The Sleep Clench Inhibitor (SCi) is a type of Occlusal Splint – a specially designed guard for the prevention of jaw clenching and/or teeth grinding.
Unsure what Bruxism is and its causes? We recommend reading our page below first.
Compared to a full-arch, traditional guard, the SCi is a small, tailor-made appliance that is typically worn at night and serves as a barrier that prevents the dental arches from being able to come into contact with one another.
This barrier leads to a reduction in clenching and inhibits muscle activity associated with Bruxism. As such, the tension that may cause migraines, headaches and jaw and neck pain is greatly reduced.
The SCi reduces the high forces that can be generated in the facial muscles by eliminating posterior tooth contact, and may reduce the common side effects associated with Bruxism.
Take a pencil and place it between your molars or canines. With your hands, feel the temporalis muscle bulge in the temple area of your head. Then transfer the pencil between your incisors and press the temporalis at the same spot on your temples again - do you feel the difference?
Studies show that the possible contraction intensity of the Temporalis muscle when only the incisors come into contact is reduced by an average of 70%!
The SCi brings a number of benefits for the patient, including:
"The SCi has stopped the debilitating headaches for one 17-year old patient, and has enabled another, near-suicidal patient to cease anti-depressants, painkillers and beta-blockers to reduce her continual jaw pain."
"I treat so many patients in my practice that suffer with jaw joint problems, headaches and migraines. Most get virtually overnight relief from debilitating symptoms that have been crippling them for years."
