Splint Fitting

Artiste Studios is happy to assist you through your treatment in order to ensure a lifelong positive outcome of your investment in your smile.

Splints are designed to reduce jaw muscle clenching and grinding in order to minimise pain symptoms from both muscles and teeth and to protect teeth from damage.

The appliance should be worn at all times as indicated by your clinician.

Fitting and removal

■ Fit the appliance in your mouth from one side to the other, using your thumbs, and finally check it is fitting tightly on your teeth.

■ To remove it from your teeth, use your fingers towards the back of the appliance.

■ You are advised not to insert or remove while lying on your back, and also to avoid sleeping on your stomach.

■ If the appliance is loose and does not fit securely into position, please stop wearing and contact us.

What to Expect

Sensitivity and Tenderness

■ It is somewhat normal to feel some discomfort and tenderness in the teeth and gums over the next few days as they adapt.

■ These symptoms are temporary and usually respond very well to over-the-counter pain medications if necessary.

■ If ulcers develop, we advise rinsing with salt water to encourage healing.

Keeping your teeth and appliance clean

■ Brush your teeth and the appliance after each meal to avoid accumulating debris that can cause gum inflammation.

■ To clean the appliance, rinse with water and brush gently with a toothbrush and liquid soap or mouthrinse. Avoid using toothpaste as it may scratch the surface of the splint, causing it to pick up more stains in the future.

■ Once a week, you may like to place the appliance to soak with water and a commercially available effervescent retainer tablet. Follow the instructions.

Avoiding breaking/losing your appliance

■ Always keep the appliance in the small hard plastic case provided, when you have to take it off for eating or brushing your teeth.

■ Appliances are meant to stay in your mouth or in their case. They should not be in your pocket, bag, pencil case or in a piece of tissue!

■ It is usually in this way that appliances become distorted and damaged or lost. Unfortunately when this happens, you will need to come in to have a new appliance made and fitted.

If you have any other questions, please contact the practice and we will be happy to help.