Occlusal Splints

Aim

To create neuromuscular harmony in the masticatory system and reduce parafunctional forces.

Treatment Objectives

• allow the condyle to seat in centric relation
• provide diagnostic information – if a patient quickly becomes comfortable wearing a splint, then the disorder may indicate a muscular problem. If the symptoms get worse with splint wear, there may be an internal derangement (disc) problem
• interrupt periodontal ligament proprioception
• alleviate the pain of many types of temporomandibular disorders and bruxism

Benefits    

• Adjustable as treatment progresses
• Assist resolution of pain and symptoms

Considerations   

• Tooth interferences to the centric relation arc of closure hyperactivate the lateral pterygoids. The elimination of posterior excursive contacts by anterior guidance significantly reduces elevator muscle hyperactivity
• When a splint has bilateral contacts on all the teeth with immediate posterior disclusion by the anterior teeth and condylar guidance in all movements, then elevator and positioning muscles will relax
• Occlusal splints reversibly alter the occlusion by reducing muscle activity

Types of Occlusal Splints

Material Selection for Occlusal Splints