How Occlusal Splints Work For My Practice

orthodontic-splits

Our treatment philosophy at Masters Orthodontics is characterised by clearly defined treatment goals. Possibly the most important of these goals is to have healthy and stable Temporomandibular joints (TMJ’s) before, during and after orthodontic treatment.

Many of our patients present signs and symptoms of TMJ problems when they come in to see us for an initial orthodontic consultation. Frequently the teeth don’t occlude properly and the joints adapt by moving the mandible into a more “comfortable” position to allow them to fit together better. In essence, there is a discrepancy between Maximum Intercuspation (MI) and Stable Condylar Position (frequently referred to as Centric Relation). Over time, this altered condylar position can, unfortunately, lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

In my practice we first need to stabilise any articular problems before embarking on any irreversible orthodontic treatment. We scan the patient, design and 3D print a deprogramming splint which is used to reduce muscular pain and hyperactivity and to stabilise the condyles thus obtaining better occlusal stability.

In short, the important goals in orthodontic treatment (namely facial aesthetics, dental aesthetics, functional occlusion, periodontal health and TMJ health) are based on a stable and healthy joint.

There are many different types of splint shapes and designs, all of which have their own rationale and philosophy. Some are used in the upper arch whilst others in the lower. 

At Masters Orthodontics we use a 3 piece FACE Functional Splint. As the name implies, it is comprised of three separate pieces, 2 posterior segments (used during the day) and one anterior segment (used at night).

The objective is to obtain equal intensity stops with anterior and canine guidance incorporated into the design. By relaxing the muscles of mastication we allow the condyles to adopt a stable position within the glenoid fossa. 

It is imperative that we see the patient periodically to adjust the splint. Unfortunately the splint by itself has limited therapeutical effect if not checked and adjusted. The splint must be used 24/7 (including during meal times) and should only be removed to clean.

Dr. Laurence Masters

Ready To Smile?

I have been on a long journey to correct my totally broken bite. It happened as I had missing teeth (adult ones didn't come through) and I had a severe case of bruxism so my front teeth were very worn out.I was turned... away by some private and NHS dentists, I think laurence was the 6th that I had seen.It was a long process but all along the way I felt at ease with Dr Laurence and his team. Never did I feel uncomfortable and I had a lot of work done (teeth removal, composite build ups, metal bracers, elastic bands and retainers). He always notices when the patient is feeling some pain and will adjust so its better.You almost feel part of the family and I actually look forward to my visits which is saying something as I never liked going dentist before.The end result was very satisfying and to be honest made me a bit emotional. Anyone who has bruxism as bad as me will know what it feels like.Can not recommend enough!Thanks Laurence and teamread more
Paul B.
Paul B.
Truly first class service from Laurence and team from start to finish. I was a little nervous picking the right orthodontics for my teeth but I needn’t of worried. Laurence was great, always patient and nothing was ever... too much trouble. Everything was clearly explained every step of the way.I’ve now come away with teeth I'm extremely happy with and I would highly recommend Masters Orthodontics to anyone.read more
Nick
Nick
I recently completed my orthodontic treatment with Dr. Laurence. I had consulted with 2 other orthodontists prior and always extractions were recommended as the only solution. Dr. Laurence, however, provided me with a... range of options and explained the benefits and limitations of each. During the treatment Dr. Laurence was always available to answer my questions and address my concerns. While my smile might not fit the textbook definition of ‘perfect’ I am really happy with the results. I would recommend Dr. Laurence to anyone seeking an orthodontic treatment, especially those looking for a compassionate and knowledgeable professional who truly listens his patients.read more
Iulia S.
Iulia S.
It would be remiss of me not to recommend Dr Masters to those seeking help and guidance with teeth imperfections.My teeth required a complex solution with a new tooth growing through the roof of my mouth and gaps in my... adult teeth.I have been fortunate as Dr Master patience with me, his passion, skill and professionalism has been amazing.My new smile has enhanced my confidence and self esteem and I have no hesitation in recommending his dental and orthodontist practice.read more
James B.
James B.
I have been a patient of Dr. Masters throughout my entire orthodontic journey with braces. I always felt confident that I was in good hands, as Dr. Masters approached each situation with empathy and explained every step... of the treatment along the way. My case was fairly complex, and Dr. Masters demonstrated a high degree of proficiency as he navigated through the process. The final result exceeded my expectations. Additionally, Dr. Masters ensured that the results would last a long time and that my bite remains healthy. He is an orthodontist I would recommend to everyone.read more
Piotr K.
Piotr K.
Received treatment for braces and was a good service. staff were polite, no hassle and a good overall experience. Happy with the straight teeth aswell.
MC-Royles
MC-Royles
I couldn't have asked for a better dentist doing my braces. Lawrence is an excellent orthodontist - always providing the best service. I travel from Manchester to see him and I would highly recommend him. Grateful for... everything he has done for me. Thank you again Laurence.read more
Zainab
Zainab
Laurence and his team, looked after my daughter for eighteen months and throughout this time provided exemplary care. We are forever grateful for the fantastic treatment we received.
Kev E.
Kev E.
My daughter has achieved fantastic results after having a brace fitted by Laurence. He is incredibly skilled and provided the best service start to finish. Thanks a lot for giving her the perfect smile!
P
P
I had an incredible experience with Masters Orthodontics and i could not be more pleased that I came across Laurence and co. After 4 years of braces when I was younger (reversed thanks to a broken retainer during covid... and the inability to make an appointment), a 5 hour jaw surgery (which reversed itself within 12 months post op) and many years of insecurity, I was almost at the point of giving up on the thought of ever having a smile I could be proud of. I had approached several orthodontists who refused to assist me with straightening my teeth as they insisted that adequate results would not be possible without further surgery (which I was not willing to put myself through again due to the gruelling recovery process). I was almost at the point of giving up when I sent an email to masters orthodontics explaining my situation. Laurence kindly agreed to see me for a free consultation. Right from the off, I felt in safe hands. Laurence (Dr Masters) explained to me thoroughly that ‘perfect’ results would not be possible without surgery and the treatment he was performing (traditional braces) was going to straighten my teeth only and would not correct my overbite (which could only be rectified through surgery). Once I confirmed that I fully understood the limitations of the treatment, the braces were applied and only 8 months later I am writing this review with a very toothy grin. Dr Masters is truly an expert in his field and also just a reassuring and empathetic character. Although the scope of my treatment was limited, what has been achieved has far exceeded my expectations and I feel so much more comfortable in myself.read more
Jemma B.
Jemma B.
I should have had braces as a child and wondered whether I was too old to start now. From start to finish Laurence was completely brilliant, took great care of me, explained everything thoroughly as we went along and I... couldn't be happier with the results. For anyone unhappy with their crooked teeth, I couldn't recommend Laurence any more!!read more
Darryl J.
Darryl J.
I am thrilled with my experience at Masters Orthodontists. My dentist referred me to Laurence who was able to identify my cross bite straight away. For years I’ve been passed around different dentists (both NHS and... private!) who were constantly telling me that I need to “get on with it” or that “bonding/veneers will cover it up”.Laurence provided me with a couple of options (one involving surgery, and the other less invasive option using an expander and braces). I decided to go ahead with the less invasive option and I can definitely say that I’m thrilled with my new smile.Thank you so much.read more
Sophie C.
Sophie C.
A truly talented, skilled and caring orthodontist. Laurence took me on as a patient with a long and complex history of issues. His whole approach is based on thorough scientific analysis and proper diagnosis. Before... starting treatment, he spent considerable time analysing my records, identifying the causes of my issues, and setting out the available options which, in my case, pointed towards requiring jaw surgery. He works with a team of equally high calibre and trusted practitioners (jaw surgeons), for complex interdisciplinary cases such as mine. I'm incredibly pleased with the end result and would encourage anyone seeking orthodontic treatment (simple or complex) to see Laurence. I am truly thankful for all his help.read more
Jason L
Jason L
Dr. Masters changed my life!Over 3 years ago I was seeking treatment for a cross bite, under bite, open bite and narrow palate. Having been rejected for treatment by the NHS and told to "live with it", I decided to... seek treatment privately with Dr Masters. 3 years of treatment later and I can confidently say that it was one of the best decisions I've ever made in terms of results and the large positive impact it's made on my life.In short, I like to smile now and no longer feel insecure about my smile or teeth. My bite feels more comfortable, and my tongue has more room due to the treatment and surgery creating more space in my mouth. These benefits are wonderful.It was clear since I was first referred to Laurence that he's an expert orthodontist who cares deeply about producing high quality work, listening to the patient's needs/desires and making well-considered decisions that will ultimately improve the patient's smile.I will be recommending Dr. Masters for any friends and family that are seeking orthodontic treatment as I know they'd be seeing the best of the best!Thanks Laurence and team!read more
Josh W.
Josh W.
This review has been a long time in the making!The start of my journey with Dr Laurence Masters was back in April 2021. I suffered with unsightly teeth deformity where all the top front teeth were out of alignment and... one specific tooth protruded right out at the forefront. As you can imagine I did not smile often because of this and had very little confidence and was overlooked by many as unattractive.During the consultation it was agreed that I would only need a brace on the top teeth to address the issue, whilst also unchanging my natural bite. Now, there were other options to straighten my bottom teeth. However, this one would have been more costly not only in finance but in time, surgery and recovery. Therefore, it was mutually agreed without any pressure to choose the best option for me at the time.I was offered a payment plan that suited my needs making it an affordable option. Half the treatment cost upfront followed by installed payments on the 6 weekly appointments to check progression and adjust braces.I choose the basic metal braces, the teeth were sensitive for a couple of days after initial placement and after each adjustment but it was manageable. I was astounded by how quickly my teeth responded to the braces. The whole treatment took 7 months!A nighttime retainer is required to be worn every night to keep those teeth in alignment. . I accidentally broke the first retainer while cleaning 6 months after completion of treatment and my initial panic email was addressed quickly and a new mould sent out.Dr Laurence and his team have been kind, empathetic and professional throughout my journey. When the braces first came off it was surreal , it looked like someone else’s teeth. It was very emotional. I cannot thank them enough!It may not seem like a great deal to most and may sound dramatic when I say this process has been life changing but it has in terms of the mental impact it has had on my life. My confidence to smile in photos, to smile at people and feel confident talking to people has significantly grown. I always receive compliments on how beautiful my teeth and smile are. This is all because of Dr Laurence and his team and I am truly grateful for them being brought into my life.Dr Laurence and the team are changing lives for the better!Forever grateful 🙏Claireread more
Claire B.
Claire B.
I had an Amazing experience with Dr. Masters.I always wanted braces as a child and regretted not having them done when I was younger. As a child they told me 4 of my healthy teeth would be removed and the place I... attended wasn’t a nice experience I didn’t end up going ahead with the procedure as a child.Getting into my late 20’s I started to get more self conscious about my smile, started to hide the way I was smiling in photographs and in front of other people.After doing some research with a family member at the end of covid I stumbled over Dr. Masters at masters orthodontics. I did an online consultation and quickly felt at ease that something could be done with my over crowding.He created more room in my teeth which meant I didn’t have to loose any teeth.Since Iv had my braces off now and iv had so many compliments.Lovely clean practice, highly professional and great experience.I will recommended Dr. Masters to everybody.Great experience, thank you again.5 star 🌟read more
Shan Cath x
Shan Cath x
I had been so unhappy with my smile since I was a teenager but Dr Masters has transformed it for the better! He is a genuinely lovely person and made me feel so at ease as I was very anxious about finally getting fixed... braces at the age of 36! He is professional, yet friendly and discussed everything at each appointment. He always listened to my concerns and answered all of my many questions! It was a complex case but the difference he has made is remarkable. I am absolutely delighted with the end result. Thank you Laurence, you are magic!read more
Jennifer H.
Jennifer H.
Laurence provided excellent treatment for me, even through challenging times during COVID. He's always helpful when explaining exactly what is happening and provided brilliant results. Couldn't recommend more. Thanks!
Darren B.
Darren B.
Dr Lawrance is amazing ! Made my smile perfect. Definitely recommend for people that would like their braces done ☺️
Karina B
Karina B
Throughout my adult life, I have seriously regretted not getting my teeth braced as a kid, and as I got into my late twenties and early thirties, I became so self-conscious of my smile. I’d find myself doing silly... things like trying my best not to smile during conversations and when I meet new people. I was just embarrassed.Finally I decided to get my teeth sorted, but I was nervous about the whole thing. I spoke to a whole bunch of specialists in this area before I finally met Laurence, and he was the only person who I had met who truly understood my concerns and made me feel at ease. I was sold on him and his team immediately and it might have been one of the best decisions I have ever made.Laurence braced my teeth and gave me advice on getting my teeth slightly widened with dental bonding and some whitening for the perfect smile.I have just had my engagement party, and people who I hadn’t seen for a while were telling how great my teeth were and how much of a difference it has made. I can’t even believe the transformation when I look at the photos. I wish I could add a photo to this review but Google won't let me!Finding the right person who is so knowledgeable, and who deals with an area which is the source of your insecurities is a difficult job. If you are like me, self conscious of smiling and feel like you can’t be yourself, I highly recommend Laurence and his team (even just for a chat), you won’t regret it. My only regret is I didn’t find him sooner.Thank you, Laurence + team, I feel proud to smile now.-Robread more
Rob L.
Rob L.
Growing up my teeth were terrible and I was very self conscious about them, I never had braces as a child so it went through my teens and early adulthood, I met Laurence about 3 years ago and it was probably one of the... best decisions I ever made, it was a lot of money but I wouldn't change a thing. Laurence is great, very patient and understanding especially because I wasn't the easiest to work with we had some problems opening my brackets. I would recommend him to anyone.read more
Josh D.
Josh D.
Great service. great results. Super friendly. Would recommend.
Hassan A.
Hassan A.
I am extremely happy and grateful for the care and treatment I received from Dr Masters and his team. His treatment for TMJ Disorder has been extremely effective and without his help and guidance I don’t know where I... would be today.Amazing doctor and even better person!! Thank you again so much.read more
Laura S.
Laura S.
Wonderful results! Laurence truly has magical powers, making my teeth go from bad to beautiful. Forever thankful.
Parmida R.
Parmida R.
Amazing Results! Laurence perfectly aligned my teeth and they couldn't be any straighter. I also know he is always there if a have any problems with my braces. Absolutely brilliant results and would highly recommend to... anyone!read more
Nathanael M.
Nathanael M.
Couldn't have asked for a better experience with braces!!! Always felt nervous going to my previous orthodontics and dentist, but Lawrence is very accommodating and made me feel at ease, can't fault him!
Louise G.
Louise G.
We are extremely grateful to Dr. Laurence Masters at “Masters orthodontics” in Chester who managed to fix our son’s orthodontic issues just in a year time. We were lucky to find him as at the age of 9 (our son’s age)... there is no orthodontic treatment offered by NHS and for many cases it is better the treatment to start as early as possible. Dr. Masters was extremely professional and kind in all our visits and we would highly recommend his services to anyone in need!Darinaread more
Darina D.
Darina D.
Our daughter actually loves going to the orthodontist now! Laurence is a delight and makes even the most nervous person feel at ease. His work is outstanding and our daughter has a Colgate smile! The transformation is... unbelievable. Would highly recommend him to anyone.read more
Rsavoy 9.
Rsavoy 9.
Before having braces treatment, I decided to do some research on orthodontics, and this is how I found dr Laurence Masters. As a specialist, he came highly recommended, and all his patients were delighted with his... services. I went for a consultation, and was indeed impressed! He is very friendly, smart and a master ( maybe this is where his name comes from?) when it comes to braces, teeth and co. I am so happy with the outcome, his experience and expertise delivered lovely results!!Thank you for my new healthy and beautiful smile!read more
Diana T
Diana T
Excellent, turned my wife into a stunner!!!!!! Lol. Of course she was pretty good looking to start with. Anyway jokes aside, the in depth understanding the how the teeth and jaw work together was a revelation and the... results were to. Would strongly recommend.read more
James W.
James W.
Had Invisalign treatment (top and bottom teeth) with Dr Masters from Feb '19 to March '20. Great professional and friendly service, options thoroughly explored and explained which was required as I had a tricky... situation with a remaining baby tooth to work around. Very pleased with the results, everything went smoothly in line with predicted time frames. Highly recommend Dr Masters to anybody else considering teeth straightening procedures.read more
Michael B.
Michael B.
I was very impressed with Dr Masters' approach, he took his time to explain the different treatment options for my particular dental problem. I have been suffering with jaw pain for several years and in 45 minutes Dr... Masters managed to explain to me what no one had been able to do for 20 years. I am very happy with the treatment and I no longer suffer from headaches and jaw pain. I highly recommend him.read more
John S.
John S.
I was recommended to see Laurence for my orthodontics and it's so worth it!I travel all the way from Oldham to Chester every 6 weeks for my treatment and wouldn't change that for anything.He is very professional and... extremely knowledgeable in this field, yet treats you just like a family friend and is somebody who I would certainly recommend to see, whatever your concerns may be, he is the man!I'm half way through my treatment, currently have fixed braces on and there has been so many positive changes so far... I can't wait till it's all complete, thanks again Laurence!read more
Jay P.
Jay P.
I have recently started Invisalign treatment with Dr. Masters and so far I am really happy with it. Laurence is knowledgable, friendly and very professional. He takes the time to explain procedures and has a true... passion for his work.He offers the latest 3D technology instead of the horrible mold they usually take of your bite. He uses a camera that instantly projects your teeth on a screen - amazing technology and no discomfort.With English not being my native language, I was so happy that I could explain everything to him in my own language as he speaks Spanish, Portuguese and English all fluently! I highly, highly recommend him!!read more
Diana C.
Diana C.
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