Splint Therapy / Occlusal Splints

The First Step to Comfort: Therapeutic Occlusal Splints

When the jaw joint is not functioning correctly, the first thing to do is to relieve the load from it and allow the muscles to relax. Splint therapy is the gold standard for the first stage of TMJ dysfunction treatment. This is not just a protective guard, but a complex orthopedic device that helps us find and stabilize the correct, healthy position of your jaw.

What is a therapeutic splint and how does it work?

A splint (or occlusal guard) is a custom-made appliance of hard, smooth acrylic that is worn over the teeth of one of the jaws. Its perfectly calibrated surface creates ideal contacts for the opposing teeth, performing several key tasks:

• Relaxes Muscles: The jaw stops searching for a comfortable position, the muscles are relieved from hypertonicity, which alleviates pain.

• Protects Teeth: It prevents further enamel wear from bruxism (teeth grinding).

• Centers the Joint: It helps the jaw to assume a correct, therapeutic position in which the articular disc is in its proper place.

How long does splint therapy last?

The active phase of treatment with a splint, aimed at relieving symptoms and stabilizing the joint, usually lasts for 3 to 6 months. During this time, you will wear the splint according to an individual schedule (often at night and for a few hours during the day) and come for regular adjustments.

What happens after splint therapy is completed?

The splint is a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the first stage. It relieves symptoms and shows us the position your jaw should be in. Once we achieve this, the second stage begins—orthodontic treatment (with braces or aligners), the goal of which is to rebuild the bite to hold the jaw in this healthy position without the help of the splint.