Maintaining the oral health of splinted teeth

The combined and concerted efforts of patients and providers in poststabilization maintenance promote long-term health for the dental splint and its surrounding and supporting soft and hard tissues. Dental splints that are properly placed and contoured enable effective patient self-care and contribute to a positive prognosis. The provider's role in fabrication, placement, and oral hygiene instruction cannot be overemphasized. Professional follow-up concerning periodontal and caries risk assessment, periodontal débridement, and needed preventive interventions are critical to splint longevity. Continued success cannot occur without scrupulous patient self-care. The professional team must provide patients with comprehensive oral care instruction. A host of home care aids are available to assist patients in effective home care practices. With the combination of proficient clinical skill, appropriate dental material selection, good communication, and comprehensive health education, both providers and patients can benefit from esthetic, functional, and healthy dental splints.