Dental Splints and Aligners for Every Need

Dental Splints and Aligners for Every Need

Our guide explains which types of splints and aligners there are, what advantages they offer you, and what else you should know if you are interested in a dental splint.

Table of contents

What is a dental splint or aligner?

Reasons / areas of use for a dental splint

Advantages of dental splints and aligners

Good to know

Individual treatment concept: the ideal dental splint for you

What is a dental splint or aligner?

A dental splint is a popular way of correcting misaligned teeth. It is made of transparent plastic and can be taken out at any time. This allows for an inconspicuous treatment, and it is a widely used alternative to conventional fixed braces, especially among adults.

Your dental splint is custom-made so that it fits your teeth precisely. When worn, the splint applies gentle pressure to the teeth in order to move them gradually into the desired position. However, this only works if it is worn regularly, meaning as much as possible.

After a certain time, the splint is replaced with a new one in order to move the teeth further into the optimal position. But there are also other areas of use for which the transparent splints are suitable.

Reasons / areas of use for a dental splint

Our patients decide on a dental splint for various reasons. Depending on the purpose and area of use, the splint can be made from different (softer or harder) materials.

Correcting misaligned teeth

In most cases, dental splints are used to correct misaligned teeth. The so-called Invisalign treatment or aligner therapy is very well suited, for example, to correcting crowding, gaps between teeth, rotated teeth (rotations) and tilted teeth (tipping). A dental splint can also be used well to correct an overbite or underbite. Through gentle pressure and the gradual movement of the teeth into the desired position, the dental splint can correct misalignments without an invasive procedure and thus contribute to an even set of teeth and a radiantly beautiful smile.

Retainer

So-called retainers are used to maintain the result of an orthodontic treatment over the long term. These custom-made splints are worn over a longer period (usually at night) and are intended to ensure that the teeth stay in their new position and do not shift back into their original position.

Bruxism (teeth grinding)

Grinding your teeth at night can not only be very bothersome for your sleeping partner, it can also lead to health problems. These can range from massive damage to the teeth all the way to jaw pain and tension.

Made of sturdy plastic, the dental splint distributes pressure and load evenly across the teeth and protects them by preventing abrasion. The natural enamel and the tooth structure in particular can be preserved from excessive wear in this way.

TMD / temporomandibular joint complaints

Dental splints can also help to achieve an optimal alignment of the temporomandibular joints. This reduces the load on the temporomandibular joint, and existing joint problems such as pain, tension or restricted mobility are relieved.

Home bleaching

One way to lighten the teeth is so-called home bleaching. Here you receive a custom-made dental splint onto which a special bleaching gel is applied before wearing. Thanks to the splint, the gel is distributed evenly over the teeth without getting onto the gums. Home bleaching should always take place after a personal consultation and examination by a dentist, who checks the condition of your teeth regularly and can give a good prognosis for the lightening. Above all, damage to the teeth should be avoided through a professional preliminary examination.

Sports mouthguard

Specially made dental splints can also be used as a sports mouthguard to protect the teeth from injuries during athletic activities. These splints are made of robust plastic that (depending on the material and the sport) withstands even hard blows or falls.

Advantages of dental splints and aligners

Compared to other options for tooth correction, dental splints offer a number of advantages: many patients decide on dental splints because they are transparent and therefore hardly visible. Especially for adults who have to or want to pay close attention to an aesthetic appearance professionally or personally, they fulfill the wish for a discreet treatment. Since dental splints are made of plastic and contain neither wires nor clasps, they can be perceived as more comfortable or more pleasant to wear. They are also removable and pose no particular challenge when eating or for oral hygiene.

Good to know

Regardless of their purpose, dental splints are always custom-made for you. In our specialized practice for orthodontics in Frankfurt, we always use the most modern methods and techniques. With the help of modern 3D technology, your set of teeth is measured to ensure a precise fit of the splint. At the beginning of the treatment, wearing the splint can feel unfamiliar, but soon it will feel completely normal in your mouth. Should you find it very bothersome, we can also adjust the edge afterwards.

For the treatment to be successful, however, your cooperation is required. You should wear the splint for tooth correction as often and as long as possible, ideally at least 22 hours a day. Of course, you can take it out for eating and for dental and oral hygiene.

Over the course of the treatment, the splint is repeatedly exchanged for a new one that is adapted to the current position of your teeth – until the desired final result is achieved. We monitor the progress in regular check-ups. Please be sure to keep these appointments so that we can achieve the result you want.

Individual treatment concept: the ideal dental splint for you

We find out which dental splint is suitable for you in a comprehensive preliminary examination and a personal consultation. Describe your concern and learn which treatment options exist and which method is best suited to turning your wishes into reality. For this, we create an individual treatment concept with the ideal dental splint for you. No matter which splint brand you prefer, whether Invisalign, Angel Aligner or other aligner manufacturers, we offer you the product that suits you. Of course, we are available to you at any time for questions.