Teeth splinting for children

Permanent splinting is a long-term fixation of teeth, which is done using special materials (metal splints, high-strength polymers, etc.). They ensure long-term use of the structure, because this is important even in the case of quite significant injuries or malocclusions. Permanent splinting is also used after orthodontic treatment, but one that requires a longer period of consolidation of the result. A permanent splint is also often installed on the front teeth, because they are more vulnerable to injuries or chips and, as a result, require long-term fixation. The duration of this type of splinting can be several months or several years.

Fiberglass splinting is a fixation method that provides greater strength of the corresponding structure. Teeth with this type of splinting are stabilized with mobility in a more advanced stage. This method is also used if it is necessary to ensure the aesthetics of the appearance of teeth with splinting. Fiberglass splinting is also necessary for teeth with very weakened structures due to past periodontal diseases or caries. After orthodontic treatment, this type of fixation can also be used. Unlike other types of tooth fixation, fiberglass band splinting leaves more natural jaw mobility. A fiberglass tire is installed for several months to several years – it all depends on the specific case.

Cable splinting is a method of stabilizing teeth that involves the use of special tapes or wire threads. This provides greater flexibility of the structure and, as a result, greater jaw mobility. Cable splinting is used for injuries, malocclusions, as well as periodontal diseases and also after orthodontic treatment. Cable splinting is similar to fiberglass splinting, namely in the aesthetic appearance of the structure. That is, in this case, the materials also match the color of the teeth to a greater extent and are less noticeable. Another similarity is the duration of use – cable splinting is also installed from several months to at least a year. However, it should be noted that cable splinting is used less often for children than some other types.

Splinting of teeth with crowns is a long-term fixation method, which is often needed for fairly significant dental defects. This method provides very reliable stabilization, because crowns are made of durable materials. However, it should be noted that splinting with crowns is used directly to stabilize several mobile teeth and restore their shape or aesthetics. While conventional dental crowns are also used to restore the shape and aesthetics, but for one tooth. The use of splinting with crowns is usually necessary after the treatment of serious caries and significant periodontal diseases. A splint on a tooth in the form of a crown is installed for a period of several years (for possible necessary replacement) and up to dozens of years. However, this method is used much less often for children.

Splinting for a fractured jaw is the most common method of fixing teeth after an injury. In this case, both the teeth and the jaw are fixed. This is necessary for proper bone fusion during healing, which prevents teeth from shifting. Splinting for a fractured jaw involves materials that are both lightweight for ease of wear and tough for secure fixation. Unlike some other types of splinting, they are certainly not as aesthetic, but given the severity of the injury, they are more stable. The splint installed for a jaw fracture is always adapted to the patient’s anatomy for its comfortable wearing, as well as for the preservation of chewing and speech functions. Usually, splinting for a fracture is considered an emergency medical procedure. And the duration of wearing the structure in this case varies from approximately 1 to 2 months.

Splinting after braces is the important and final stage of fixing the position of the teeth, which is used after orthodontic treatment. It is the splint on the teeth after braces that helps not only to fix their new position, but also to prevent their displacement again. Ensuring the stability of the teeth in this case is critically important, because the treatment of bite anomalies is a rather laborious and long process. The duration of wearing a splint after braces can vary depending on the individual needs of the patient – and in time it is from several months to even a year. Most often, splinting after braces is done with the help of such special dental structures as retainers.