Dental Encyclopedia · TMJ
Occlusal Splint
Occlusal Splint
An occlusal splint is an intraoral appliance worn between the upper and lower teeth, used to reduce the burden on the jaw joint and the chewing muscles and to stabilize the bite. It is known to be used in managing temporomandibular disorder and bruxism.
In plain terms
Put simply, it is a “jaw protection appliance” worn mainly while sleeping. When there is grinding or jaw joint pain, it distributes the force going to the teeth and the jaw joint.
An occlusal splint is custom-made and worn mainly at night, and it is known to help reduce tooth wear caused by grinding and clenching as well as the burden on the jaw joint and muscles.
The appliance needs adjusting to match the symptoms and the state of the bite, and in the treatment of temporomandibular disorder it is used in stages together with physiotherapy and correction of lifestyle habits. The appliance alone does not resolve every cause, so regular check-ups are recommended.
Related treatments
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
- Q. My grinding is severe — will wearing a splint cure it?
- An occlusal splint is known to help reduce tooth wear caused by grinding and the burden on the jaw joint and muscles, but it does not completely remove the underlying cause of the grinding. It is used together with stress management and correction of lifestyle habits, and adjusting it through regular check-ups is recommended. Suitability is explained after diagnosis.
This entry is for general information. Diagnosis and treatment depend on individual conditions.