Home > Patient Resources > About Your Hardware > Splints

About Your Hardware

Splints

Jaw Relaxing and Re-positioning Appliances (a.k.a. "splints")

You have been provided with an appliance that will provide support for your lower jaw as we seek to find a position in which your jaw joints will work smoothly and comfortably. The device is also designed to relax the muscles that control your jaws; and may ultimately reduce pain. Click on the QuickTime Movie button to see how "splints" work.

The splint is designed to be worn full-time, even while eating. We propose a weeklong break-in period during which the appliance is worn more and more frequently; working up to full-time. During this initial period you are to expect:

pain and "rebellion" from the muscles
increased saliva flow and possibly drooling
difficulty chewing
difficulty with speech
general frustration with the device.

The good news is that you'll get used to all these; aspirin and hot towels will help hurry this along. It's not an easy thing, however, and we encourage you to persist and don't give up; as the appliance has a lot to offer you after the initial break-in period.

Splint Rules At-a-Glance

Work up to full-time wear and then stick to it. Part-time wear will not deprogram jaw muscles. When it is not in your mouth (ie. during toothbrushing); don't touch your teeth together.
Brush the device with your toothbrush. It can be soaked in a denture cleaner (ie. Efferdent) to freshen it up.
Eat soft foods.
Don't yawn or stretch your jaws wide open.
Your bite may seem to change. The teeth will not move, but the entire lower jaw may reposition; hopefully to a more comfortable relationship with the rest of your skull.
Noises may increase in your jaw joints. Your condition may seem to deteriorate before it gets better. These are usual observations with this type of appliance.
Please come see us in one week.

Please expect a "rocky road" at first, followed by a gradual improvement.

This stage of your treatment should take about 4-6 months; after which you will be re-evaluated with regard to the next step.