[Bite plates and occlusal splints]

Occlusal adjustments are often necessary in cases of masticatory muscle spasm, bruxism, traumatic occlusion and TMJ disturbancies. Before such occlusal adjustments are performed, the patient should either wear a bite plate or an occlusal splint which frees the occlusion for a certain time. The splint is fabricated on a semiadjustable articulator such as the Hanau H2-XPR which is also used for the functional analysis on the models prior to any adjustments. Advantages and disadvantages of different types of plates and occlusal splints are discussed. The authors conclude that an occlusal splint covering the entire dental arch, such freeing the occlusion, seems to be the most appropriate appliance available today.