Nightguard for the Grinders!

Message

#1 Post by **Chris** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 8:20 pm

For those of you who have a clenching and grinding habit especially now while you are in braces, I thought I would let you know about a nightguard that you can wear while in braces. www.splintek.com

I didn't find this product until after my braces were removed but this would have come in handy as it fits over braces and doesn't interfere with the braces. Of course, I don't have my braces on to "test" it, but it looks like it would. The website is contradictory regarding the use of it while wearing braces. If you read the FAQ you'll see they say its great for braces, but on the disclaimer it discourages it. I don't understand why.

But if you want to ask your ortho about it before trying, go ahead. It only costs about $40 and you can get it at your local drug store.

I was skeptical at first when I looked at it because I thought it would just make me clench more, but I was pleasantly surprized that it worked. My current problem is biting my inside cheeks when I grind..THIS SOLVED the problem!

Anyway, I hope it works for someone else too.

#2 Post by **Tin Indian** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 8:59 pm

I have one of those Splintek splints and I just love it! I originally bought it before I had braces because it helped at night so I wouldn't clench my teeth so much but have used everynight up until I got elastics.It is very easy and comfortable to get used to even for a big gagger like me. I asked my ortho and he said it was a good idea to use it even when the braces come off.. It comes in several sizes and is very ajustable. They even come in either cinnamon or mint flavors. I would reccomend this little item to anyone!
T.I.

#3 Post by **cosmicgirl** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 11:15 am

Hi Chris!
A zillion thanks for this! Have already placed my order - I used to be unaware of my night time habit... until I was braced! I wake up dozens of times with my jaws in an awful rictus grin. I can't imagine the damage I've done, apart from noticing that my front teeth and upper left canine are worn smooth. Hopefully this will put an end to it!
Thanks again

#4 Post by **iBorg** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 12:43 pm

I've seen this product at some box stores in the U.S. I don't think it would work as well as a custom made appliance (been through prior to wires), but its worth a try to help with a griding or clenching problem.

Mike

#5 Post by **Chris** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:10 pm

I've seen this product at some box stores in the U.S. I don't think it would work as well as a custom made appliance (been through prior to wires), but its worth a try to help with a griding or clenching problem.

I felt the same way, Mike, but since custom made appliances cost upwards of $400, and you obviously can't wear one while in braces, this was a good temporary substitute. I had originally tried the $1.00 mouthguards that WalMart sells and it worked by protecting my teeth but it did cause me to clench on it more. That was my fear when I purchased this product also, but that didn't happen. It was a bit uncomfortable when I put it in at first but when I woke up at night it felt very comfortable (I guess the heat of your mouth makes it mold to you. )Its not a perfect or permanent solution, but it sure helps temporarily and it costs only $40.

#6 Post by **katmc_tx** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 11:17 am

I was told by my dentist that I have a cleanching problem and that I needed to get a night guard. I had my braces removed in Sept and I'm going for my two month retainer check to my ortho tomorrow and I will be asking her what she thinks. My dentist said if I got the nightguard it would take the place of my Essix retainer but when I look at my retainer I only see a marks in the two front teeth area. Not sure what to do but I will be asking tomorrow.

#7 Post by **iBorg** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 12:07 pm

A custom night guard is much like an over sized Essix. I'm not sure of the material of the Essix but my bite guards/night guards were a very hard acrylic. I'll have Hawleys because of my grinding. One for normal wear and one with significant build up for night time use. My ortho has already told me she would expect me to grind through an Essix.

Mike

#8 Post by **Chris** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 3:58 pm

My dentist said if I got the nightguard it would take the place of my Essix retainer .

Then you will need a custom made nightguard that fits over all your teeth just like the essix so that it keeps your teeth in place. The cheaper one you can use only if you already wear a hawley or an essix as it does nothing to keep your teeth from moving. It will however, keep your front teeth from touching. The best way for me to describe how it feels wearing it is like a spring that props your mouth open a bit. Not quite that strong but you get the idea.

#9 Post by **Chris** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 3:58 pm

My dentist said if I got the nightguard it would take the place of my Essix retainer .

Then you will need a custom made nightguard that fits over all your teeth just like the essix so that it keeps your teeth in place. The cheaper one you can use only if you already wear a hawley or an essix as it does nothing to keep your teeth from moving. It will however, keep your front teeth from touching. The best way for me to describe how it feels wearing it is like a spring that props your mouth open a bit. Not quite that strong but you get the idea.

#10 Post by **Chris** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 3:59 pm

My dentist said if I got the nightguard it would take the place of my Essix retainer but when I look at my retainer I only see a marks in the two front teeth area. .

Then you will need a custom made nightguard that fits over all your teeth just like the essix so that it keeps your teeth in place. The cheaper one you can use only if you already wear a hawley or an essix as it does nothing to keep your teeth from moving. It will however, keep your front teeth from touching. The best way for me to describe how it feels wearing it is like a spring that props your mouth open a bit. Not quite that strong but you get the idea.

#11 Post by **cosmicgirl** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 10:56 am

Hello Chris!
I took your advice and ordered a nightguard from Splintek. They managed to take the money from my credit card, but so far no sign of the guard... Did it take long to receive yours? I'm in the UK so I expected it to take a bit of time to arrive, but it's been over a month! Tried emailing and no reply....
Anyone else had problems?

#12 Post by **Chris** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 5:01 pm

Did it take long to receive yours? I'm in the UK so I expected it to take a bit of time to arrive, but it's been over a month!

I bought mine in the local drug store not online. Are they not available in stores in the UK?

#13 Post by **cosmicgirl** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 11:29 am

Hi Chris!
No, not that sort anyway. I bought a sports mouth guard but it was so big it made me gag. The Splintek one looked softer and there seemed to be less of it. Never mind, I'll just sit it out... and wait... hopefully I won't be down to stumps in the meantime!

#14 Post by **Tin Indian** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 5:40 pm

I got my Splintek in about 10 days and my credit card statement in about 7 days.

#15 Post by **Chris** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 5:10 pm

Well, I must say in comparison, I got a custom made hard acrylic top nightguard for $400 and I love my Splintek for $40 much better!

Go figure.