Night Plate(Splint)

What is a Night Plate?

Night plate is a treatment apparatus used in dentistry to reduce the effects of teeth clenching or grinding habits (bruxism). The appliance, which is transparent and individually prepared; It fits snugly to the teeth in the mouth and protects the teeth from damaging effects such as abrasion, cracking or fracture. The night plate helps to prevent possible health problems by supporting the jaw joint and muscles as well as protecting the teeth. It protects oral and jaw health by controlling involuntary jaw contraction or clenching movements that occur especially during sleep.

Night plates are usually made of durable materials such as acrylic resin, thermoplastic material or soft silicone. This ensures durability and comfort during use. Although many people do not realise that they clench and grind their teeth during sleep, using a night plate offers an effective solution against the long-term damage that teeth grinding at night can cause.

What Does a Night Plate Do?

The main purpose of the night plate is to prevent damage to the teeth, protect the jaw and joints, and reduce the pain that can be caused by clenching or grinding teeth. Especially in people with bruxism, problems such as abrasion and fracture are prevented by cutting the contact of the teeth with each other with the use of a night plate. The reduction of harmful pressure on the jaw joint significantly relieves pain.

Night plaque, which provides significant benefits in terms of dental health, also helps to improve sleep quality. Unconscious clenching during the night can strain the jaw muscles and joints, causing headaches, jaw pain or neck pain when you wake up in the morning. A night plate that prevents the habit of clenching helps you wake up feeling more rested in the morning.

In addition, the night plate plays an important role in the management of disorders such as temporomandibular disorders (jaw joint problems), tooth sensitivity and receding gums. By stabilising the jaw joint, it protects your oral and dental health both in the short and long term.

How is a night plate made?

The night plate is prepared by dentists in accordance with the individual oral and dental structure of the patients. For this, dentists first evaluate the patient’s tooth structure, jaw movements and the need for a night plate. Special tests or examinations can be performed to detect bruxism or temporomandibular joint disorders.

The impressions taken from the patient are used to create an exact model of the teeth. Measurements, usually taken with silicone-based moulds, ensure that the night plate fits perfectly in the patient’s mouth. The night plate is produced in the laboratory environment using durable materials and in accordance with the tooth structure. Acrylic resin, thermoplastic or soft material options are selected among the most suitable material for the patient.

After the night plate is produced, it is checked by the dentist and tested whether it fits the patient’s mouth structure properly. Adjustments are made if deemed necessary. The night plate is delivered to the patient and information is given about how it should be used. How the night plate should be cleaned and how it should be used is explained in detail. Since the night plate is custom-made, it provides a comfortable usage experience and can be used for many years.

What are the Types of Night Plates?

Night plates can be produced in different types depending on the needs and severity of the problems. The most common types of night plaques are as follows:

Soft night plates are preferred in mild cases of bruxism. It is made of soft material and is quite flexible. It effectively prevents damage that may occur as a result of clenching the teeth.
The double laminate night plate, which has a hard tooth part and a soft inner part, is ideal for people with moderate bruxism. It provides better support to the jaw and increases durability.
In cases of severe teeth clenching and grinding, hard night plates made of a more durable material are used. Acrylic or similar hard materials are generally preferred in hard night plates.
Splint night plates are used in serious cases such as jaw joint disorders. It helps to keep the jaw joint in a stable condition.

The choice of night plate should be made under the guidance of the dentist. Each night plate offers different features in terms of wearing comfort and durability. Choosing a night plate suitable for the jaw structure and the type of problems is very important for the success of your treatment.

How to Use Night Plate?

In order to get maximum benefit from the use of a night plate, a careful and regular use is required. Teeth should be brushed and oral hygiene should be ensured before wearing a night plate. Food residues or plaque deposits left in the mouth can damage the teeth and cause bacterial growth during the use of the night plate.

Brushing the teeth and paying attention to oral hygiene ensures that the plaque works effectively. It is also important to clean the night plaque regularly. It is usually sufficient to rinse the night plaque with water for a short time before using it. However, if you notice stains or residue on the plaque, you can gently clean it using a soft toothbrush and water. However, it is not recommended to use toothpaste for cleaning night plaque. Because some toothpastes may damage the surface of the plaque.

The night plaque is placed by gently pressing on the teeth. It should not be forgotten that each plaque is specially designed for the upper or lower jaw. For this reason, you should definitely follow the instructions given by your dentist about which jaw to use. Placing the aligner in the correct jaw is of great importance for the treatment process to work effectively.

Night aligners are usually inserted before going to sleep and remain in the mouth throughout sleep. During sleep, the enamel can be damaged by uncontrolled movements of the jaw muscles, teeth clenching (bruxism) or teeth grinding. Night plaque protects your teeth and jaw joints by reducing the effect of clenching and grinding. People who have the habit of clenching their jaws during the day can also use night plasters during the day. For individuals who are under constant stress and unconsciously clench their jaw muscles, daytime use can provide additional protection.

When you wake up in the morning, the night plaque should be carefully removed and cleaned. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush during the cleaning process helps to provide hygiene without damaging the surface of the plaque. Since hot water can disrupt the form of the plaque and negatively affect its compatibility with the teeth, hot water should be avoided during night plaque cleaning. Instead, warm water and gentle cleaners (e.g. antibacterial soap or special plaque cleaning solutions) should be preferred.

When not in use, the night plaque should be stored in a clean and dry place. Using a storage container that allows air to circulate is one of the most effective ways to ensure the safety and hygiene of the record. It is also important to clean the storage container regularly, as closed and humid environments can cause bacteria and mould to grow on the record.

In order to get full efficiency from night plaque, you must strictly follow your dentist’s recommendations for use. Regular use of the tray plays a critical role in the success of the treatment process. Interruption of use may make it difficult to achieve the desired treatment results. The decision to discontinue the use of night plasters should also be made by the dentist