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your teeth from the harmful effects ofparafunctional habits such as grinding

and clenching.

Splints

A splint or nightguard is a hard acrylicappliance that is custom fabricated tofit snugly over either your upper orlower teeth. A splint can cover all theteeth on one jaw (full) or only a few(partial

We use two types of splints in our

office: The lower full splint and the

NTI-tss. We may recommend either

one or both.

Lower Full Splint

The lower splint covers all your lowerteeth and the biting surface ismeticulously adjusted to fit as perfectlyas possible against the opposing teeth.When the splint is in, the jaw shouldclose with even tooth contacts.on allyour upper teeth.

The lower splint requires two one-

hour appointments:

1. At the first we will take models ofyour teeth and a registration of yourbite. These will be sent to the dental

lab for fabrication of the splint. Thiswill take one to two weeks.

2. At the second appointment the splintwill be fitted on the lower teeth andthe bite adjusted precisely to the up-

Lower Splint

BRUXISM SPLINTS

From the Office of Dr. Michael J. Guy 511A Lakeshore Drive, North Bay ON, P1A 2E3

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During your comprehensive exam, wediscover you may grind and /or clench

your teeth

Teeth grinding and clenching (Bruxismor Parafunctional habits) is very com-mon. Although teeth grinding andclenching happen at any time, peopleoften grind their teeth in their sleep. Youmay not even youre doing it. The causesare not clear. Stress is one reason for thehabit but often the reason for the habit isnot known.

Damage caused by teeth grinding

Tooth grinding and clenching habits may

cause Chipped enamel

Flattened, grooved, worn-down

teeth

Loosened teeth

Cracked teeth

Symptoms of Grinding and Clenching

You may have some or all of the follow-ing: Tense, sore, tired jaw or jaw mus-

cles

Dull headaches

Earaches

Sensitive teeth

Something needs to be done to prevent

any further damage

A splint when worn will help protect

per teeth. You will then be given in-structions for wear

As the muscles relax, the bite on thesplint may change. Follow-up appoint-ments during this trial period are neces-sary to monitor your progress and to ad-just the splint if it is necessary. If at anytime you feel your bite on the splintchanges drastically, call our office andwe will try to schedule you with an ear-lier appointment.

NTI-tss

The NTI-tss is fitted to your two upperfront teeth and is worn only while yousleep. The NTI-tss takes about 15 min-utes to fit and adjust. The NTI-tss takesadvantage of your reflex reaction. Whenyour lower teeth hit the device a signal issent to the jaw muscles to reduce con-traction. By wearing the NTI clenchingintensities are reduced by 66% of fullpower helping muscles relax.

Lower Full Splint + Lab 14612 $350.00

NTI-tss 14612 $250.00

Splint adjustment appoint-ment (15 minutes)

14621 $50.00

NTI-tss

How much does a splint cost?

The average cost of a splint therapy will rangefrom $600 to $700. Dental Benefits and eligi-

bility will vary from one carrier to the next.However, to be sure our office will send a

pre-determination to your dental benefitscompany to find this out.. The following tableis a breakdown of the fees

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Instructions

Please wear splint at night to protectteeth and jaw muscles from grindingand clenching.

Call us immediately if you experienceanything unusual regarding your teeth,gums, tongue, or mouth or other symp-toms.The splint should fit securely, but with-out applying undue force or pressure toan individual tooth. Call us for a refit-ting if you feel continuous pressure orstrain on a tooth during device use.

IF THE NTI-tss DEVICE BE-COMES LOOSE OR IF YOU CAN

REMOVE IT WITH YOUR

TONGUE BY APPLYING ANY

AMOUNT OF PRESSURE TO IT,

DISCONTINUE USE IMMEDI-

ATELY AND CALL YOUR DEN-

TIST FOR REFITTING. UNDER

NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD

YOU ATTEMPT TO ALTER THE

DEVICE IN ANY MANNER BY

HEATING IT.

If you should awaken after properlyinserting the splint and find the splintsomewhere other than in your mouth inits original position, sit up or stand up-right to reinsert it With the NTI-tssconfirm it cannot be removed by apply-ing pressure to it with your tongue. IFYOU CAN REMOVE THE NTI-tss

WITH YOUR TONGUE BY AP-

PLYING PRESSURE OR IF THE

DEVICE DOES NOT LOCK INTO

PLACE WITH A SNAP, DISCON-

TINUE USE IMMEDIATELY AND

RETURN TO OUR OFFICE FORREFITTING.

Discontinue use if you are ill, have acold, flu or other illness which couldcause dislodgment of the device.

Never drink anything without removingthe splint first.

Never attempt to wear this device while

you eat or chew anything.

If your device should chip or crack, orif its condition changes in any way or

appears to change in any way, discon-

tinue use immediately and call your

dentist to repair it.

If you see any unusual wear in the devicesuch as a groove in the lower bump, callyour dentist immediately to repair it.Also continue to check for any sharpedges/points and advise your dentist im-mediately to get device fixed.

If you have any dental work or proceduredone on your teeth after receiving yourdevice, have your dentist examine thedevice to insure proper fit, following thework or procedure.

Always bring your device with you dur-ing your regular dental checkup so yourdental professional can examine it forany repairs or adjustments.

When not in use, always place the devicein the device container given to you byyour dentist.

The device was custom fit for your useonly. Do not give this device to anotherperson for their use.

Keep device away from children or pets.Never insert or remove the device whilelying on your back. Insert or remove thedevice only when standing or sitting up-right.

Do not attempt to insert or use the deviceif you are intoxicated or taking prescrip-

tion, over-the-counter drugs and/or anyother drugs which make you drowsy orwould impair you from inserting the de-vice correctly. Check with your doctor ifyou are taking any such prescription,over-the-counter drugs and/or any otherdrugs.

Care of Your Splint and Device

Holder

1. Always brush and floss your teeth be-fore use. Trapping food debris and

plaque under the device is unhealthy.

2. Clean your device after each time youwear it. To clean the device, rinse withcool water and brush with a soft brush.(DO NOT USE HOT OR BOILING

WATER UNDER ANY CIRCUM-

STANCESTHIS WILL ALTER

YOUR DEVICE AND RENDER IT

UNSAFE TO WEAR). Mouthwash

(Listerine, Cepacol or non-alcoholtypes) is non-abrasive and effective forcleaning your device. HOWEVER.

DO NOT SOAK YOUR DEVICE INMOUTH WASH FOR EXTENDED

PERIOD OF TIME. DO NOT USE

TOOTHPASTE.

Denture cleaner (Polident or Effer-dent) loosens plaque and helps pre-vent staining if used to soak your de-vice in addition to brushing. Rinseyour device well to avoid building up aresidue of cleaning agents or oralplaque.

4. Keep your appliance in the box pro-vided. Clean this box periodically inwarm soapy water to prevent bacterialor fungal growth.

5. Please call your dentist if any prob-lems develop, such as sore spots, sen-sitive teeth, or sore jaw muscles. Donot attempt to file or alter the device inany way. All such adjustments shouldbe made by your dentist.

AN IMPORTANT REMINDER

BRING YOUR DEVICE TO ALL

YOUR DENTAL APPOINTMENTS.

IT MAY REQUIRE ADJUSTMENT.YOUR DENTIST SHOULD

REGULARLY EVALUATE ALL

DEVICES YOU WEAR IN YOUR

MOUTH.

If you have any questions at all

regarding the use and care of this

device, call your dentist immediately.

From the Office of Dr. Michael J. Guy 511A Lakeshore Drive, North Bay ON, P1A 2E3

INSTRUCTIONS AND CARE FOR YOUR BRUXISM SPLINT