Occlusal Splints: Types, Benefits, and Who Needs Them

Occlusal splints, also known as bite guards, night guards, or dental orthotics, are removable dental devices that cover the occlusal (biting) surfaces of teeth. They are used to manage conditions such as bruxism (teeth grinding), temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), and excessive dental wear.

📌 Recommended Article :

Video 🔽 How to Reduce a TMJ Dislocation? ... Dislocation of the temporomandibular joint is a painful condition that occurs when the mandibular condyle becomes fixed in the anterosuperior aspect of the articular eminence

A. Purpose of Occlusal Splints
Occlusal splints serve several key functions:
° Protecting Teeth from Wear: They act as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing enamel erosion and fractures caused by grinding.
° Reducing Jaw and Muscle Pain: By repositioning the jaw and alleviating pressure on the TMJ, they help relieve pain and muscle tension.
° Preventing Further Dental Damage: Patients with bruxism or TMD can experience cracked or worn-down teeth; splints help mitigate this risk.

Advertisement

B. Types of Occlusal Splints
There are different types of occlusal splints, depending on the patient’s needs:
° Stabilization Splints – Also called flat-plane splints, these are used to prevent bruxism and relieve muscle tension.
° Repositioning Splints – These are designed to reposition the lower jaw to relieve TMJ discomfort.
° Soft Splints – Made of a softer material, these are typically used for mild bruxism cases.
° Dual-Laminate Splints – A combination of hard and soft materials, offering comfort and durability.

📌 Recommended Article :

Video 🔽 What are the consequences of bruxism? ... In many cases, the patient does not know that he suffers from bruxism, and is detected when he attends the dentist motivated by another consultation

C. Materials Used in Occlusal Splints
Occlusal splints are typically made from the following materials:
° Hard Acrylic Resin (PMMA - Polymethyl Methacrylate): The most common material, it is highly durable and provides excellent stability.
° Thermoplastic Materials: Softer and flexible, these materials offer more comfort but are less durable.
° EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate): Used in softer night guards, providing a balance between comfort and protection.
Dual-Layered Materials: Some splints combine a hard outer shell with a soft inner lining for both protection and comfort.

📌 Recommended Article :

Video 🔽 Massage Tutorial: Myofascial release for TMJ/jaw pain ... On this occasion we share with you a video tutorial on massages to relax the muscles involved in this painful TMJ syndrome

D. Who Needs an Occlusal Splint?
Patients who may benefit from occlusal splints include:
° Bruxism Sufferers – Those who grind or clench their teeth, especially at night.
° Patients with TMD – Individuals experiencing jaw pain, clicking sounds, or limited movement of the jaw.
° People with Dental Restorations – Those with veneers, crowns, or implants that need extra protection from excessive force.

📌 Recommended Article :

Article 🔽 Bruxism: A medical or dental issue? ...The parafunctional activities of bruxism cause hypersensitivity in teeth, headaches, painful muscles of the jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Conclusion
Occlusal splints are essential devices for protecting teeth, managing jaw disorders, and preventing long-term dental complications. Their effectiveness depends on proper diagnosis and professional customization by a dentist.

References
1. Crout, D. K. (2017). Anatomy of an occlusal splint. General Dentistry, 65(2), 52-56. AGD
2. Okeson, J. P. (2014). Management of Temporomandibular Disorders and Occlusion (7th ed.). Elsevier.
3. Jagger, R. (2003). The effectiveness of occlusal splints for sleep bruxism. Evidence-Based Dentistry, 4(2), 39-40.
4. Wright, E. F. (2014). Occlusal Appliance Therapy. In Manual of Temporomandibular Disorders (pp. 149–222). Wiley-Blackwell.
5. Clark, G. T., & Minakuchi, H. (2006). Oral Appliances. In Laskin, D. M., Greene, C. S., & Hylander, W. L. (Eds.), Temporomandibular Disorders: An Evidence-based Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment (pp. 377–390). Quintessence Publishing.

You may also like :
► Can children suffer from bruxism?
► VIDEO: Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders
► Bruxism: Why do you need a dental splint?

Oral cysts in newborns: Characteristics, diagnosis and treatment

Oral mucosal cysts in newborns are classified according to their origin and location. In the case of neonates, oral alterations are difficult to detect by the clinician.

📌 Recommended Article :

Video 🔽 Formation and development of the face and oral cavity (Orofacial Complex) ... The formation of the face starts from the five prominences (one frontonasal, two maxillary and two mandibular). The prominences develop giving rise to different regions of the face

Diagnosis and treatment is necessary to prevent alterations from intervening in normal functions such as complex sucking, swallowing and phonation.

Advertisement

We share a list of cases of oral cysts in newborns, detailing the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment.

📌 Recommended Article :

PDF 🔽 Guide for the surgical management and oral pathology of the pediatric patient ... Some of the pathologies that we can frequently find in children that need surgical procedures are: supernumerary and impacted teeth, congenital cysts, mucoceles

📌 Read and download the article in PDF 1 :

👉 "Gingival Cyst of Newborn" 👈
Gingival Cyst of Newborn. Aman Moda. 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1087.

📌 Read and download the article in PDF 2 :

👉 "Exuberant Upper Gum Lesions in a Neonate" 👈
Exuberant Upper Gum Lesions in a Neonate. J Pediatr 2013;163:1521.. Vol. 163, No. 5

📌 Read and download the article in PDF 3 :

👉 "Dental lamina cyst in the newborn" 👈
Dental lamina cyst in the newborn. Deepak Sharma, Jaivinder Yadav, Eva Garg, Hanish Bajaj. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2015: 44(4): 236-237

📌 Read and download the article in PDF 4 :

👉 "Unusual symptomatic inclusion cysts in a newborn: a case report" 👈
Marini et al.: Unusual symptomatic inclusion cysts in a newborn: a case report. Journal of Medical Case Reports 2014 8:314.

📌 More Recommended Items

► How to treat anaphylaxis in children? - Clinical manifestations and treatment
► Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis in a pediatric patient - Characteristics and treatment
► Ameloblastoma in a pediatric patient - Characteristics, treatment and clinical case

Malformations and anomalies of the branchial arches - Diagnosis and management

The branchial or pharyngeal arches are slits that are located on both sides of the embryo, and from them originate the muscles, bones, cartilage and nerves of the face, head and neck.

📌 Recommended Article :

Video 🔽 Formation and development of the face and oral cavity (Orofacial Complex) ... The formation of the face starts from the five prominences (one frontonasal, two maxillary and two mandibular). The prominences develop giving rise to different regions of the face

During the process of growth and development of tissues, alterations may occur that lead to sinuses, fistulas or cysts. The location of the alteration determines which branchial arch it belongs to.

Advertisement

Learn what the alterations and malformations of the branchial arches are, detailing the clinical management and treatment.

📌 Recommended Article :

PDF 🔽 Guide for the surgical management and oral pathology of the pediatric patient ... Some of the pathologies that we can frequently find in children that need surgical procedures are: supernumerary and impacted teeth, congenital cysts, mucoceles

📌 Read and download the article in PDF 1 :

👉 "First and second branchial arch syndromes: multimodality approach" 👈
Senggen E, Laswed T, Meuwly JY, Maestre LA, Jaques B, Meuli R, Gudinchet F. First and second branchial arch syndromes: multimodality approach. Pediatr Radiol. 2011 May;41(5):549-61. doi: 10.1007/s00247-010-1831-3. Epub 2010 Oct 6. PMID: 20924574.

📌 Read and download the article in PDF 2 :

👉 "Management of congenital third branchial arch anomalies: A systematic review" 👈
Nicoucar K, Giger R, Jaecklin T, Pope HG Jr, Dulguerov P. Management of congenital third branchial arch anomalies: a systematic review. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Jan;142(1):21-28.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.otohns.2009.09.001. Epub 2009 Nov 25. PMID: 20096218.

📌 Read and download the article in PDF 3 :

👉 "Management of congenital fourth branchial arch anomalies: a review and analysis of published cases" 👈
Nicoucar K, Giger R, Pope HG Jr, Jaecklin T, Dulguerov P. Management of congenital fourth branchial arch anomalies: a review and analysis of published cases. J Pediatr Surg. 2009 Jul;44(7):1432-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2008.12.001. PMID: 19573674.

📌 More Recommended Items

► How to treat anaphylaxis in children? - Clinical manifestations and treatment
► Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis in a pediatric patient - Characteristics and treatment
► Ameloblastoma in a pediatric patient - Characteristics, treatment and clinical case

What is odontogenic infection? - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Odontogenic infections are those that begin in the oral cavity, generally from dental caries, but also from periodontal pathology.

📌 Recommended Article :

PDF 🔽 Odontogenic infection in facial spaces - Pharmacological and surgical management in pediatric patients ... Infections that affect the head and neck are generally of odontogenic origin, and have a rapid evolution that put the patient's life at risk. Treatment must be immediate and in many cases multidisciplinary

Odontogenic infections can spread through the bone and affect structures far from the oral cavity such as the neck region. These infections can occur in both children and adults, and the dentist must be familiar with the management and treatment to avoid serious consequences.

Advertisement

Learn about the complications, diagnosis and symptoms of odontogenic infections and the most effective treatment.

📌 Recommended Article :

PDF 🔽 Ludwig's angina in a pediatric patient - Case report (diagnosis, symptoms and treatment) ... Ludwig's angina is a severe and life-threatening infectious process with rapid progression. It is common in adults but can occur in children with suppressed immunity

📌 Read and download the article in PDF :

👉 "Odontogenic Infection. Review of the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Complications and Treatment" 👈
Ortiz R, Espinoza V (2021) Odontogenic Infection. Review of the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Complications and Treatment. Res Rep Oral Maxillofac Surg 5:055. doi.org/10.23937/2643- 3907/1710055

📌 Watch video: "Management of Odontogenic Infections: 6 Effective Treatments"

Youtube/ World Of Dentistry

📌 More Recommended Items

► Antibiotics in dental infections in children. Which one to use?
► How to treat anaphylaxis in children? - Clinical manifestations and treatment
► Guideline on Pediatric Oral Surgery

Mucocele in Pediatric Dentistry: Clinical and pathological characteristics

Mucocele is a benign lesion that occurs in the oral mucosa and is the product of an alteration in the minor salivary glands. It is recognized as a swelling with mucous content, well circumscribed, and bluish in color.

📌 Recommended Article :

PDF 🔽 Marsupialization of a large mandibular cyst in a pediatric patient - Clinical Case ... Various techniques are used to surgically remove the mandibular cyst, enucleation when the cyst is small, or marsupialization when it is large

The presence of a mucocele may be due to trauma or ductal obstruction. The treatment is surgical and anesthesia is local, but depending on the behavior of the pediatric patient it can be performed with general anesthesia.

Advertisement

Let's know the clinical and pathological characteristics of salivary mucocele in children and adolescents.

📌 Recommended Article :

PDF 🔽 Surgical excision of mucocele with local anesthesia in an 8-month-old baby ... We share the case of the surgical removal of a mucocele in an 08-month-old baby under local anesthesia

📌 Read and download the article in PDF 1:

👉 "Salivary Mucoceles in Children and Adolescents: A Clinicopathological Study" 👈
Poulopoulos A, Andreadis D, Parcharidis E, Grivea I, Syrogiannopoulos G, et al. (2017) Salivary Mucoceles in Children and Adolescents: A Clinicopathological Study. Glob J Medical Clin Case Rep 4(1): 011-014. DOI: 10.17352/2455-5282.000035

📌 Read and download the article in PDF 2:

👉 "MUCOCELES OF MINOR SALIVARY GLANDS IN CHILDREN. OWN CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS" 👈
Lewandowski B, Brodowski R, Pakla P, Makara A, Stopyra W, Startek B. Mucoceles of minor salivary glands in children. Own clinical observations. Dev Period Med. 2016;20(3):235-242. PMID: 27941195.

📌 More Recommended Items

► Natal teeth and Riga Fede ulcer: Diagnosis and treatment
► Management of antibiotics in odontogenic infections in pediatric dentistry
► Guideline on Pediatric Oral Surgery

What is Ludwig's Angina? What are the symptoms and treatment?

Dental caries is a disease that affects children and adults, and its presence affects the dental structure. When this progress is not stopped, it can put the general health and life of the patient at risk.

📌 Recommended Article :

PDF 🔽 Management of acute orofacial infection of odontogenic origin in children - PDF Guide ... This infection can invade different neighboring anatomical spaces, compromising the general health of the pediatric patient

Ludwig's angina is a serious infectious process and its treatment is based on clinical, pharmacological and surgical management.

Advertisement

Learn what Ludwig's angina is, its etiology, the symptoms that we should take into account, and the effective treatment (pharmacological and surgical).

📌 Recommended Article :

Article PDF 🔽 Odontogenic facial cellulitis in a pediatric patient - Diagnosis, treatment and multidisciplinary management ... Facial cellulitis is an infectious process, usually odontogenic, that puts the life of the pediatric patient at serious risk if it does not have the appropriate treatment

📌 Read and download the article in PDF:

👉 "A Severe Case of Ludwig’s Angina with a Complicated Clinical Course" 👈

Kovalev V (April 16, 2020) A Severe Case of Ludwig’s Angina with a Complicated Clinical Course. Cureus 12(4): e7695. DOI 10.7759/cureus.7695

📌 Watch video: "Ludwig Angina: An Airway Emergency"

Youtube / Larry B. Mellick, MD

📌 More Recommended Items

► Odontogenic Infection in Pediatric Dentistry: Facial Cellulitis, Ludwig's Angina - Diagnosis, clinical and pharmacological management
► Antimicrobial therapies for odontogenic infections in children and adolescents
► Facial swelling in a pediatric patient - Causes, clinical and radiological manifestations

Oral lesions in neonates, children and adolescents. Characteristics, diagnosis and treatment

Oral lesions in newborns can affect hard and soft tissues, and can be part of a systemic condition, which is why it is of great interest to the neonatologist, pediatrician, and pediatric dentist.

📌 Recommended Article :

Video 🔽 Frequent oral pathologies in the newborn - Diagnosis and treatment (cysts, infections, tumors) ... Some of the pathologies can cause limitations in feeding and in the development of the baby, so it is necessary to explain and guide the parents about the alterations found, the repercussions and the appropriate treatment

Clinical knowledge of injuries helps us make a timely diagnosis and effective treatment, in addition to correct advice to parents.

Advertisement

Learn about the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and management of oral lesions that occur most frequently in neonates, children and adolescents. Information in PDF and video

📌 Recommended Article :

Article PDF 🔽 Odontogenic facial cellulitis in a pediatric patient - Diagnosis, treatment and multidisciplinary management ... Facial cellulitis is an infectious process, usually odontogenic, that puts the life of the pediatric patient at serious risk if it does not have the appropriate treatment

📌 Read and download the article in PDF:

👉 "Oral Pathology in Paediatric Patients" 👈

: Shah S (2018) Oral Pathology in Paediatric Patients. J Neonatol Clin Pediatr 5: 022

📌 Watch video: "CHALLENGING CASE SCENARIOS IN PEDIATRIC ORAL PATHOLOGY"

Youtube / Oral Pathology 360

📌 More Recommended Items

► Ludwig's angina in children - Case report, clinical and pharmacological management
► Epstein's pearls and Bohn's nodules: definition, characteristics and case report
► Riga-Fede Disease (Dentitia Praecox): Report of Two Cases with Literature Review