Introduction
A rigid unit known as a dental splint is used to align the weak teeth for a proper bite. It is available in two forms called a fixed splint and a removable splint. A dental splint is advised by a dental specialist called a periodontist. It is a conservative method to maintain adult teeth without extraction (removal of teeth). An ideal splint should be simple and economical to use. It should be stable and efficient for the long term. It should not irritate the soft tissues in the mouth. It should not interfere with other treatments like filling. It should not trigger other systemic or iatrogenic diseases. It is placed in the inner portion of the lower teeth.
What Are the Purposes of Adult Dental Splinting?
The various purposes of dental splinting are as follows;
-
Dental splinting supports the adjacent structures of weak teeth.
-
Force is applied to the teeth while biting food. There is a chance of drifting in the teeth while biting. Dental splinting is performed to redistribute the force around the jaw bones and protect the teeth. It redirects the force away toward the biting plane.
-
Teeth drifting changes the alignment in gums. Dental splinting is used to preserve the integrity of the arch.
-
An individual with periodontally weak teeth faces difficulty in accomplishing the chewing function. So a dental splint can be used to restore functional stability.
-
The movement of loose lower front teeth interrupts speech. It affects the individual psychologically to smile or start a conversation. The oral well-being and psychological well-being can be restored using dental splints.
-
Diabetic patients face issues in the healing gums after deep cleaning. Dental splints aid in faster and better healing.
-
A dental splint helps in improving the esthetics, comfort, and function.
What Are the Indications for Dental Splinting?
The individuals with the following dental problems require dental splints;
-
Dental splints are useful to stabilize even advanced mobile teeth that require extraction.
-
Unstable lower front teeth cause secondary occlusal trauma. Dental splints can be used to reduce such traumas.
-
If the dental splints are used as a preventive measure during mild mobility, it saves the teeth from drifting and severe periodontal issues.
-
Diabetic patients are prone to gum disease and removal of teeth (extrusion). In such cases, dental splints can be used as a prophylactic measure.
-
Surgery is required to stabilize the fractured facial bones during road traffic accidents. The teeth become mobile during such conditions. Dental splinting is used as a regenerative therapy.
-
The upper front teeth become mobile after hitting hard surfaces or things during any physical activities, accidents, or martial arts like activities. In order to save the vital nature of the teeth, it is stabilized using dental splints.
-
Teeth have a relapsing ability after orthodontic treatment. Dental splints are used to aid retention.
What Are the Conditions in Which Dental Splints Cannot Be Used?
Dental splints cannot be used in certain oral conditions. They are as follows;
-
Dental splints cannot be used in teeth with severe gum inflammation.
-
It is not advised in teeth with severe periodontal issues like deep pockets, abscesses, and infection.
-
The adjacent teeth of the mobile tooth should be strong and healthy to support it. Otherwise, splinting cannot be done.
-
Dental splinting is not recommended in patients with poor oral hygiene.
-
It is not advised in patients with high caries activity.
-
Dental splinting cannot be used in patients with severe crowding and malalignment.
What Are the Advantages Present While Splinting the Teeth?
-
Dental splints favor the remodeling of alveolar bone in the case of orthodontic treatment.
-
Dental splints induce the periodontal ligament fibers and prevent mobility.
-
Dental splints accelerate the healing of traumatized gums.
-
It is thin and hence easily blends with the teeth on cementation.
-
The treatment time is minimal and can be completed in a single sitting.
-
It does not require anesthesia. Hence it is a non-invasive and painless technique.
-
It reduces the pain caused by mobile teeth.
What Are the Disadvantages Associated With Dental Splinting?
-
It can be performed by a dentist with high clinical and technical skills.
-
If the force distribution by a splint exceeds the ideal value, it causes root resorption.
-
There should be sufficient healthy teeth for a better prognosis.
-
The patient takes time to adapt after splinting. It may interfere with the tongue. It takes up to two to three weeks to adapt.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Splints?
-
Temporary Splints - The treatment period for dental splints is less than six months. It is used during periodontal therapy. At the end of 6 months, the dentist decides whether the teeth require permanent splinting or not. Wire mesh is the most favorable temporary splint. Stainless steel wires are also used in the inner portion of lower teeth.
-
Provisional Splints - As the name suggests, it is also known as semi-permanent splinting. The treatment period includes several months to years. The dentist will monitor the teeth’ response after provisional splints and manage the teeth accordingly. It is also used for diagnostic purposes. The dentist replaces the missing tooth using provisional splints. Acrylic splints are the most preferred esthetic and provisional splints. The dentist takes support from dentures for mobile teeth.
-
Permanent Splints - It is used to treat long-term periodontal issues. It should be worn by the patient for life-long. It is popular due to its effectiveness and benefits.
Conclusion
Coronoplasty is an adjunctive therapy with splinting. In this procedure the high cuspal points due to supra eruption causing traumatic occlusion is reduced with drills. To prevent further supra eruption and to settle down the teeth inside the socket, dental splinting is performed. The splints are cemented to teeth to increase the toughness and reduce the teeth fracture. Recent advancements in dental splinting are splints made up of glass fibers. It prevents tooth fracture from multidirectional forces by dissipating the forces due to its impregnated nature. The finish looks smooth and esthetic. For successful dental splinting, scaling (cleaning) and polishing the teeth is mandatory. The longevity of splints depends on the cleanliness of the oral cavity. Follow the maintenance schedule as given by your dentist.