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Updated: May 5, 2026
In situ Compressive Loading and Correlative Noninvasive Imaging of the Bone-periodontal Ligament-tooth Fibrous Joint
Published on: March 7, 2014
The mandibular response to occlusal relief using a flat guidance splint.
G Reichardt1, Y Miyakawa, T Otsuka
1Private Dental Office "Ihre Zahnärzte", Landhausstrasse 74, 70190 Stuttgart, Germany ; Department of Craniofacial Growth and Developmental Dentistry, Kanagawa Dental University, 82 Inaoka-cho, 238-8580 Yokosuka, Kanagawa Japan.
A flat anterior and lateral guidance splint (FGS) may help manage sleep bruxism by altering mandibular position and reducing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) loading. This suggests anterior guidance control is key for occlusal reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Biomechanics
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- The precise mechanism of occlusal splints for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is not fully understood.
- Occlusal splints are used to treat TMD, but their mode of action requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mandibular response during sleep bruxism (SB) when occlusal influences are modified by a flat anterior and lateral guidance splint (FGS).
- To assess changes in mandibular movement and condylar position with FGS use.
Main Methods:
- 153 subjects with current SB activity on natural dentition were evaluated using a Brux Checker® (BC).
- SB activity was compared before and after the insertion of an FGS.
- Mandibular movement patterns and condylar position changes were measured.
Main Results:
- Mandibular position shifted individually, tending towards forward and downward movement.
- FGS insertion altered the condyle-fossa relationship, suggesting a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) unloading effect.
- Increased maxillary incisor angulation correlated with altered muscular activity during sleep.
Conclusions:
- The masticatory organ may self-regulate oral behavior, potentially becoming more physiological with an FGS.
- Sleep bruxism (SB) might be a physiological function of the masticatory organ.
- Controlling anterior guidance is crucial for functional occlusion reconstruction.
