Dental splints: from snoring to sleep apnea, can a dental splint help?
Being told you need a dental splint, or hearing the name for the first time can sound a bit scary, but in truth - splints are a useful dental device used to help patients treat numerous problems, some of which we'll talk about in this article.
We take a look at the different types of splints, and consider the dental splint vs mouth guard debate, so you know exactly what to ask for when you visit your dentist.
What is a dental splint?
This type of orthodontic device is a removable or fixed guard for your mouth. It's used to support or immobilise your teeth - preventing them from moving and reducing impact or deterioration. They're usually made from a mix of materials depending on what they're used for. From hard acrylic resin, or polythene blend to fixed metals in the case of some tooth traumas.
What is a dental splint used for?
Splinting teeth can be used for long term things, from bruxism - more commonly called teeth grinding to a dental splint for sleep apnea. Snoring and reinforcement of your teeth after gum disease can all be reasons to get one too. Your dentist may even recommend one for short term use: for things like loose teeth, or even as a container for whitening solutions.
Dental splints types
There are many types of dental splints depending on their use. Some people confuse mouth guards with splints, but they're actually different.
Splints can be used to address a wide range of support, alignment and positioning needs for teeth. They're for specific issues, and they offer a greater degree of flexibility in how they can be used.
They're also usually made to fit the patient specifically, using a mould to capture the most accurate imprint of their teeth. In contrast, a mouthguard is primarily for protecting teeth and the surrounding tissue in cases of sport.
Anti-snoring splints
Anti-snoring splints are worn at night and work by moving the jaw forward a few millimetres to prevent making annoying noises at night. You can buy a variety of devices from sleep apnea associations, or ask your doctor or dentist for further advice on the right type for you.
Occlusal splints for bruxism
Occlusal splints are for people who grind or clench their teeth. Not protecting the teeth can cause lasting damage to their tooth enamel. Repositioning splints can help people that grind their teeth, by using force to create a gap and prevent wear on your teeth.
How do occlusal splints work?
They work by keeping teeth in the right position while you sleep. There is a lot of damage that can happen while you sleep if you're prone to grinding your teeth! Left untreated, grinding can wear down your teeth and the jaw joints. This can affect the biting surface if preventative methods such as dental splints aren't used.
Its important to remember that these splints have a purely medical function and are used to treat jaw problems, as well as issues with the joints and temporomandibular muscles (called TMJ). They are normally larger than other orthodontic devices. Their thickness allows them to separate the upper and lower teeth a distance great enough to relax the jaw muscles.
Occlusal splints also prevent teeth grinding during sleep, which eventually causes wear and tear and leads to other dental problems. Even though they’re known as sleep splints, we’ll see later, they’re not the only ones that are used at night.
Teeth whitening splints
Teeth whitening splints, or more commonly known as whitening moulds, are probably the most frequently used splint. They’re worn with a whitening gel for a few minutes or a few hours a day depending on the product used.
It’s important that the whitening product is prescribed by a dentist after carefully analysing each patient for safe treatment. Depending on the colour of the enamel and the desired result, the specialist will prescribe a specific gel to avoid damaging the teeth, and they’ll also give the patient all the details about its use.
Orthodontic splints
Revolutionary in the orthodontic market, these dental splints, better known as aligners, correct dental problems and offer a completely invisible treatment. These are removable devices that can be changed every 7 to 15 days, depending on the case, until the desired smile is achieved.
Orthodontic splints should always be used while being monitored by an orthodontic specialist. They should only be given after a detailed examination of the patient and an initial test to determine if the patient is ready to start treatment. These points are vitally important to avoid the risks involved with at-home orthodontics and "treatments" that happen without medical supervision.
Retention splints
Lastly, retention splints, also known as retainers or night guards, are used after orthodontics to keep the smile perfectly aligned. Teeth move over the years, even after wearing braces. Hence the need to carry on using a retention device to maintain the results. They are mainly worn at night and must be changed regularly to maintain their function.
What is the dental splint procedure?
- The procedure to get yourself a dental splint from your dentist or orthodontic specialist is a fairly straightforward treatment option if you have a moderate case. You visit your regular dentist or an orthodontic specialist. If you need an orthodontic splint/ clear aligner, you can visit the Impress office closest to you.
- For a protective splint, your dentist will take an imprint of your teeth, which is done using a special seaweed-based alginate in many cases. That powder is mixed with water to create a putty-type material, which they will put into your mouth for a few minutes.
- When the mould is set, the dentist will remove it with the perfect imprint.
- For an aligner with Impress, we don't take moulds, instead using revolutionary technology to take a 3d scan of your teeth.
- It may be a few weeks before you go back to your dentist to collect your splint, but they will make sure the device fits properly and ensure you're clear on caring for your teeth while using it.
How much do dental splints cost in the UK?
The cost of dental splints in the UK depends on several factors, although the determining factor is the type of dental splint:
In general, the cost of occlusal splints for bruxism ranges between £200 and £400.
As for the price of retention splints, it varies between £60 and £200, approximately.
The price of anti-snoring splints is between £100 and £1,000.
Whitening trays, or splints for whitening ranges between £200 and £400.
Finally, the price of orthodontic splint treatments can range from £2,000 and £5,500.
Impress orthodontic and retention splints
Our mission is to provide treatment with orthodontic and retention splints for the best quality-price ratio. That’s why we offer removable and invisible orthodontic aligners adapted to each individual case, as well as retainers so you can keep your perfect smile forever.
Impress orthodontic splints
At Impress, we work with removable and invisible mouth splints to align the teeth and treat bite problems. Our treatments are adapted to each patient and based on the detailed diagnosis by our orthodontists. That way, we can offer the treatment that best suits your needs and the complexity of your case.
Impress retention splints
At the end of your treatment, you’ll need to wear nighttime splints to keep your teeth straight. Whether you are an Impress patient or not, you can contact us to get your retainers.
Contact us for your first consultation!
If you want to start your orthodontic treatment and show off an eye-catching smile, or if you want to maintain the results of your treatment with retainers, you can contact us to book an appointment at your nearest Impress clinic, by filling out the form through our website.
If you want to get started today, contact us by giving us a call on +44 20 3808 1072 or send us a WhatsApp, and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions!
Updated: April 2025
Frequently Asked Questions about dental splints
What to do if the dental splint is too tight?
With orthodontic and post-orthodontic dental splints it’s normal that at first you feel that a little more pressure is exerted on the teeth. Therefore, it’s important to wear them as long as possible so that they adjust to your teeth. However, in the case of bruxism splints, no pressure should be felt after 2 days of wearing them. If this happens, it is possible that it is poorly fitted, so you’ll have to go to the specialist to have it refitted. On the other hand, the splints that are used for teeth whitening should not cause any pain at all.
What to do if the dental splint fits poorly?
If the prescribed dental splint doesn’t fit correctly, you’ll need to go to your dentist or orthodontist so they can adjust it or tell you how to proceed.
Do dental splints hurt?
With a dental splint, you might feel some pressure, but they don’t usually cause pain. If for any reason you feel pain, you should go to the specialist to check the dental splint.
How long does dental splinting last?
It depends on the type of splint. Orthodontic splints are usually changed every week or every two weeks, retention splints are changed every 6 or 9 months. As for bruxism splints, these usually last about 2 or 3 years, while whitening splints are used for as long as the treatment lasts.
