Dental trays: types, uses, benefits, and care

If your dentist has recommended a dental tray, it can serve various purposes: protecting teeth in cases of bruxism, maintaining results after orthodontic treatment, protecting specific dental restorations, or supporting a whitening treatment. Besides these situations, it is also possible to wear a splint for teeth whitening, whose main benefit is aesthetic. Next, you will learn what a dental tray is, the different types available, when a retainer or a bruxism guard is recommended, and how to wear, clean, and maintain it.

Dental splints are defined as dental tools or devices made from materials such as calibrated plastic sheets or acrylic, which the dentist recommends for correcting dental issues (such as bruxism), diagnosing, or facilitating dental procedures. They are usually transparent but can also be made from colored materials in pediatric dentistry. Additionally, they are non-toxic and are crafted in dental laboratories based on a mold of the patient’s teeth to ensure a perfect fit. Dental splints are easy to wear, do not cause discomfort, and can be applied and removed by the patient in hygienic conditions.

Depending on their intended purpose, dental splints come in several types:

Bruxism guard: how it works and when it is recommended

Bruxism involves the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth and can occur during both sleep and waking hours. Over time, it can contribute to tooth wear or cracking and may be associated with tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, or headaches. For patients seeking a solution for bruxism, a dentist may recommend a custom-made dental guard designed to protect the teeth against the forces generated by grinding or clenching.

A night guard for bruxism is made from a hard but flexible plastic and is applied to one dental arch. It resembles mouthguards used in sports like boxing; however, it is important to customize it for each patient.

If you need such a night guard, you should know that its creation requires two visits to the dental office: one for taking impressions of the arches and recording the occlusion, and another for fitting the splint on the teeth.

The price of a splint for bruxism varies depending on the materials used. For more details about pricing, visit the DENT ESTET rates section. It should be worn for at least three months until the issue improves. However, a bruxism splint cannot be used for periods longer than two years or even less, as signs of wear such as cracks and perforations affect its effectiveness. Consequently, the splint should be periodically evaluated by the dentist and replaced as recommended.

Regarding the use of the bruxism splint, it should be worn in the evening, after brushing your teeth, right before going to bed. It is removed in the morning, cleaned, and stored in the specially designed container.

Retainer after braces

A retention tray is used after orthodontic treatment concludes to help maintain the teeth in the position achieved through braces or aligners. Teeth have a tendency to shift even after treatment ends, making the retention phase crucial for preserving the results obtained.

A post-braces retention tray is custom-made to fit the shape of the patient's dental arches. Typically transparent and thinner than a bruxism guard, the retention tray plays a passive role: it holds the teeth in their new position without actively moving them.

The wearing schedule for the retention tray is determined by the orthodontist. Initially, it may need to be worn for a significant number of hours each day, while later on, the doctor might recommend using it only at night. The duration of retention varies from patient to patient; in some cases, long-term use may be required to maintain the orthodontic treatment results.

The price of a retention tray can vary depending on the specifics of the treatment and the type of device recommended. For more information on costs, please consult the DENT ESTET pricing section.

If the retention tray becomes too tight, no longer fits fully over the teeth, cracks, or changes shape, an orthodontic consultation is recommended. Forcing a tray that no longer fits the dental arch correctly is not advisable.

Dental splint for implants

A subtype of the retention splint is the implant splint. It is recommended for patients who have undergone an implant procedure, as well as for simpler dental work such as fillings (to protect them at night), and for relaxing facial muscles.

The cost of an implant splint varies across dental offices. For more details about pricing, visit the DENT ESTET rates section.

Dental splint for whitening

Teeth whitening treatments aim to improve the appearance of teeth affected by poor oral hygiene, habits such as smoking, or consumption of staining beverages (coffee, tea, red wine). Dentists recommend that these treatments be carried out professionally in the dental office. However, there are also whitening treatments available for home use, some of which involve wearing a whitening dental splint.

The whitening splint is made from a soft, transparent, and highly flexible plastic material. For optimal results, the whitening splint should be created in the dental office and dental laboratory based on the patient’s dental impressions, but it can also be purchased from pharmacies.

The whitening splint is used with a special gel. Depending on the concentration of the gel, the treatment duration may vary. Although the gel does not affect the tooth enamel or lead to loss of dental substance, it is recommended that such a treatment be done once a year or year and a half. Additionally, patients may experience sensitivity at the end of the treatment, but this usually resolves within a few days.

The price of a whitening dental splint can start from 100 RON in pharmacies. For more details about pricing, visit the DENT ESTET rates section.

Dental Protection Splint for Athletes

Protection splints designed for athletes are used in contact sports such as boxing, European and American football, basketball, hockey, baseball, as well as in gymnastics, mountain biking, or skateboarding. They protect the teeth and prevent oral injuries. In most cases, wearing such a splint is recommended for the upper jaw, but if the patient wears an orthodontic appliance or has a dental bridge on the lower part, a splint for the lower jaw is also used.

There are three types of dental protection splints:

• Custom-made;
• Universal;
• High-performance protection splints made from self-polymerizing acrylic.

Dental splints offer a range of benefits depending on their intended purpose. Those worn at night (such as splints for bruxism, retention, or implants) have several advantages:

• Prevent dental wear that can lead to tooth sensitivity;
• Reduce jaw tension, relax facial muscles, and prevent associated pain, including conditions like temporomandibular joint dysfunction (which occurs when the jaw joint is not properly aligned);
• Prevent headaches and tooth pain caused by bruxism (muscle fatigue, jaw pain, ear pain, or neck pain);
• Contribute to developing healthy rest habits by reducing discomfort and relaxing the muscles;
• Prevent snoring;
• Prevent serious dental issues and encourage good oral hygiene due to the recommendations for proper wear and maintenance.

For optimal results with your splint and to ensure its longevity, it is important to wear and care for it properly:

• Pay special attention to oral hygiene and thoroughly clean your teeth using both a toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as dental floss, before using the splint;
• Rinse both your mouth and the splint with mouthwash or cold water before and after applying it to prevent shape alterations due to heat;
• Use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean the dental splint after each use;
• Regularly check the splint for any signs of damage;
• To ensure the splint's effectiveness, bring it with you to dental appointments; the dentist will check if it fits the teeth properly and if it is in good condition;
• Use the special case provided for storing the splint to protect it from heat and other factors like low humidity;
• Do not leave the splint within reach of pets, even when it is stored in the special case.

Keep in mind that dental splints have a limited lifespan. Once you notice signs of wear or reach the maximum wearing period (two to three years, depending on the type), the splint should be replaced. To ensure its longevity, follow these guidelines:

• Do not expose the splint to heat, as it may alter its shape, dry out, and crack;
• Always use the special storage container, even when traveling;
• Clean the splint after each use and allow it to air-dry for a few minutes.