A custom hard splint for grinding, clenching and jaw pain at Highfield Dental Clinic, Edgbaston.
A splint only helps if the bite on it is adjusted properly. Our team makes and refines each splint for the individual patient.
A Michigan splint is a custom-made hard acrylic appliance, usually worn on the upper teeth at night. Its biting surface is designed and adjusted so that all teeth meet evenly and the jaw can move smoothly without interference.
It is used for bruxism, the grinding and clenching of teeth, and for discomfort in the jaw joints and facial muscles. The splint protects teeth from further wear and encourages the jaw muscles to relax, which often reduces morning jaw ache, headaches and tooth sensitivity.
Waking with jaw ache or noticing worn teeth in Birmingham? Our experienced team will assess your bite and explain whether a splint could help.
The splint is made in a dental laboratory from records of your teeth. The process usually involves:
Getting the bite right often takes more than one visit, and these adjustments are what make the difference to how well the splint works.
Most people adapt within a week or two, though it feels bulky at first and can increase saliva initially. Wear it as instructed, usually overnight, and clean it each morning with a soft brush and cool water, never hot water, which distorts acrylic.
A splint manages the effects of grinding rather than curing the habit itself. Stress, sleep quality, certain medicines and caffeine can all contribute, and addressing these helps. If you snore heavily or feel unrefreshed despite sleeping, mention it, as sleep-disordered breathing can be linked to grinding and may need medical assessment.
A Michigan splint is made from hard acrylic with a carefully adjusted biting surface. Simpler soft guards provide cushioning but do not balance the bite in the same way.
It usually reduces the effects rather than stopping the habit. It protects your teeth and often eases muscle discomfort considerably.
Several years with good care, depending on how heavily you grind. It is checked at your routine appointments and can be adjusted or replaced.
It feels unusual for the first week or two, then most patients adapt and many report sleeping better once jaw discomfort settles.
A correctly designed and adjusted splint should not permanently alter your bite. Regular reviews make sure it continues to fit correctly.
Brush it with a soft brush and cool water each morning, and store it dry in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water and harsh chemicals.
