Jorvik Dental Practice 6 Westfield House Millfield Lane York YO26 6GA
The Michigan Splint
Do you wake with jaw pain, headaches or sensitive teeth?
These can all be signs of bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching). At Jorvik Dental Practice in York, we provide custom-made Michigan splints designed to protect your teeth, reduce strain on the jaw muscles and help relieve symptoms caused by grinding. Unlike over-the-counter guards, every splint is individually made for a precise, comfortable fit to provide effective long-term protection.
Introduction
What is a Michigan Splint?
A Michigan splint is a custom-made hard acrylic appliance worn over your teeth, usually at night, to protect them from the effects of bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching). It is carefully designed to create an even bite, allowing your jaw muscles to relax while reducing excessive forces placed on your teeth and jaw joints.
Unlike over-the-counter mouthguards, a Michigan splint is individually made using precise impressions or digital scans of your teeth. This ensures a comfortable fit and allows the splint to guide your bite correctly.
A Michigan splint can help:
Protect teeth from further wear and fractures.
Reduce jaw muscle fatigue.
Relieve headaches associated with clenching.
Decrease strain on the jaw joints (TMJ).
Protect crowns, veneers and dental implants from excessive forces.
Many patients notice an improvement in comfort within the first few weeks of wearing their splint, although the appliance does not cure bruxism itself. Instead, it helps manage its effects and protects your teeth from long-term damage.
What is Bruxism ?
Many people grind or clench their teeth during sleep without realising it. Over time, this can lead to significant damage to your teeth and jaw.
Common symptoms include:
Waking with jaw pain or stiffness.
Morning headaches or facial pain.
Tooth sensitivity.
Flattened or worn teeth.
Chipped, cracked or broken teeth.
Neck or shoulder tension.
Clicking or discomfort in the jaw joints.
Disturbed sleep for you or your partner due to grinding noises.
Loosening or repeated failure of fillings, crowns or veneers.
If left untreated, bruxism can result in excessive tooth wear, cracked teeth requiring root canal treatment or extraction, and ongoing jaw discomfort.
Why is a Michigan needed ?
Benefits of a Custom Michigan Splint
A professionally made Michigan splint offers many advantages over generic mouthguards.
Protects your teeth
The splint acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing further wear and reducing the risk of fractures.
Reduces jaw muscle strain
By allowing your bite to contact evenly, the splint can reduce muscle tension that contributes to jaw pain and headaches.
Helps protect dental treatment
If you have crowns, veneers, composite bonding, bridges or dental implants, a Michigan splint helps protect these restorations from excessive grinding forces.
Comfortable fit
Every splint is individually made for your mouth, making it far more comfortable and stable than shop-bought alternatives.
Durable
Constructed from high-quality hard acrylic, Michigan splints are designed to withstand years of nightly use with proper care.
How and when to wear it
Your Michigan splint should be worn at night while you sleep to protect against nocturnal grinding. It may feel slightly tight when first fitted, but your mouth will typically adapt within a few days. It is essential to wear it consistently as directed to maintain the corrected jaw position and ensure the longevity of your dental health.
Michigan vs. Tanner Splints
Both appliances serve similar therapeutic purposes, but they differ in placement. A Michigan splint is traditionally worn on the upper teeth (maxillary), while a Tanner splint is the mandibular equivalent, designed for the lower teeth. Your dentist will determine which is most suitable based on your specific dental anatomy and clinical needs.
Hard Splints vs. Soft Splints
Unlike soft night guards, which can sometimes encourage clenching due to their spongy texture, the hard resin of a Michigan splint allows the jaw to slide smoothly. This prevents the muscles from firing excessively and provides a more durable, long-term solution for symptomatic relief and tooth protection.
Feature
Michigan Splint
Soft Night Guard
Material
Hard Heat-Cured Acrylic
Soft Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
Jaw Interaction
Allows smooth jaw gliding; relaxes muscles
Spongy texture can encourage clenching
Best For
Long-term relief and symptomatic bruxism
Basic tooth protection for mild cases
The B Splint
A B splint is a specialized dual splint designed to provide comprehensive protection. It is primarily used to help manage significant tooth wear and to prevent the breakage of natural teeth or complex dental restorations. By distributing bite pressure evenly, it helps maintain the health and structural integrity of your smile.
Cost
Pricing for a custom-made Michigan splint includes high-quality lab production, your unique fitting sessions , and any necessary follow-up care to ensure the success of your treatment. Please note that other options like a B splint, which is a dual splint, can also be utilised to shield your teeth from excessive wear and safeguard your dental restorations from damage.