Aim
To create neuromuscular harmony in the masticatory system and reduce parafunctional forces.
Treatment Objectives
Benefits
Considerations
Types of Occlusal Splints
Flat Plane | Michigan | NTI-TSS® | Gelb | |
Comfort | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ ✓ ✓ small |
✓ ✓ (lingual bars – more tongue space) |
Longevity | ✓ ✓ ✓ | ✓ ✓ ✓ | ✓ ✓ | ✓ ✓ ✓ |
Anterior Deprogramming | limited | ✓ ✓ | ✓ ✓ ✓ | limited |
Term of Use | any | any | short | any |
Material Options | hard/soft hard soft |
hard/soft hard soft |
hard/soft | generally hard |
Cushion Splint | ✓ | ✓ | limited | limited |
Ease of Fit | easy for elastomer and hard/soft harder for all hard |
easy for elastomer and hard/soft | easy | medium |
Material Selection for Occlusal Splints
Type | Hard | Hard/Soft | Elastomer |
Comfort | ✓ | ✓ ✓ | ✓ ✓ ✓ |
Longevity | ✓ ✓ ✓ | ✓ ✓ | ✓ ✓ |
Cost | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ ✓ |
Ease of Fit | ✓ | ✓ ✓ | ✓ ✓ ✓ (easiest) |
Cushioning | ✓ | ✓ ✓ | ✓ ✓ ✓ |
Staining | ✓ | ✓ ✓ | ✓ ✓ ✓ |
Effectiveness | ✓ ✓ ✓ | ✓ ✓ ✓ | ✓ ✓ ✓ |
Ability to be Repaired | ✓ ✓ | limited | limited |