Bite splints

[mizfiesta]

I have a Malocclusion (8mm overbite - lower jaw too small so top teeth look as if they're sticking out) and have been experiencing pain in my lower jaw. It also locks and clicks etc. My dentist has fitted me with a bite splint which i have to wear at night. Has anyone any information they can give me on how they work and how effective they are? I have been asking my dentist on ways to reduce my overbite - but she doesn't seem to keen on referring to to an orthodontist or dental hospital. She says it's mostly only kids that get treated - I'm 37. I haven't been happy with my overbite for a long time and now it is causing me discomfort. I often wonder to just how bad it looks. My family and friends say it's ok but they - like me - are probably used to seeing me like this. Any advice on this would be appreciated.

[MrXLA]

Hi Mizfiesta,

Firstly without wishing to cause offence to yourself or anyone else I�d like to say how much I dislike the term �malocclusion� (I know is a common term used by dentists and orthodontists). After all there are numerous people around who are dentally fit and functional who are very happy with their dental appearance that would have what is considered a �severe malocclusion�.

Regarding splints in all honesty I believe I�d be correct in saying that no one really knows quite how certain splints work in the treatment of jaw related pain but there are a number of theories and models to suggest why they do. Also the other key thing to keep in mind is that in a large number of cases they DO in fact seem to work and resolve the symptoms the patient is presenting with. One idea is that if the pain is a result of jaw clenching (especially at night) then the splint helps to stop this unconscious habit relaxing the jaw joint and associated musculature and alleviate the symptoms.

Orthodontists will treat adults (where indicated) but as far as I know orthodontic treatment is only available on the NHS to children. Dental hospitals have (among others) restorative dental and orthodontic consultants and often it is possible to refer adult patients to them, however it depends on the nature and complexity of the case, the funding they have and the department referral guidelines.
There are a number of registered private orthodontic, restorative and surgical specialists (on specialist registers) however I would discuss referral with your dentist as they will be very costly and perhaps unnecessary. Overbites can be reduced using various orthodontic and splint therapies where appropriate.

[MrXLA]

However I think you have to ask yourself a few questions regarding your motives for treatment:
- Is being pain free important to me?
- Does my dental appearance bother me/do I want to improve my dental appearance?
- Does what other people think/or my perception of what people think regarding my dental appearance matter to me?

It is worth noting (especially since you are 37) that your natural overbite (although increased/above �average�) MAY be in no way related to your current jaw pain.
There are a number of other possibilities:
- Dental/odontogenic i.e. pathology/disease/trauma to the teeth and/or their supporting structures.
- Recent (or previous) dental treatment such as tooth removal, large fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures etc (that may have changed your existing occlusion or caused discomfort/pain as a result of their surgical nature)
- A long term or new problem with jaw joint relationship and/or its relationship with the surrounding muscles:
- exacerbated by stress, clenching/grinding at night, change in diet/lifestyle
- Also note that jaw clicking can be a natural finding in a large percentage of the population with no associated symptoms (although clearly sometimes it�s a result of a problem).

A useful plan of action would be to identify the cause of your jaw pain, treat that and then if it is of concern to you consider having treatment to reduce your overbite (of course if the pain is related to your occlusion treating the pain might involve �correcting� the occlusion (including the overbite) and thus kill two birds with one stone).

I�m speculating of course but my guess would be that your dentist does not wish to refer you (at least not yet) because they wish to look for and treat obvious causes of your jaw pain before doing so (which is a very sensible approach).

***Also orthodontic treatment/occlusal change may

[mizfiesta]

Thanks for your response Mr XLA. It seems that your finishing sentence has been cut short. I was truly interested in what you were going to say. I would be grateful if you could finish off the last wee bit for me. Thanks.

[mizfiesta]

Thanks for your response Mr XLA. It appears that your last sentence has been cut short. I was interested in what you were going to say. Please could you finish of the last wee bit for me again - much appreciated.

[MrXLA]

***Also orthodontic treatment/occlusal change may exacerbate the jaw pain/condition if a cause/diagnosis is not made first