🦷 Post-Operative Care for Occlusal Splints
Protecting Your Teeth, Jaw, and Smile
Yaas Dental Care – Narre Warren | Serving Fountain Gate, Berwick, Hallam & Dandenong
At Yaas Dental Care, we provide custom-made occlusal splints to help protect your teeth and jaws from the effects of clenching, grinding (bruxism), TMJ disorders, and other bite-related issues. Your splint plays an important role in improving your oral health and comfort—proper care is essential.
This page explains how to look after your occlusal splint and what to expect in the days following its delivery.
🛌 First Night Use: What to Expect
Wearing your splint for the first time may feel strange. This is completely normal.
Common Experiences:
- Increased saliva production
- Mild tightness or jaw awareness
- Slight discomfort or change in bite the next morning
These symptoms usually settle within 1–2 weeks as your mouth adapts.
🧼 Daily Care Instructions
Proper care helps extend the life of your occlusal splint and maintains oral hygiene.
Cleaning Your Splint:
- Rinse with lukewarm water after each use
- Gently brush with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste – it’s abrasive!)
- Soak weekly in a denture or splint-cleaning solution
- Store in a dry, ventilated container when not in use
⚠️ Do NOT use hot water—it can warp the material.
⚠️ Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
🕒 Wearing Schedule
Your dentist will advise how often to wear your splint. In most cases:
- Wear every night while sleeping
- In severe cases, wear during the day as instructed
- Remove during meals and oral hygiene routines
If instructed to use during the day for TMJ or bite issues, follow your dentist’s guidelines closely.
😬 Adjustments & Review Appointments
As your jaw muscles and bite adapt, we may need to adjust your splint for comfort and effectiveness. Regular follow-up appointments are important to ensure:
- Proper fit
- No pressure on teeth or gums
- Relief from grinding/clenching symptoms
- TMJ pain or headaches are improving
Contact us if:
- Your splint feels loose or tight
- You experience new pain
- You’ve chipped or cracked the device
🩺 Medical Conditions & Splints
Splints are often recommended for patients with:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- TMJ disorders
- Facial pain or tension headaches
- Sleep disturbances
- Dental wear or fractured teeth
We also collaborate with GPs, physiotherapists, ENT specialists, and oral medicine professionals when complex bite or jaw issues are linked with systemic conditions.
💬 Have Questions?
If you experience any discomfort or need support with your splint, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team at Yaas Dental Care, Narre Warren, is here to help.
📞 Call us: (03) 8774 2115
📍 Visit us: 407 Princes Hwy, Narre Warren VIC