Overview
The flat-plane stabilization appliance splint or muscle relaxation appliance is generally fabricated for the maxillary arch. Ideally, when a stabilization type of appliance is placed intraorally, it results in minimal change to the maxillomandibular relationship—other than the thickness of the material used. Occlusal splints are also known as nightguards, bruxism appliances, or orthotics. Various kinds of splints are available and can be classified into 2 groups—anterior repositioning splints and autorepositional splints. Physiologic basis of the pain relief provided by splints is not well understood. Factors such as alteration of occlusal relationships, redistribution of occlusal forces of bite, and alteration of structural relationship and forces in the TMJ seem to play some role. Autorepositional splints, also known as muscle splints, are used most frequently. Some sort of pain relief is seen in as many as 70-90% of patients using splints. In acute cases the splint may be worn 24 hours a day for several months and as the condition permits, worn at night only.
Indications
This is the most commonly first-line therapy used in patients when first presenting with TMDs.
Precautions
When properly fabricated and used correctly, it has the least potential for adverse effects to the surrounding structures and tissues associated with the TMJ.
The flat-plane stabilization appliance splint or muscle relaxation appliance is generally fabricated for the maxillary arch. Ideally, when a stabilization type of appliance is placed intraorally, it results in minimal change to the maxillomandibular relationship—other than the thickness of the material used. Occlusal splints are also known as nightguards, bruxism appliances, or orthotics. Various kinds of splints are available and can be classified into 2 groups—anterior repositioning splints and autorepositional splints. Physiologic basis of the pain relief provided by splints is not well understood. Factors such as alteration of occlusal relationships, redistribution of occlusal forces of bite, and alteration of structural relationship and forces in the TMJ seem to play some role. Autorepositional splints, also known as muscle splints, are used most frequently. Some sort of pain relief is seen in as many as 70-90% of patients using splints. In acute cases the splint may be worn 24 hours a day for several months and as the condition permits, worn at night only.