Let’s begin with a few key points:
• Grinding or clenching breaks down enamel and can eventually reduce teeth to stumps.
• Absence of enamel makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate the softer part of teeth and produce cavities.
• As long as bruxism continues, the situation keeps getting worse.
“Although no hard and fast figures on the frequency of bruxism are available currently, it is known that 80% of all bruxers may be unaware of the habit (Thompson, Blount, and Krumholtz, 1994) or ashamed of it… and that evidence of the self-destructive behavior (worn teeth) may take years to actually appear.
Prevalence evidence ranges from 5% to 100% …but it can safely be said that at the very least, one out of twenty Americans brux. Most likely, one in four.”
Successful management of bruxism depends on minimizing the abrasion of tooth surfaces by the wearing of a dental splint created from a bite mold and fitted to the shape of an individual’s upper or lower teeth. When you consider the need for interceptive care – for adults as well as children – the message is clear. The essence of Splint Therapy is that potentially EVERYBODY needs it.
Dual Laminate Splints
The Dual Laminate Splint acts to absorb shock, stabilizing the occlusion while helping prevent further damage to teeth and the temporomandibular joint. It also enables the dentist to gauge the extent and pattern of bruxism, based upon examination of indentations on the surface of the splint. Available in Night or Day Guard Design.
DO NOT FORGET TO EVALUATE THE BRUXER FOR A POTENTIALLY BIGGER PROBLEM: bruxism may be a sign and symptom of an airway problem. Prior to treatment with a splint, BE SURE TO SCREEN THE PATIENT.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
SML (Space Maintainers Laboratories) began in 1957 with the commitment to offering more than just a laboratory service to dentists. From that day through to the present time, we have established a tradition of service beyond previously established boundaries and expectations.
We created a worldwide network of labs renowned for providing dental practitioners with the opportunity to receive the service and caring of a mom-and-pop lab coupled with the technological expertise, assets and resources of a large, globally realized company.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.SMLglobal.com . LET US HELP YOU WITH ALL YOUR SPLINT THERAPY APPLIANCE, PRODUCTS, SUPPLIES AND INFORMATIONAL NEEDS.
To Download a Free Copy of our Comprehensive Guide to Splint Therapy PDF, Click Here.
Location
United States
40° 45' 21.7368" N, 94° 49' 25.266" W
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