What is a Michigan splint?
A Michigan splint is a type of mouthguard that covers your upper or lower teeth to protect them from fracture and adverse effects of bruxism. This oral appliance is made of thick material and is commonly used to defend your teeth from damage caused by bad habits such as tooth grinding.
How does a Michigan splint work?
How does a Michigan splint work? The splint covers the biting surface of the teeth. While doing this, its design ensures that there is an even contact when the teeth come together. This stops pressure build-up and can help stop jaw pain, headaches and other symptoms associated with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD).
Do I need an occlusal splint?
Your oral health professional may recommend a splint if you clench or grind your teeth while you sleep. You may not notice that you have this habit, but your mouth may show signs that you do, or you may start to have symptoms. A splint can also be recommended for people who have a history of jaw pain or dysfunction.
What is a maxillary occlusal splint?
An occlusal splint, also referred to as a bite splint, is a custom-fabricated hard acrylic device that fits over the occlusal and incisal surfaces of the maxillary or mandibular teeth (Figure 10-10).
How long does it take for a Michigan splint to work?
Bite Splint Transitions to Full-Time Relief Studies that last six weeks tend to show marked improvement, but not full relief of symptoms. By three months, all jaw problems, facial pain, and other symptoms in the head and face area tend to resolve. By six months, even far-reaching symptoms are resolved.
How long do occlusal splints last?
WHAT IS OCCLUSAL SPLINT THERAPY? Figure 1. A stabilization appliance allows freedom of movement for the teeth and the condyle, but is guided by the anterior teeth.
How thick should an occlusal splint be?
The occlusal thickness of the splint has been addressed in the literature. Manns et al14 showed that splints that increased vertical dimension 4.4 mm and 8.2 mm were more effective in producing muscular relaxation in patients with bruxism and myofascial pain dysfunction patients than 1-mm splints.