Teeth grinding and jaw clenching during sleep, known as bruxism, can gradually wear down teeth and strain jaw muscles.
At TLC Dentists, patients experiencing nocturnal grinding may benefit from a custom occlusal splint known as the Unclencher, a digitally designed occlusal (Michigan) splint created from a precise 3-D scan of the teeth.
This appliance is designed to protect the teeth from excessive wear while helping reduce muscle strain in the jaw.
An occlusal splint is a type of occlusal guard designed to protect teeth from grinding and clenching.
It works by:
• creating a protective barrier between the teeth
• redistributing bite forces
• allowing the jaw muscles to relax
The Unclencher used at TLC Dentists is produced using digital scanning and 3-D printing technology, allowing the appliance to be designed with high precision.
Treatment involves a digital workflow.
1. A 3-D scan of the teeth is captured using an intraoral scanner.
2. The occlusal splint is digitally designed.
3. The appliance is produced using 3-D printing technology.
4. The splint is adjusted to ensure proper bite balance.
Because the appliance is digitally designed, it can be produced with a precise fit tailored to the patient’s bite.
An occlusal splint can provide several benefits.
• protects teeth from grinding wear
• reduces pressure on jaw joints
• allows jaw muscles to relax
• may help reduce morning jaw tension
• digitally designed for a precise fit
An occlusal splint may be recommended for patients who experience:
• teeth grinding during sleep
• jaw clenching
• worn or cracked teeth
• jaw muscle fatigue
• tension headaches related to clenching
A dental examination helps determine whether a splint is appropriate.
The Unclencher appliance is part of the digital dentistry workflow used at
TLC Dentists.
Digital scanning eliminates traditional impressions and allows the splint to be designed using computer-guided techniques.
The practice is led by Dr Eugene Lee, whose professional work includes teaching dentists about modern digital dental technologies.
