Q & A: Finding a Good Doc To Make Splint

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QUESTION:

How does one find a “good” doc to make a splint? I understand the importance of proper fit, etc. My daughter is 2 months post arthroscopy and still having pain.

ANSWERr:

To answer your question…

1. First ask and find out if the dentists knows how to make a splint themselves.
2. Secondly, ask if they do make it themselves or sends it out to the lab. If they send out to the lab most likely they don’t know how to make it themselves.
3. Third, find out how many minutes it takes for them to delivery it and adjust the appliance at a visit. If it is less than 1-3 hour, you have to question why so short?

I find from personal experience that to make a really great orthotic it takes me a minimum of 5 hours. To adjust my custom made orthotics it requires at least 3 hours to make it really feel great in the mouth especially if the TMD patient has joint derangement problems, muscular pain problems and masticatory dysfunctional issues. Nothing comes quick and fast, but it is possible to have a splint done correctly if you can find a dentist that does his/her own lab work…and who is willing to spend the proper time doing it right. If not you will get the same thing over and over again…that is what keeps these forums active and alive with questions.

– Clayton A. Chan, D.D.S. – Las Vegas, NV

 

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