BURLEIGH DENTISTRY & IMPLANTS · PATIENT GUIDE

Grinding plates and occlusal splints

A custom-made grinding plate helps protect your teeth and dental work from the effects of grinding and clenching. This guide explains why we recommend one, how to wear and care for it, and when to arrange a review.

What is a grinding plate?

A grinding plate—also called an occlusal splint, bite splint or night guard—is a removable appliance made to fit over your upper or lower teeth. It usually covers all the teeth in that arch and provides a surface for the opposing teeth to contact.

Grinding and clenching are known as bruxism. Grinding involves rubbing the teeth together; clenching involves holding them tightly together, often without any noise. Both can happen during sleep or while you are awake.

Why might I need one?

Reduce tooth wear: a splint separates the upper and lower teeth, reducing direct rubbing of their surfaces.
Help reduce chipping and cracking: it provides a protective contact surface and can spread contact across several teeth. It cannot eliminate every fracture risk or repair a tooth that is already cracked.
Protect dental restorations: it may be recommended after crowns, veneers, bridges, large fillings or implant restorations, especially if you grind or clench.
Help manage jaw and muscle symptoms: a splint may form part of treatment for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and myofascial pain—pain in the chewing muscles that can be felt in the jaw, face or temples.

A splint is mainly a protective appliance. It does not reliably stop the grinding or clenching habit. Evidence for relief of TMD pain is limited, and some people benefit more than others. Treatment may also involve reducing daytime clenching, exercises, physiotherapy and addressing sleep or stress-related factors.

How the splint works

Upper teeth

The splint is usually fitted to and covers the top teeth. Occasionally it is fitted to the lower teeth. You do not need a splint for each arch.

The splint provides a protective surface between the upper and lower teeth, reducing direct tooth-to-tooth rubbing and helping protect teeth and dental restorations. It may gradually develop wear marks or cracks under repeated grinding and clenching. It does not remove all biting forces or eliminate the risk of tooth damage.

Benefits for the temporomandibular joint and related structures

Some people report less jaw joint pain, muscle discomfort or associated headaches when wearing a splint, while others notice little improvement. Even when symptoms do not improve, the splint can still help protect the teeth.

Different types of splint

The best choice depends on your bite, dental work, grinding pattern and comfort. Material names vary between laboratories, so follow the instructions for your particular appliance.

Flexible: We commonly recommend flexible splints because many patients find them comfortable. Some materials soften slightly at mouth temperature. They can be more prone to colour change, although this is often mainly a cosmetic concern.
Rigid acrylic: a firm appliance with a defined biting surface that your dentist can adjust. It can feel harder because it has no flex or give and may put pressure on the teeth. It can still be comfortable when fitted correctly. Some patients find the firm fit less comfortable, which can make regular wear more difficult.
Nylon: a tough, lightweight alternative used for some splint designs. Flexibility, adjustment and cleaning requirements depend on the particular product.

How to wear your splint

Wear it as prescribed. Most grinding plates are worn each night while sleeping. Wear it during the day only if your dentist recommends this; do not wear it around the clock unless specifically instructed.
Clean your teeth first. Brush and clean between your teeth before putting it in.
Seat it gently with your fingers. Make sure it is fully in place. Do not bite it forcefully into position or force a splint that no longer fits.
Remove it for meals. Avoid chewing gum and drinks other than plain cool water while wearing it.
Remove it evenly. Ease it off gently on both sides using the technique shown at your fitting appointment.

A grinding plate is different from a sports mouthguard, an orthodontic retainer or a sleep-apnoea appliance. Tell us if you use another dental appliance or have diagnosed or suspected sleep apnoea.

What to expect when you start

Your splint may initially feel bulky or unfamiliar. Extra saliva and a slight change in speech are common while you adjust, often over several nights to a couple of weeks. It should feel secure without causing significant pain.

If it is difficult to tolerate, contact us so we can check the fit. Do not keep pushing through increasing jaw pain, tooth pain or sore gums. If your bite feels different after removal and does not settle, stop wearing it and arrange a review.

Attend the review arranged after fitting and bring your splint to your regular dental appointments. The fit, biting contacts and wear need checking, particularly after new fillings, crowns or other dental treatment.

Your daily routine

Before bed

Clean your teeth
Fit your splint gently

In the morning

Rinse and brush gently
Check for damage

Between wears

Store as instructed
Keep safe in its case

How to clean and care for it

Clean after each use. Rinse with cool water and gently brush all surfaces with a separate soft toothbrush. Mild liquid soap can be used if permitted for your material; rinse thoroughly.
Avoid abrasive toothpaste. It can scratch the appliance. Use only cleaning tablets or solutions approved for your specific splint, and follow their soaking times.
Keep it away from heat. Do not use boiling water, a dishwasher or microwave, and do not leave it in a hot car. If your material needs warming before insertion, use only the method your dentist has demonstrated.
Avoid harsh chemicals. Do not use bleach, alcohol-based mouthwash or household disinfectants unless specifically directed for that product.
Store it in its protective case. Storage instructions differ: some materials need dry, ventilated storage and others need moisture. Follow the instructions supplied with yours and clean the case regularly.
Keep it away from pets. Dogs commonly chew dental appliances. Avoid wrapping it in tissues, where it may be thrown away.

Never trim, reshape or glue a damaged splint yourself.

How long will it last?

Around two years can be a useful planning guide, rather than a fixed replacement date or guarantee. Some splints last considerably longer; heavy grinding or clenching can wear one out much sooner. Its material, thickness, care and changes to your teeth also affect its lifespan.

Scratches and wear marks are expected, but deep grooves, thinning, holes, cracks, looseness or a changed fit need assessment. Replacement depends on the appliance’s condition and how well it fits—not simply its age. You may need ongoing protection even after the original splint is replaced.

Is colour change normal?

Yes—some yellowing, cloudiness or staining can be a normal change over time, especially with certain flexible materials. Colour change alone does not necessarily mean the splint is dirty, unsafe or due for replacement.

Continue cleaning it as instructed. Arrange a check if the change comes with persistent odour, deposits that do not clean off, a rough or sticky surface, cracks or an altered fit. Do not try to bleach it back to its original colour.

Appliance-cleaning tablets are also available. Choose a product suitable for your splint material and follow the recommended soaking time.

When to contact us

Stop wearing the splint and contact us if it breaks, has a loose fragment, will not seat properly, causes worsening pain, or leaves a persistent change in your bite. Arrange a prompt review for new jaw locking or difficulty opening your mouth.

If your teeth are wearing, chipping or cracking—or you would like to protect new dental work—we can assess whether an occlusal splint is appropriate and explain the options for your mouth.

Considering straighter teeth? Explore Invisalign options.