need a Bite Guard?
You might need a bite guard (also called a night guard) for a couple of reasons! Perhaps you clench your teeth at night, resulting in headaches and jaw pain. Or, you might grind your teeth, which can severely damage your teeth. These are both common issues that can be helped with the use of a bite guard.
Are Bite Guards One Size Fits All?
The best kind of bite guard (night guard) you can get is one that is custom-fitted to your mouth and your needs.
Bite Guards vs Splints: What's the Difference?
A bite guard is primarily used to protect teeth from grinding or clenching, especially during sleep. It cushions teeth, reducing the risk of wear and damage caused by teeth grinding (also known as bruxism). Bite guards are often made of softer materials and are mainly focused on protecting teeth.
A dental splint, on the other hand, is a more specialized device used to stabilize and support the jaw joints and muscles. It is usually harder than a bite guard and is designed to help reposition your jaw, reduce muscle tension, and treat TMJ disorders or jaw pain. Splints are more often prescribed for therapeutic purposes, like correcting bite alignment issues.
