Pre-Operative Instructions for Mouthguards and Occlusal Splints
At Renwick Dental, we use the latest digital technology to create custom mouthguards and occlusal splints, ensuring a comfortable and accurate fit without the need for traditional impression trays. Whether you need a mouthguard for sports or an occlusal splint to alleviate jaw pain, our state-of-the-art media scanning ensures a precise, custom-made appliance to protect your teeth and improve your oral health. To help ensure a smooth and successful experience, please follow these pre-operative instructions.
Before Your Appointment
Eat and Drink
- It’s best to eat a light meal before your appointment. Avoid foods that are sticky or hard, as these can irritate your teeth and gums before the procedure.
- If you’re having a sports mouthguard fitted, make sure your teeth are clean before the appointment to get the best scan results.
Medications
- Continue taking any prescribed medications as usual unless otherwise directed by our team.
- If you have any medications related to jaw issues (such as muscle relaxants or pain relievers), please bring them up during your appointment, so we can address them accordingly.
Oral Hygiene
- Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before the appointment. Clean teeth help ensure an accurate scan and a better fit for your mouthguard or splint.
- If you wear braces or have other dental appliances, inform us ahead of time, as this may affect the scanning process or require extra time to complete the fitting.
Health Updates
- Please notify us if you have any medical conditions, especially related to the jaw (such as TMJ/TMD), teeth grinding (bruxism), or any recent dental work.
- Let us know if you have allergies, particularly to dental materials or medications.
Smoking and Alcohol
- Refrain from smoking or consuming alcohol 24 hours before your appointment, as these can affect the fit and comfort of the appliance.
What to Expect During Your Mouthguard or Occlusal Splint Appointment
State-of-the-Art Digital Scanning
- Instead of the traditional goopy impression materials, we will use a digital media scan to take an accurate 3D image of your teeth and bite. The process is quick, comfortable, and doesn’t involve any messy materials, allowing us to create a custom appliance that fits perfectly.
Scan Process
- The scanning process is non-invasive. A small, handheld scanner will be gently moved over your teeth and gums, capturing precise measurements and details. You may feel a slight vibration, but there is no discomfort.
- We will take images of both your upper and lower teeth to ensure your mouthguard or occlusal splint fits correctly and comfortably.
Design and Customization
- Once the scan is complete, our team will use the data to design your custom mouthguard or occlusal splint. The digital model ensures that we can create an appliance that fits your teeth perfectly, offering maximum protection or comfort.
Fabrication
- Your custom appliance will be fabricated using advanced materials and techniques. For mouthguards, we use durable, yet flexible materials that provide both comfort and protection, especially during physical activities.
- For occlusal splints, we design the splint to help relieve jaw pressure, reduce grinding, and prevent tooth wear.
Procedure Duration
The entire process, including the scan and any necessary adjustments, will typically take 30-60 minutes depending on the complexity of your needs and the type of appliance being created.
Aftercare and Next Steps
Wearing Your Appliance
- Once your custom mouthguard or occlusal splint is ready, we’ll ensure that it fits comfortably and securely. For mouthguards, be sure to wear them during sports or other activities where your teeth might be at risk of injury.
- For occlusal splints, wear it as prescribed—whether it’s overnight to protect against grinding or during the day to help with jaw discomfort. Follow-up visits may be scheduled to ensure your appliance is providing the relief you need.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- After each use, rinse your mouthguard or splint thoroughly with water. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap or denture cleaner, but avoid using toothpaste or abrasive materials, as this can scratch the surface.
- Store your appliance in its protective case to keep it clean and free from damage.
Adjustments
- It’s normal to feel some initial pressure or tightness with your new appliance. If you experience any discomfort, or if the appliance doesn’t feel like it fits correctly, contact us for a follow-up visit. We may need to make minor adjustments to ensure the best fit and comfort.
Dietary Recommendations
- For the first few days after receiving your appliance, try to avoid eating or drinking anything sticky or very hot, as this could affect the appliance’s fit or material.
- If you wear an occlusal splint, avoid chewing on hard foods that could potentially damage the splint.
Regular Check-ups
- We recommend regular dental check-ups to ensure that your mouthguard or occlusal splint is still fitting properly and functioning as intended. During these visits, we can also assess the condition of your teeth and gums to ensure there are no issues.
Why Choose Mouthguards and Occlusal Splints at Renwick Dental?
Using cutting-edge digital scanning technology, we offer a more comfortable, precise, and efficient way to create custom mouthguards and occlusal splints. Whether you’re protecting your teeth during sports or relieving jaw tension from bruxism, our advanced appliances are designed for durability, comfort, and effectiveness.
Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you have any questions or concerns about your upcoming mouthguard or occlusal splint fitting, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is ready to assist you and ensure you’re fully prepared.
Contact Renwick Dental
We look forward to helping you protect and care for your smile with our custom dental appliances!
