At Cheek Dental, we understand that your bite is more than just how your teeth fit together—it’s how your entire jaw, muscles, and joints work in harmony. That’s why Dr. Kristina Chandler, trained at the renowned Pankey Institute, provides custom Pankey-style bite splints to restore balance, protect teeth, and relieve discomfort caused by clenching, grinding, or bite imbalance.
Unlike over-the-counter night guards or even basic dental guards, Pankey bite splints are designed with a deeper understanding of the whole system: teeth, joints, and muscles. They are carefully customized to each patient and fine-tuned over time to create not just protection, but harmony.
A bite splint (sometimes called an occlusal guard) is a custom-fitted device worn over the teeth—most often at night—that helps protect against damage from clenching and grinding (bruxism). It also relieves tension in the jaw muscles and stabilizes the bite.
The Pankey approach is centered on individualized care and a deep understanding of occlusion (how teeth come together). Dr. Kristina Chandler applies this philosophy to bite splint therapy by:
Wearing a Pankey-style bite splint can make a meaningful difference in your daily comfort and long-term oral health. By creating harmony between your teeth, muscles, and jaw joints, the splint helps prevent chips, fractures, and premature wear that often result from clenching and grinding. Many patients also experience relief from jaw soreness, facial tension, and even headaches, since the splint allows overworked muscles to finally relax. Better alignment at night can also improve the quality of your sleep, reducing subconscious grinding so you wake up feeling more rested. Beyond protecting your natural teeth, bite splints safeguard dental work such as crowns and veneers from damage, helping your smile stay healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Dr. Kristina Chandler and Dr. Cristi Cheek believe great dentistry begins with listening. They take time to understand each patient’s goals and concerns before creating personalized treatment plans that balance health, function, and aesthetics.
