Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
08:47
Mimicking and Measuring Occlusal Erosive Tooth Wear with the "Rub&Roll" and Non-contact Profilometry
Published on: February 2, 2018
Occlusal splints for treating sleep bruxism (tooth grinding).
C R Macedo1, A B Silva, M A Machado
1Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Department of Medicine, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 598, São Paulo, Brazil, 04039-001. crisrufa@uol.com.br
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|October 19, 2007
Summary
Evidence is insufficient to confirm occlusal splints effectively treat sleep bruxism. While potentially beneficial for reducing tooth wear, their impact on sleep outcomes remains questionable, necessitating further research.
Area of Science:
- Oral Medicine
- Sleep Medicine
- Evidence-Based Dentistry
Background:
- Sleep bruxism involves involuntary teeth grinding or clenching during sleep.
- Current treatments include pharmacological, psychological, and dental interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of occlusal splints compared to alternative treatments, placebo, or no treatment for sleep bruxism.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Searched multiple databases including Cochrane, MEDLINE, and EMBASE up to May 2007.
- Included RCTs comparing occlusal splints with other interventions or no treatment.
Main Results:
- Five RCTs were included in the analysis.
- Occlusal splints were compared against palatal splints, mandibular advancement devices, TENS, and no treatment.
- Meta-analyses showed no statistically significant differences in the arousal index between occlusal splints and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient evidence supports the effectiveness of occlusal splints for sleep bruxism treatment.
- Potential benefits for tooth wear exist, but sleep outcome efficacy is uncertain.
- Further high-quality, parallel-design RCTs with standardized outcomes and longer follow-up are recommended.
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