Create account
All articles / Temporomandibular Disorder

Occlusal Splints

Occlusal splints help treat jaw pain, functional disorders, and tooth wear from bruxism. Types include stabilization, soft, partial, and repositioning splints. Treatment requires proper adjustment, good oral hygiene, and regular follow-ups.

Author: EwaCarin Ekberg • Professor • Department of Orofacial Pain and Jaw Function • Malmö
Reviewed by: Erik Lindfors • Dental Specialist • PhD • Specialisttandvården Kaniken • Uppsala
10 min read
Table of contents

    This article is based on an original article in Swedish which can be found here

    BACKGROUND

    Treatment with occlusal splints is a common and effective therapy for patients with pain and dysfunction from the temporomandibular joints and masticatory muscles. Occlusal splints are also used to prevent further tooth wear due to bruxism.

    Further reading:
    Jaw Joint Pain (TMD)

    The mechanism of action for occlusal splints is unclear. Various possible causes for their effect include:

    • A changed reflex pattern in the masticatory muscles
    • Relief of the temporomandibular joints
    • Cognition
    • Placebo
    • Increased stability in the bite

    When it comes to treatment with occlusal splints, it is important:

    • that one to two weeks after the therapy is initiated, the patient should be brought back to check for any issues with usage, such as tightness, looseness, or discomfort, so that these can be addressed
    • to evaluate the treatment after 6-10 weeks after the splint has been adjusted
    • that weaning off the occlusal splint occurs after the desired effect is achieved
    • with good oral hygiene, therefore the teeth should be brushed before the occlusal splint is placed in the mouth. It is important to clean the occlusal splint every day with a regular toothbrush and dish soap or toothpaste
    • that hard occlusal splints should be stored in a moist environment, i.e., in fresh water, and soft splints should be stored dry
    • the occlusal splint should always be brought to dental visits
    • to inform that there may initially be a worsening of current symptoms, which is, however, temporary. After use, the bite may feel misaligned, this sensation disappears after a short while and is likely due to both the retention of the splint and a relaxing effect on the masticatory muscles

    DIFFERENT TYPES OF OCCLUSAL SPLINTS

    1. STABILIZATION SPLINT

    Stabilization splint in the upper jaw as treatment for teeth grinding and temporomandibular joint disorders

    BACKGROUND

    Is one of the most common treatments for pain and dysfunction from the temporomandibular joints and masticatory muscles according to the Swedish National Guidelines. This is based on the effectiveness of the occlusal splint and its lower risk of complications. This is the type of splint that has been most studied in research, and there are currently a large number of RCTs and review articles comparing the stabilization splint with no treatment and/or other treatments.

    Indications

    Table of contents