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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
07:32
Measuring Maxillary Posterior Tooth Movement: A Model Assessment using Palatal and Dental Superimposition
Published on: February 23, 2024
[Occlusal splint: state of the art]
J-P Ré1, C Chossegros, A El Zoghby
1Unité d'occlusodontologie, faculté de chirurgie dentaire de Marseille, France. jeanphilippe.re@free.fr
Summary
Occlusal splints are intra-oral devices used for temporomandibular disorders and teeth protection. This review updates knowledge on their types and indications, favoring total smooth splints for musculo-articular issues.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthodontics
Context:
- Occlusal splints are intra-oral devices designed to modify the relationship between the maxillary and mandibular dental arches.
- Existing literature necessitates an update on the classification and application of various occlusal splint designs.
Purpose:
- To provide an updated overview of occlusal splint types and their primary clinical indications.
- To clarify the specific uses of different occlusal splint designs in managing temporomandibular disorders and protecting dentition.
Summary:
- Occlusal splints, typically constructed from hard resin and worn on the mandibular arch, are primarily indicated for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and dental protection.
- Total occlusal splints are generally preferred over partial designs, except in specific urgent situations.
- Smooth occlusal splints are indicated for musculo-articular disorders, while indented splints are reserved for mandibular repositioning in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Impact:
- This updated information aids clinicians in selecting the most appropriate occlusal splint for specific patient needs, potentially improving treatment outcomes for TMD.
- Enhanced understanding of splint design facilitates better management of occlusal discrepancies and protection of dental structures.
- Provides a foundation for future research into optimizing occlusal splint therapy.