Understanding Braces & Dental Splints: Types, Benefits, and Care

Dental braces and splints are essential orthodontic devices that serve different yet complementary purposes in dental care. While braces primarily focus on correcting teeth alignment and bite issues, dental splints (also called night guards or occlusal splints) protect teeth from grinding and clenching forces. Together, these treatments address both aesthetic concerns and functional problems to promote overall oral health. Whether you’re considering orthodontic treatment or seeking relief from jaw pain, understanding these devices can help you make informed decisions about your dental care options.

Types of Dental Braces Available Today

The field of orthodontics has evolved significantly, offering patients more choices than ever when it comes to dental braces. Traditional metal braces remain popular and effective, consisting of stainless steel brackets bonded to teeth and connected by wires that gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. These are typically the most affordable option and work well for complex cases.

Ceramic braces function similarly to metal braces but feature tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend more naturally with teeth. This makes them less noticeable while providing comparable effectiveness to metal braces, though they may stain more easily without proper care.

Lingual braces offer a truly invisible option as they’re attached to the back surfaces of teeth facing the tongue. While completely hidden from view, they can be more difficult to clean and may temporarily affect speech.

Clear aligners like Invisalign have revolutionized orthodontic treatment with their removable, transparent plastic trays that gradually shift teeth. They’re nearly invisible, removable for eating and cleaning, but require strict compliance and may not be suitable for complex cases.

Self-ligating braces use specialized clips instead of elastic bands to hold the archwire, potentially reducing friction and requiring fewer adjustments. These may offer shorter treatment times for some patients.

Benefits of Dental Braces Beyond Aesthetics

While many people associate braces with cosmetic improvements, their benefits extend far beyond creating a more attractive smile. Properly aligned teeth significantly improve oral hygiene by eliminating hard-to-clean spaces where bacteria can accumulate, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. This preventive aspect alone can save patients from costly dental procedures in the future.

Braces also correct bite issues (malocclusions) that can cause uneven wear on teeth, leading to chips, cracks, and enamel erosion over time. By distributing biting forces evenly across all teeth, braces help preserve tooth structure and function throughout life.

For patients with jaw alignment problems, braces can alleviate TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders that cause jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. The proper alignment of teeth and jaws improves overall function and comfort.

Speech impediments related to tooth positioning may also improve with orthodontic treatment. When teeth are properly aligned, the tongue, lips, and teeth can work together more effectively for clear pronunciation.

Psychological benefits shouldn’t be overlooked either. Many patients report increased confidence and improved self-esteem after treatment, which can positively impact social interactions and quality of life.

Understanding Dental Splints and Their Uses

Dental splints serve as protective devices designed for various oral health concerns. Night guards or occlusal splints are the most common type, created to protect teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching). These custom-fitted appliances provide a barrier between upper and lower teeth, preventing wear and reducing pressure on the jaw joints.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) splints specifically address jaw joint disorders by repositioning the jaw to alleviate pain and improve function. They help reduce muscle tension and allow the joint to heal in a more favorable position.

Periodontal splints stabilize loose teeth affected by gum disease, helping preserve dental function while underlying issues are treated. These may be temporary or permanent depending on the severity of the condition.

Sports guards represent another important category of dental splints, protecting teeth during athletic activities. Custom-fitted versions offer superior protection and comfort compared to over-the-counter alternatives.

For patients recovering from dental trauma or surgery, surgical splints may be used to immobilize and protect affected teeth during the healing process. These specialized devices are typically temporary but crucial for proper recovery.

Caring for Your Braces Properly

Maintaining good oral hygiene becomes even more crucial when wearing braces. Brushing after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste helps remove food particles that easily become trapped around brackets and wires. Special orthodontic brushes with V-shaped bristle patterns can reach difficult areas around brackets.

Flossing daily requires additional tools like floss threaders or orthodontic flossers to navigate around wires. Water flossers provide another effective option for cleaning between teeth and around orthodontic hardware.

Diet modifications are necessary to protect braces from damage. Avoiding hard foods (nuts, ice, hard candies), sticky foods (caramel, taffy), and foods that require biting into (whole apples, corn on the cob) helps prevent bracket detachment and wire bending. Cutting foods into smaller pieces and chewing carefully reduces risks.

Regular orthodontic appointments—typically every 4-8 weeks—are essential for adjustments and progress monitoring. Missing appointments can extend treatment time significantly.

For emergencies like broken wires or loose brackets, temporary solutions include covering sharp edges with orthodontic wax until professional repair. Always contact your orthodontist promptly when issues arise.

Cost Considerations for Braces and Dental Splints

The investment in orthodontic treatment varies significantly based on several factors. Traditional metal braces typically range from $3,000 to $7,000 for a complete treatment, while ceramic braces cost approximately $4,000 to $8,000. Clear aligner systems like Invisalign generally fall between $4,000 and $8,000 depending on case complexity.

Treatment Type	Average Cost Range	Insurance Coverage
Metal Braces	$3,000-$7,000	Partial coverage common
Ceramic Braces	$4,000-$8,000	Partial coverage common
Lingual Braces	$8,000-$12,000	Limited coverage
Clear Aligners	$4,000-$8,000	Partial coverage varies
Custom Dental Splints	$300-$800	Often covered for medical necessity

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

Dental insurance typically covers a portion of orthodontic treatment, often with lifetime maximums of $1,000-$3,000 per covered individual. Many orthodontic practices offer payment plans to distribute costs over the treatment period. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can also be used to pay for treatment with pre-tax dollars.

Custom dental splints for night grinding or TMJ disorders typically cost between $300 and $800, with insurance often covering part of this expense when medically necessary. Over-the-counter alternatives cost significantly less ($15-$50) but provide less protection and comfort.

Long-Term Results and Maintenance

Achieving straight teeth through orthodontic treatment represents only part of the journey; maintaining those results requires ongoing commitment. Retainers play a crucial role in this maintenance phase, preventing teeth from shifting back toward their original positions—a natural tendency called relapse.

Initially, most orthodontists recommend wearing retainers full-time for several months after braces removal, gradually transitioning to nighttime wear only. For many patients, some form of retention becomes a lifelong practice, though the frequency may decrease over time.

Regular dental check-ups become especially important after orthodontic treatment to monitor tooth position and address any minor shifts before they become significant. Early intervention can prevent the need for retreatment.

For dental splint users, periodic evaluations ensure the device continues to fit properly as natural changes occur in the mouth. Improper fit can reduce effectiveness and potentially cause new problems.

With proper maintenance and follow-through, the benefits of orthodontic treatment and dental splints can last a lifetime, representing a valuable investment in both oral health and overall wellbeing.