Splint Therapy Newburgh IN | Newburgh Family Dental

Splint Therapy in Newburgh, IN

Do you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or sore teeth? You may be grinding or clenching your teeth without even knowing it. At Newburgh Family Dental, we offer splint therapy in Newburgh, IN to treat bruxism and protect your smile from further damage. Furthermore, with the right appliance and treatment plan, most patients experience significant relief quickly and comfortably.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the clinical term for grinding and clenching of the teeth. People who grind and clench — called bruxers — unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times, most commonly during sleep. In addition to grinding their teeth, bruxers may also bite their fingernails, chew the inside of their cheek, or clench their jaw during stressful situations. Because many people are unaware they have the habit, bruxism often goes undiagnosed until significant damage has already occurred. In fact, approximately one in three people suffer from bruxism — and it can easily be treated by a dentist.

What Causes Bruxism?

Bruxism is often triggered by stress, anxiety, and certain personality types. People who tend to be nervous, competitive, aggressive, or hurried may be at greater risk. Furthermore, emotions such as anger, pain, and frustration can cause bruxism to develop without the person realizing it. In some cases, an imbalanced bite or sleep disorders may also contribute to the condition.

What Are the Signs of Bruxism?

Because bruxism often occurs during sleep, many patients do not notice it themselves. However, Dr. Perkins routinely checks for physical signs during every exam. Common signs and symptoms include:

Flat or worn tooth tips with enamel rubbed away
Exposed dentin causing tooth sensitivity or decay
Pain or clicking in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Tongue indentations from clenching
Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures
Jaw muscle tightness or soreness upon waking
Morning headaches or migraines

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent more serious damage down the road.

Morning Headaches and the NTI Device

Morning headaches and even some migraines are frequently associated with nighttime clenching and grinding. As a result, Dr. Perkins offers a specialized night guard appliance called an NTI device, specifically designed to reduce clenching intensity and relieve headache and migraine symptoms. Many patients find significant relief after just a few weeks of wearing this appliance.

What Is Splint Therapy?

Splint therapy involves the use of a custom-made plastic mouth appliance — commonly called a night guard or occlusal splint — worn over the teeth to absorb the force of grinding and clenching. The goal of therapy is to protect the teeth from further wear, reduce muscle tension and jaw pain, and help guide the jaw into a more balanced and comfortable position. Furthermore, wearing a splint can help change destructive clenching behavior over time by training the jaw muscles to relax.

There are several types of night guard appliances and occlusal splints available. Therefore, Dr. Perkins will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the appliance that is best suited to your needs. In some cases, simply becoming aware of the habit and learning to rest the tongue upward with teeth apart and lips closed is enough to relieve symptoms. In other cases, a custom appliance is the most effective solution.