Key words:
Occlusal splints, bite guard, splint therapy
An occlusal splint is defined as any removable artificial surface used for diagnosis or therapy affecting the relationship of the mandible to the maxilla. It can bea diagnostic, relaxing, repositioning and reversible device. It is commonly used for nocturnal bruxism. It is a specially designed mouthguard for patients having a history of pain and dysfunctions associated with their bite or TMJ, or have completed a full mouth reconstruction. It is a much safer and effective mode of a conservative line of therapy before the surgical therapy for TMJ disorders. It provides a relatively easy, inexpensive and non-harmful way to make reversible changes in the occlusion. The other goals of treatment are to improve jaw-muscle function and muscle dysfunction and to relieve associated pain by creating a stable balanced occlusion. Many designs are described in literature. This paper is a review of the different types of splints that are used to treat different conditions.
