Congratulations on your new occlusal splint.

Your splint has been carefully made to help protect your teeth and dental work from the forces of grinding and clenching, which commonly occur while you sleep.

Like anything new in your mouth, it can take a little time to get used to wearing your splint. With consistent use, most people find that it quickly becomes a comfortable part of their nightly routine.

It is completely normal for your splint to feel unfamiliar at first.

Most people adapt within 3–7 days, although for some it may take a few weeks. We encourage you to persist with wearing it consistently while your mouth and jaw adjust.

For the first few nights, you may find it helpful to wear your splint for 30–60 minutes before going to sleep, gradually building up until you are comfortable wearing it throughout the night.

You may also notice:

• More saliva than usual. This is a normal response to having something new in your mouth and should gradually settle.
• Mild initial discomfort or awareness of the splint while your mouth and jaw adjust.
• Finding your splint out of your mouth when you wake up. Some people unconsciously remove their splint while asleep during the early stages of adapting to it. This does not necessarily mean your splint is loose and usually improves with persistence.

Before putting your splint in each night, brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. This helps keep both your teeth and splint clean and fresh.

When inserting your splint, gently press it onto your teeth using even pressure on both sides.

To remove it, gently release it from both sides with your fingers rather than pulling firmly from one side.

Unless your dentist has advised otherwise, your splint should be worn every night.

If you are aware that you regularly clench or grind your teeth during the day — for example while driving or concentrating — your dentist may also recommend wearing your splint at these times.

Every morning after removing your splint:

1. Rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm water.
2. Gently clean all surfaces using a soft toothbrush.
3. Dry it before placing it back into its protective case.
4. Clean your storage case regularly to prevent build-up.

To protect your splint and help it last as long as possible:

• Do not use toothpaste to clean it, as toothpaste can be abrasive.
• Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, chlorine-based products, Dettol, Milton or other cleaning chemicals unless specifically recommended by your dental team.
• Never place your splint in hot or boiling water.
• Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or excessive heat, as this may cause the material to distort.
• Avoid deliberately biting or clenching heavily on your splint while awake.
• Never carry it loose in your pocket or wrapped in a tissue — always use its protective case.
• And perhaps most importantly: keep it safely away from pets — dogs seem to find splints particularly irresistible!

Check your splint occasionally for any cracks, wear, damage or deterioration. If something doesn’t feel right, if the fit changes, or if you notice any damage, please contact us rather than continuing to wear it.

Please also bring your splint with you to your regular dental check-ups. This allows us to check its condition, assess your bite and make any adjustments that may be required.

With a little care and consistent wear, your splint can play an important role in protecting your teeth and dental work for years to come.

If you have any questions or you’re having trouble getting comfortable with your splint, please reach out to us. We’re always happy to help.