Short answer: Splint therapy is a reversible approach carried out with a custom-made, hard appliance worn over the teeth to balance the load on the jaw joint and chewing muscles. It may be recommended after an examination for jaw joint complaints and for teeth clenching and grinding. In most cases it is used for a few months, usually at night; the type, duration and when to stop are determined by the dentist based on progress at follow-up visits.
Splint therapy is a protective and supportive approach carried out with a custom-made intraoral appliance worn over the teeth to balance the load on the jaw joint and chewing muscles. It is one of the methods frequently used for conditions such as jaw joint disorders (temporomandibular joint disorders) and teeth clenching and grinding. In this article, we explain in general terms what a splint is, how it differs from a night guard, which complaints it is considered for and how long it is used. An individual decision, however, is always made based on the examination findings.
What is splint therapy?
Splint therapy is a method that aims to reduce strain on the jaw joint and muscles by using a hard or semi-hard appliance that sits over the teeth for a certain period, mostly at night. The simplest answer to what is a splint is "an intermediate surface placed between the lower and upper teeth that organizes the bite in a controlled way."
A splint does not move the teeth permanently, nor is it designed to change the bite; its purpose is to provide temporary balancing and protection. It is usually made in a laboratory from hard acrylic or a similar material, based on an impression of the person's mouth. At delivery, the dentist checks how the teeth contact the splint surface and adjusts it if necessary.
You can also find basic information about the jaw joint in our article on joint splints and their uses in jaw joint treatment.
Is a splint the same as a night guard?
A splint and a night guard are closely related concepts and are often used interchangeably in everyday language; however, they differ in purpose and design. The common use of the phrase "splint night guard" also stems from this overlap.
- A night guard mostly focuses on protecting the teeth from wear caused by clenching and grinding. It can be made of hard or soft material.
- A splint, on the other hand, is described as a more controlled appliance, particularly for jaw joint and muscle complaints, whose bite contacts are adjusted by the dentist. It is usually made of hard material and monitored with regular check-ups.
In other words, every splint can be used as a kind of night guard, but not every night guard is a splint intended for jaw joint treatment. We covered the differences between the types in detail in our comparison of hard guards, soft guards and splints. If you are curious where the ready-made guards sold in pharmacies fit into this picture, take a look at our article on over-the-counter night guards.
Which complaints is a splint recommended for?
A splint is usually recommended for complaints thought to be related to the jaw joint and chewing muscles, when the dentist considers it appropriate after an examination. It is not a diagnostic tool in itself; the source of the complaint must be assessed first. Examples of situations where a splint may be considered:
- Fatigue or tension in the jaw in the morning, or pain in the area in front of the ear,
- Clicking, catching or noise in the joint when opening and closing the mouth,
- A feeling of limited mouth opening,
- Marked wear or sensitivity of the teeth, or fractured restorations, due to clenching or grinding,
- Tension-type headaches in the temple area thought to be related to the jaw muscles.
Each of these complaints may have different causes. Because conditions related to the ear, sinuses, neck or other systems can produce similar symptoms, the dentist may refer you to the relevant specialties if considered necessary. That is why the decision on a splint is made after an examination of the joint and muscles and, if necessary, imaging.
The difference between a stabilization splint and an anterior repositioning splint
The two splint types most commonly used in jaw joint treatment are the stabilization splint and the anterior repositioning splint; they differ in purpose and how they are used.
Stabilization splint
A stabilization splint is an appliance with a flat surface on which the teeth of the opposing jaw make equal, balanced contact. It does not force the jaw into a particular position; it is intended to help the muscles relax and to distribute the load on the joint. In the literature, it is described as the splint type most frequently used for jaw joint and muscle-related complaints. It is mostly made for the upper jaw and, in some cases, for the lower jaw.
Anterior repositioning splint
An anterior repositioning splint is designed to temporarily guide the lower jaw somewhat forward. It may be preferred for a limited period in certain specific situations related to the position of the disc inside the joint. Because there is a possibility of bite changes when it is used for a long time without follow-up, the duration of use and follow-up are planned closely by the dentist.
Which type of jaw joint splint is used is determined by the nature of the complaint, the characteristics of the joint sounds, mouth opening and the examination findings.
How many months is a splint worn, and when is it stopped?
The answer to how many months a splint is worn varies from person to person; in most cases, a splint is used for a few months, usually at night, and the duration is determined by the dentist based on progress at follow-up visits. The general framework can be summarized as follows:
- First weeks: The splint's fit and contacts are checked and adjusted if necessary. Check-ups may be scheduled at short intervals during this period.
- Follow-up period: Changes in complaints are monitored. With muscle- and joint-related complaints, relief can be observed in most patients between the first few weeks and a few months, but this period is not the same for everyone.
- Tapering and stopping: Once the complaints are under control, the dentist may recommend gradually reducing how often it is worn.
- Long-term use: For people whose clenching habit continues, using a splint or night guard for a longer period may be considered to protect the teeth from wear.
Wearing the splint all day on your own initiative, extending the duration or stopping suddenly is not recommended. It is especially important to pay attention to the duration of use with anterior repositioning splints. If you feel a change in your bite, tooth sensitivity or an increase in complaints during use, it is advisable to see your dentist without waiting for your check-up appointment. For more information on possible side effects, you can read the article on night guard side effects.
Methods that accompany splint therapy
Splint therapy is often planned not on its own but together with other approaches aimed at the cause of the complaint. For jaw joint disorders, protective and reversible methods are usually preferred first. These may include:
- Habit awareness: Noticing and reducing habits such as clenching the teeth during the day, chewing gum, or biting nails or pens.
- Soft diet and rest: Staying away from hard foods and foods that require a lot of chewing for a while during symptomatic periods, and avoiding opening the mouth too wide.
- Exercise and physical therapy: Jaw exercises and treatments recommended by the dentist or a physiotherapist.
- Stress and sleep patterns: Lifestyle measures, since clenching is known to be possibly related to stress and sleep quality.
- Dental treatments: Assessing fillings, crowns or orthodontic needs that affect the bite when necessary.
The role of botulinum toxin injections for clenching and how they compare with a guard are frequently asked about; we covered this topic in our article Botox or a guard for teeth clenching. You can find the full range of approaches for relieving the jaw joint in the article on TMJ treatment and ways to relieve the jaw joint. Daily cleaning and storage of a splint are similar to those of a night guard; for practical tips, see our use and cleaning guide.
Because the fee for a splint varies with its type and the treatment plan, it is provided in writing after the examination and planning.
Jaw joint assessment in Ankara
If complaints such as jaw pain, joint noise, limited mouth opening or marked jaw fatigue in the morning have lasted several weeks or are gradually increasing, it is wise to see a dentist. At our polyclinic in Park Oran Ofis next to Panora Mall in Oran, Çankaya, the jaw joint and chewing muscles are examined; whether a splint is needed and, if so, its type and the follow-up plan are determined based on the findings. For appointment information, you can visit our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What is splint therapy for?
A splint is used to help balance the load on the jaw joint and chewing muscles and to reduce wear caused by teeth clenching. How much benefit it provides for which complaint varies from person to person and is assessed based on the examination findings.
Is a splint worn all day or at night?
In most cases, a splint is worn at night. In some specific situations, the dentist may recommend daytime use for certain hours as well. It is recommended that you do not change the duration of use on your own.
How many months is a splint worn?
In most cases, a splint is used for a few months, and the duration is determined by the dentist based on progress at follow-up visits. For people whose clenching habit continues, longer-term use for protection may be considered.
What is the difference between a splint and a night guard?
A night guard focuses more on protecting the teeth from wear caused by clenching and grinding. A splint, by contrast, is a hard appliance, used particularly for jaw joint and muscle complaints, whose bite contacts are adjusted by the dentist and which is monitored with regular check-ups.
What should I do if my jaw pain increases while using a splint?
If your complaints increase, you feel a change in your bite or your teeth become sensitive, it is advisable to see your dentist without waiting for your check-up appointment. The splint may need adjusting or the plan may need to be reviewed.
