Occlusal Splints & NTI Splints
Protect your teeth, relieve jaw pain, and enjoy more comfortable sleep.
About this service
Occlusal splints and NTI splints are custom-made oral appliances designed to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching while reducing strain on your jaw joints and muscles. These appliances are commonly used to manage bruxism, TMJ disorders, headaches, and certain bite-related problems, helping improve comfort and preserve your long-term oral health.
Bruxism, or unconscious grinding and clenching of the teeth, often occurs during sleep and can lead to worn teeth, fractured restorations, jaw pain, headaches, muscle tension, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. A custom-made occlusal splint creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, reducing excessive biting forces and allowing the jaw muscles to relax.
Following a comprehensive examination, digital scans or impressions are taken to fabricate a splint specifically for your bite. Depending on your condition, we may recommend a traditional occlusal splint or an NTI (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition) splint to help relieve jaw muscle activity, protect your teeth, and improve overall jaw function.
What we address
- 01Prevents excessive tooth wear, fractures, and damage caused by clenching and grinding.
- 02Reduces pressure on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, helping relieve TMJ discomfort.
- 03Many patients experience fewer tension headaches caused by nighttime muscle activity.
- 04Each splint is individually fabricated to fit your teeth accurately for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
- 05Protects natural teeth, crowns, veneers, implants, and other dental restorations from excessive biting forces.
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Understanding bruxism and jaw dysfunction
Many people grind or clench their teeth without even realising it, particularly while sleeping. Over time, these excessive forces can wear away tooth enamel, crack fillings or crowns, damage dental implants, strain jaw muscles, and contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Symptoms often include jaw soreness, morning headaches, facial muscle fatigue, neck pain, and sensitive or worn teeth.
Because these habits usually occur unconsciously during sleep, many patients remain unaware of the problem until significant damage has already occurred. Early diagnosis and treatment can help protect your teeth while reducing discomfort and preventing more complex dental problems in the future.
How occlusal and NTI splints work
Occlusal splints are precision-made appliances that fit comfortably over your teeth to create a smooth, protective surface between the upper and lower jaws. By evenly distributing biting forces, they reduce stress on individual teeth, minimise muscle tension, and help the jaw joints function more comfortably during sleep.
For selected patients, an NTI (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition) splint may be recommended. Unlike a traditional full-coverage splint, an NTI splint contacts only the front teeth, helping reduce the intensity of muscle contractions responsible for clenching and grinding. This can be particularly beneficial for patients suffering from TMJ-related pain, muscle tension, or chronic tension headaches.
Personalised protection for long-term comfort
Every patient's bite and jaw function are different, which is why every splint begins with a comprehensive examination. We carefully assess your teeth, jaw joints, muscles, bite, and symptoms before recommending the appliance most appropriate for your condition. Digital impressions ensure a precise, comfortable fit that is tailored specifically to your mouth.
Regular review appointments allow us to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments as your jaw muscles relax and your symptoms improve. Combined with other TMJ therapies where appropriate, custom splints provide an effective long-term solution for protecting your smile, relieving discomfort, and maintaining healthy jaw function.
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