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Occlusal Splint: Uses, Types and Benefits

An occlusal splint is a removable dental device worn over the teeth to protect against teeth grinding and to relieve jaw joint pain and muscle tension.

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Things worth knowing about "Occlusal splint"

An occlusal splint is a removable dental device worn over the teeth to protect against teeth grinding and to relieve jaw joint pain and muscle tension.

What Is an Occlusal Splint?

An occlusal splint (also known as a bite splint, night guard, or bruxism splint) is a custom-made, removable plastic device that fits over the upper or lower teeth. It is designed to protect the teeth from wear, reduce jaw joint discomfort, and relieve tension in the chewing muscles. The splint is typically fabricated and fitted by a dentist or orthodontist based on the individual bite situation of the patient.

Indications

Occlusal splints are used for a variety of conditions, including:

Bruxism: Involuntary teeth grinding or clenching, most commonly during sleep
Craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD): Disorders affecting the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain: Pain in the jaw joint area and chewing muscles
Headaches and neck pain caused by jaw muscle overload
Post-orthodontic stabilization to maintain the corrected bite position

Types of Occlusal Splints

Relaxation Splint

The relaxation splint is the most commonly used type. It is primarily worn at night and helps relax the chewing muscles while preventing direct tooth-to-tooth contact, thereby reducing grinding and clenching forces.

Repositioning Splint

This type of splint is used to guide the lower jaw into a more favorable position, for example in cases of articular disc displacement in the temporomandibular joint. It is generally worn only for a limited period of time.

Stabilization Splint

The stabilization splint is used to maintain the bite position after orthodontic or prosthetic treatment. It helps protect the newly established bite and prevents regression.

Fabrication and Fitting

The fabrication of an occlusal splint involves several steps. The dentist first takes an impression of the teeth, from which a plaster model is created. Based on this model, the splint is manufactured in a dental laboratory using hard acrylic resin and is then individually adjusted to the bite of the patient. Regular follow-up appointments are important to ensure that the splint fits correctly and remains effective.

Wearing Schedule and Care

Occlusal splints are most often worn at night, but may also be worn during the day depending on the clinical indication. Care of the splint is straightforward: it should be cleaned daily with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Hot water and abrasive cleaning agents should be avoided, as they can deform the plastic material.

Effectiveness and Scientific Evidence

The effectiveness of occlusal splints in managing bruxism and temporomandibular joint disorders is supported by multiple clinical studies. They can reduce pain, lower muscle activity, and improve the quality of life of affected patients. However, for more severe conditions, splint therapy alone is often insufficient and may need to be combined with physiotherapy, relaxation techniques, or psychological support.

Possible Side Effects

Occlusal splints are generally well tolerated. During the initial adjustment period, patients may experience increased saliva flow, mild pressure points, or a sensation of a foreign body in the mouth. These effects typically resolve within a few days. If persistent pain or a poor fit occurs, the patient should consult their dentist.

References

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Funktionsdiagnostik und -therapie (DGFDT): Guideline for the Treatment of Craniomandibular Dysfunction, 2019.
Jagger, R.G. et al. - Occlusal splints for managing temporomandibular joint disorders. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020.
Lobbezoo, F. et al. - International consensus on the assessment of bruxism. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 2018.

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